Labratry Spills Cntainment and Respnse Plicy. Safety Management Systems. General Intrductin Generatin and implementatin f effective emergency respnse and spill cntrl prcedures are fundamental aspects f the Clleges safety management system. The belw plicy directs all t the crrect cntrl and dispsal f any spills that may ccur. While we are unlikely t have the size f spill that will cause majr issues sme f the recmmendatins will be pertinent t the smaller levels, types f spillage we are likely t have t deal with. Any larger spill issue are addressed within the cllege critical incident plan, summary belw:. Critical Incident Plan. The main pints fr inclusin are: Cntaining and cntrlling incidents s as t minimise the effects and t limit danger t persns, the envirnment and prperty. Implementing the measures necessary t prtect persns and the envirnment. Descriptin f the actins which shuld be taken t cntrl the cnditins at events and t limit their cnsequences, including a descriptin f the safety equipment and resurces available. Arrangements fr training staff in the duties they will be expected t perfrm. Arrangements fr infrming lcal authrities, regulatry bdies (e.eg. Suth West water) and the emergency services if required. Arrangements fr prviding assistance with ff-site mitigatry actin if required. Dispsal f clean up materials. The plans aims are designed t be simple and straightfrward, flexible and achieve necessary cmpliance with legislative requirements. Emergency perating prcedures / training. The emergency prcedures shuld include instructins fr dealing with fires, leaks and spills. The prcedure shuld describe hw t: Raise the alarm and call the fire brigade; Tackle a fire r cntrl spills and leaks (when it is safe t d s); Evacuate the site, and if necessary nearby premises. Updated March 2013 1
Area Evacuatin. Evacuatin f areas in the event f fire r txic gas emissin shuld be addressed in the buildings emergency evacuatin prcedure. This shuld specify designated safe areas, assembly pints and txic gas shelters. The prcedure shuld als identify respnsible persnnel whse duties during area evacuatin include: Fire Fighting. Respnsibility fr a specific area; Ensuring rll calls (if apprpriate) are undertaken t identify missing persns; Cmmunicatin f missing persns t central emergency services. A fire fighting strategy shuld cnsider: Appintment f fire marshals, with subsequent training. Lcatin plans f fire hses, extinguishers and water surces. Access fr emergency services. Remval f Substance t Safe Place. The emergency spill cntrl prcedure shuld include the fllwing key sectins: Spills invlving hazardus materials shuld first be cntained t prevent spread f the material t ther areas. This may invlve the use f temprary diking, sand bags, dry sand r prprietary bms / absrbent pads; Wherever pssible the material shuld be rendered safe by treating with apprpriate chemicals (refer t Stabilisatin / dilutin t safe cnditin); Hazardus materials in a fine dusty frm shuld nt be cleared up by dry brushing. Vacuum cleaners shuld be used in preference, and fr txic materials ne cnfrming t type H (BS 5415) shuld be used; Treated material shuld be absrbed nt inert carrier material t allw the material t be cleared up and remved t a safe place fr dispsal r further treatment as apprpriate; Waste shuld nt be allwed t accumulate. A regular and frequent waste remval prcedure shuld be adpted. All hazardus waste shuld be remved via the Universities apprved waste dispsal cntractr. Stabilisatin / Dilutin t Safe Cnditin. Once the hazardus material has been cntained t prevent spread f the material t ther areas, the material shuld be treated wherever pssible t render it safe. Acids and alkalis may be treated Updated March 2013 2
with apprpriate neutralising agents. Due t the differing prperties f the varius grups f chemical, an apprpriate treatment strategy with suitable chemicals shuld be established in each case. Fr example, highly cncentrated hydrchlric acid will fume when spilled s prir t neutralisatin the spill shuld be diluted with a water spray. These prcesses shuld be identified and stated within the COSHH requirements fr the use f these materials. Availability f Neutralising Substances. Prcess specific emergency spill kits (acid, alkali, slvent, txic etc) and apprpriate persnal prtective equipment shuld be readily available with supprting prcedures. These spill kits shuld be maintained n a regular basis t ensure that they are always available