How to Treat a Chemical Spill

Chemical spills can be extremely dangerous if not dealt with appropriately. Even a minor spill should be addressed immediately and with the utmost caution. A chemical spill that is not cleaned up properly can cause extensive personal injury and large-scale environmental damage. The best way to deal with an incident involving chemicals is to be prepared.

Things You'll Need

• Spill kit
• Safety goggles
• Face mask
• Gloves
• Apron
• Respirator

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the danger. If it is a major chemical spill that poses an immediate threat to people, evacuate the area and alert emergency personnel. If the spill is minor and does not pose an immediate threat, alert all individuals in the area and isolate the spill as much as possible to prevent its spread. Remove anything that might cause a fire from the spill area.

• 2

  Attend to anyone who may need medical attention as a result of the spill. Remove any clothing that may have been directly exposed to the chemicals and douse any chemical burns with water for at least 15 minutes.

• 3

  Contact emergency personnel and wait for them to arrive if the spill is major and cannot be dealt with without outside help. Do not allow anyone into the area until the spill has been contained and dealt with. If it is a minor spill, locate a spill kit and insure that all personnel are equipped with the appropriate gear.

• 4

  Confine the spill to as small an area as possible. Neutralize any acid or base chemicals. Apply an absorbent material to the spill starting from the outside and working toward the center. Make sure that any acid or base chemicals are fully neutralized.

• 5

  Sweep solid material into appropriate containers and clearly mark them as hazardous. Call for a waste pick-up to dispose of the material, including any contaminated gear.

• 6

  Thoroughly mop the spill area with soap and detergent.