and fit fr purpse. This ensures that the mst apprpriate measure is at hand t deal with a spill r fire in the mst effective way. Issues that shuld als be addressed include: Cntainment; Maintenance and cnditin f fire hses, extinguishers....... GENERAL SPILLAGE. The abve guidelines shuld be used alngside the university Emergency preparedness & incident respnses plicy which can be fund at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityfexeter/campusservices/sustainability/emsdcuments/g EP014_VB_Emergency_Preparedness_and_Incident_Respnse.pdf Small Spills (less than 500ml). Glves and eye prtectin shuld be wrn Cntaminatin shuld be wiped up with paper twels saked in freshly prepared hypchlrite slutin (Miltn r chlrine releasing tablets) cntaining 10,000 ppm (1%) available chlrine. If brken glass is present, first treat the spillage with hypchlrite, then carefully remve the pieces f glass with dispsable frceps r scp t a sharps bin, befre wiping up as abve. Twels and glves shuld be dispsed f in a yellw clinical waste bag fr incineratin (r an autclave bag if in a labratry). Hands must be washed fllwing clearing up. Larger Spills (mre than 500ml). Staff, students and visitrs must be kept away frm the spillage and if pssible a warning sign shwn, while preparatin is made t handle the spill as utlined belw. Glves, eye prtectin and a Updated March 2013 3
dispsable aprn shuld be wrn. If the spillage is extensive, dispsable plastic vershes r rubber bts may be necessary. Liquid spills shuld be cvered with *dichlriscyanurate (chlrine releasing) granules r alternative cmpund and left fr at least tw minutes befre clearing up with paper twels, absrbent mats. Alternatively, the spill may be cvered with paper twels, absrbent mats and gently flded with hypchlrite slutin cntaining 10,000 ppm (1%) available chlrine* (again this shuld be left fr at least tw minutes befre attempting t clear up). If brken glass is present, first decntaminate the spillage as abve, and then carefully remve the pieces f glass with dispsable frceps r scp t a sharps bin, befre wiping up. Paper twels, glves, dispsable vershes and any cntaminated clthing shuld be placed in a yellw clinical waste bag fr incineratin (r an autclave bag if apprpriate) and hands washed (reusable PPE may need t be decntaminated with dilute disinfectant). Finally, the area shuld be washed with water and detergent and allwed t dry. * Hypchlrite slutins (e.g.husehld bleach) may be replaced by slutins f dichlriscyanurate prepared frm tablets accrding t the manufacturer's instructins. Nte: metals can be damaged by hypchlrite, and they shuld nt be expsed t it fr lengthy perids. MICRO-ORGANISM SPILLAGE. A spillage f micr-rganisms wuld nrmally be expected t ccur within labratries equipped t handle this situatin (Cntainment Level 2 r 3 labratries), unless the rganisms are being carried between labratries. Any spillage f micr-rganisms utside f the specific Cntainment Level areas must be reprted immediately t the Bilgical Safety Officer. (01392 722726) Spillage in Labratries. Labratries which handle infectius micr-rganisms (Hazard Grup 2 r 3) r fluids which might cntain such rganisms must have a risk assessment standard perating prcedure (SOP) fr dealing with relevant spillages. Further, a spillage cntrl kit fr bilgical hazards, r the apprpriate disinfectants, must always be readily available in these labratries. Bilgical spillages in Cntainment Level 3 labratries require specialised fumigatin and disinfectin prcedures. These must be dcumented and available. Spillage f Genetically Mdified Micr-Organisms (GMO). Befre live genetically mdified rganisms are used in a labratry, the GM Cmmittee must receive ntificatin and give permissin t its use. The Cmmittee will receive a full risk assessment f its intended use which will include details f specific handling and disinfectin prcedures in the event f a spillage. Guidelines will then be made available t staff handling such rganisms. Updated March 2013 4
CHEMICAL SPILLAGE. A spillage kit suitable fr the types f chemicals being handled, as well as suitable persnal prtective equipment (PPE) must be n hand in the labratry. The Labratry Manager is respnsible fr ensuring the spill kit is maintained and that all staff members are familiar with its use and lcatin. Infrmatin n handling spillages f specific hazardus chemicals shuld be included in the individual lab COSHH risk assessments as well as laminated cpy being available within the spill kit. Immediate Actin when Spillage Occurs: The member f staff first n the scene must immediately alert Labratry Managers, ther staff and visitrs t keep a safe distance away. Make Decisin t: Firstly evacuate the area affected- cntact the Labratry Manager wh will either cntrl the spillage OR If abve is nt pssible raise the fire alarm t call fire brigade. Reprt the incident via the envirnmental incident frm at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityfexeter/campusservices/sustainability/emsd cuments/gep014_vb_emergency_preparedness_and_incident_respnse.pdf If the nature f the spillage r uncntrlled release is unknwn, r if the staff present are nt trained in the use f PPE and suitable spillage kits, the Labratry Manager and/r cllege safety ffice must be cntacted immediately. If the Fire Brigade are called the persn wh raises the alarm shuld await their arrival s they can prvide details f the spillage. Staff wrking n the flr directly belw shuld als be infrmed where pssible. If the Chemical is knwn and the staff trained and equipped- Deal with the spillage lcally nly if it is safe t d s A spillage may nly be dealt with lcally if the nature f the spillage is knwn and by staff wh are trained in the use f the required PPE and chemical spillage kits. If there is any dubt abut the hazard invlved r ability t deal with the size f the spillage, the Labratry Manager shuld be infrmed and they will if necessary raise the alarm. If the spillage has ccurred in a radiatin hazard area the Bilgical Safety Officer r Radiatin Prtectin Supervisr must be infrmed and any further risks assessed. Updated March 2013 5
If the decisin is t cntrl the spillage- carefully assess the situatin. First steps shuld be: Infrm thers that yu intend t deal with the spill. Tw trained members f staff shuld act as a respnse team. Smene shuld watch frm a safe distance. If a flammable liquid is spilt: Eliminate ignitin surces, such as naked flames. If a large spill, cntact Campus Services, arrange t islate electrical supply D nt use switches in the immediate area as spark frm the switch may ignite spill. Ventilate area and clse drs. Open windws (where pssible). D nt crss the spill r mve further int the rm t clse drs. If safe, ask thers t clse drs frm adjacent rms. Islate spill, Cnsider sealing ff the area and displaying warning signs n the drs. If there is a pssibility the chemical culd seep t the flr belw, the ccupants must be warned and evacuated. Assemble equipment, required and make preparatins t deal with the spill in an adjacent but safe rm. Persnal Prtective Equipment (PPE) t be used, listed belw: Face Masks r Respiratr (use half mask, suitable fr the fumes*) Glves, glves with wide chemical resistance such as nitrile shuld be used. Eye prtectin Lab Cats * NB all individuals using respiratrs shuld have been face fitted by the University Safety Office, if the chemical smell becmes apparent leave the rm immediately and call the fire brigade. Nte special attentin t the fllwing chemicals: Frmaldehyde, Never attempt t deal with large spillages f frmaldehyde evacuate the rm, cntact the labratry Manager and sund fire alarm. Dealing with the Spillage- Types f spillage kits. Disciplines are advised that they need t have their wn apprpriate chemical spillage kits n hand fr emergencies (these shuld include suitable PPE, r PPE needs t be prepared and readily available in the near vicinity). In an emergency if n spill kit is available lcally, the Cllege stres s Safety Office spill kit can be used as a back-up (ext 3478 r 2726). There are a number f different types f cmmercial spillage kits available, these are listed belw. Absrbable spill pillws, mats and scks, these cme in different shapes (blng r square), which can be placed in r ver the spill, r sausage shaped, t surrund the spill and cntain it. Nte: unless specifically indicated these pads are nt always suitable fr cncentrated crrsive acids such as hydrchlric and sulphuric acids. Updated March 2013 6
Acid neutralisers r absrbent granules shuld be used. A cllapsible mp is nw cmmercially available n which absrbent spillage pads are Velcr fastened fr ease f remval and replacement. These pads draw liquid int an absrbent cre where they are turned int a nn-drip gel. This system has the advantage f the user nt having t bend ver the vapurs f ptentially dangerus chemicals while applying r retrieving spill pads and are easily t dispse f (these pads are nt suitable fr crrsive acids). Cmmercial neutralisers fr cncentrated acids and alkalis are available (this creates heat, 2-3 minutes shuld be allwed between treatments). An inactivatr fr frmaldehyde and chemical absrbents fr slvents are als available. A number f different types f general spillage absrbent granules and chemical binders are als available. As with neutralisers (abve), these have the disadvantage f having t be scped r swept up after applicatin. Safe Waste Dispsal after Spillage. All chemical waste must be dispsed f in accrdance with the Cllege waste plicy. When the spillage has been cntained and it is cnsidered safe t return t the area, prceed with the clean-up prcedure belw: Wearing PPE, place the waste in a suitable cntainer with a tight fitting lid r a suitable sealable plastic bag (which can be later placed in a cntainer with a lid). Clearly label and identify the chemical waste. If the waste is vlatile r fuming, the waste cntainer must be placed pen in a fume cupbard (nt a recirculating mdel) t allw cmplete evapratin t take place befre sealing. Small spill waste can be placed within a yellw bag and sent fr incineratin, please cntact the Labratry Manager if yu are unsure. The flr and cntaminated surfaces shuld then be washed with fresh sapy water. On leaving the area all PPE must be remved carefully and either dispsed f in a yellw bag r washed. Care must be taken nt t take ff the respiratr and eye prtectin until the cntaminated glves are first remved. The Labratry Manager is respnsible fr ensuring that the crrect prcedures fr the dispsal f chemical waste are fllwed in accrdance with the Cllege waste plicy. Specialist advice can be sught frm the Safety Office. OTHER SPILLAGES. Mercury. When mercury is spilled, it evaprates and gives ff hazardus vapurs that are invisible and durless. If yu spill mercury r break a prduct that cntains mercury, it is imprtant that it be cleaned up immediately. Updated March 2013 7
Cleanup Prcedures: Get all peple nt invlved in cleanup ut f the area t minimize tracking mercury int ther areas. Delineate the area that may have mercury drplets with string, tape r ther materials. Be careful nt t step in the mercury drplets. If pssible, pen a windw r dr t ventilate with utside air. Remve all jewellery frm yur hands and wrists, since mercury bnds with mst metals. Put n dispsable glves. D nt tuch the mercury with yur bare hands. Use stiff paper t push the mercury beads yu can see tgether. Lift the mercury beads int a glass jar r rigid plastic cntainer. If there are small beads that yu cannt get up with the stiff paper, yu can pick them up with sticky tape. Wipe the entire delineated area with a damp paper twel r wet wipe. If yu have a mercury spill kit with a treated spnge, use that t wipe the area, OR If yu have a mercury spill cleanup prduct, such as zinc r sulfur pwder, fllw the specific instructins frm the manufacturer fr its use. Place all used materials used t clean up (e.g., pwder r paste, used spnge, tape, used paper twel r wet wipes and used dispsable glves) in the glass jar, plastic cntainer r sealable plastic bag. Label yur cntainer with "Hazardus Waste - Mercury Cntaminated Spill Cleanup Materials" and the date. Dispse f the cntainer with spill cleanup materials thrugh ur licensed hazardus waste management firm (Lab Waste). Radiactive spills. Unsealed surces are ften in liquid frm. Thus any spillage can be difficult t cntain. Small Spills: These will be cntained within the drip tray but equally culd cntaminate small areas f bench. On nn prus benches, prviding this spill is small, shuld be wiped with tissue and dispsed f in the radiatin waste bin. A check f cntaminatin levels must always be made after cleaning f the area. This shuld be carried ut with either a hand held mnitr r swabbing and scintillatin cunting. These recrds must be lgged and kept by the RPS fr the area. Updated March 2013 8
Large Spills: If the activity is restricted t a small area the RPS must be infrmed. An assessment must be made t determine the best way t dispse f the spill. The RPS must als infrm the University RPO (URPO) f the incident. Uncnfined spills: Immediate steps must be taken t cntain the spill using tissue r twels. The area must be evacuated and crdned ff. The URPO must be infrmed as sn as the emergency prcedures are in place. The URPO will assess the extent and amunt f activity f the spillage and determine the best methd f decntaminatin. All wrkers and ther invlved in the incident will be mnitred fr cntaminatin and treated accrdingly. After the spillage has been cleared the area shall be mnitred and decntaminatin will cntinue until the URPO is satisfied that levels are acceptable. Crygenic Gas Spillages. Liquid nitrgen is almst exclusively used fr preservatin f samples. It has a biling pint f - 196ºC, 1ml f liquid will evaprate t frm 682mls f gas. The density f gaseus nitrgen is slightly less than air, hwever cld gas will tend t be heavier. The tw hazards assciated with handling liquid nitrgen are cld burns r asphyxiatin due t displacement f air. Any spillage shuld be: Slvent Spillages. Allwed t evaprate. The area shuld be well ventilated wherever this is pssible. If the enclsure is small then the immediate area needs t be evacuated. Where liquid nitrgen is rutinely handled in a small r cnfined space then an xygen detectr alarming at r belw 16% xygen needs t be fitted. [Because f air displacement, liquid nitrgen cntainers must always be sent in lifts unaccmpanied]. Cntainment f spilt liquid nitrgen needs t be apprached with care. The liquid shuld be allwed t evaprate, recvery is nt a practical ptin. Liquid nitrgen may make materials brittle and cause flr cvering t crack. Suitable glves and gggles/visrs shuld always be wrn when handling liquid nitrgen. Crygenic burns shuld nly be treated with lukewarm water, never ht. Small Spills (generally less than 100ml): Small spills generally cnsisting f nly a few ml may be wiped up using paper twels r ther absrbent pads. This shuld be dne as quickly as pssible, while minimizing any expsure t vaprs. After absrbing any excess liquid, clean-up materials shuld be placed in the fume-hd and allwed t evaprate. Updated March 2013 9
Manageable Spills (100ml 500ml): Eliminate surces f ignitin. Alert thers wrking in labratry. Keep peple ut f the immediate area. Establish barriers if the spill has ccurred in public passageways. If unsure hw t prceed seek help frm the lab manager and retrieve the necessary MSDS sheets. The persn cleaning up the spill shuld wear a suitable face mask and glves. Transfer the material cntaining the spill t a plastic cntainer and carry t a fumehd fr later dispsal. Allw fumes t evaprate in the fume-hd vernight r ver a weekend. If the residual waste is hazardus, package all cntaminated material in a suitable cntainer, attach a label and submit fr waste dispsal. Majr Spills (e.g. A full bttle f an rganic chemical drpped and smashed n the flr): Alert thers wrking in labratry and adjacent areas t evacuate the building. Eliminate surces f ignitin. Pull the fire alarm. Phne security 3999 frm a safe area e.g. an ffice area; advise them f yur name and give a quick summary f the details f the spill. Retrieve the necessary MSDS sheet(s) if safe t d s. Meet security t infrm them f the details. Frmulate a clean-up plan in cnsultatin with the Safety Officer, Security Officers and/r the fire department. Spillages nt r int Equipment. Mechanical r electrical equipment which has becme accidentally cntaminated with chemicals r bilgical material such as r micr-rganisms may require specialist attentin and disinfectin as well as general decntaminatin f the utside f the equipment. Fr example, this culd require that the equipment is checked and dismantled by an electrnics expert. Fr advice n dealing with ther cntaminated equipment cntact the Bilgical Safety Officer Dealing with a Suspicius Substance. On discvery f any suspicius material*, individuals in the rm shuld, if pssible, shut drs and evacuate t an adjacent unccupied rm away frm any ptential hazard until an initial assessment has been made. If pssible leave a warning sign saying d nt enter n the dr and always infrm the labratry manager. The labratry manager and/r the persn finding the suspicius substance need t remain available t answer questins and t give infrmatin r help. * There is an extremely remte pssibility that this culd be a deliberate release f a harmful substance. Updated March 2013 10
Unidentified Spillages. Cntact the Labratry Manager and/r the Safety Office t identify the prblem and establish a safe prcedure fr handling the spillage. If a spillage, large enugh t cause cncern, ccurs utside f nrmal wrking hurs, Estate Patrl shuld be cntacted (01392 723999 int. 3999). http://www.hse.gv.uk/cmah/sragtech/techmeasspill.htm http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medicalschl/msa/safety/dcs/spillagemanagement.pdf http://www.mass.gv/dep/txics/stypes/spill.htm Updated March 2013 11