1. SPILL RESPONSE
Training Program

2. Objectives
 Become familiar with applicable regulatory
standards
 Demonstrate an understanding of
potential hazards and appropriate
responses
 Demonstrate an understanding of NYMC
procedures

3. Why Do We Need Spill Kits?
 Because Accidents Happen!!
 Chemical spills occur despite the best work
procedures and practices.
 Potential hazards must be recognized.
 YOU need to know the safest response.
 Therefore, knowledge of NYMC procedures is
required.

4. Chemical Spill Response
Emergency Action Plan
 Identifies a typical chemical spill and defines appropriate
response
 Fundamental requirements
 Priority: personal safety
 Assessment of the Incident
 NYMC has defined a minor spill to which you may respond as:
 Spilled quantity is less than 100 ml
 Spill covers less than 10 sq. ft. (10 floor tiles)
 Substance spilled is not extremely hazardous
 Evacuation
 Unsafe condition
 Extremely hazardous spill

5. Chemical Spill Response
Emergency Action Plan
 Notification of procedure
 Before taking any other action contact
 Security, x4226
 Provide all information requested, in particular:
 Name
 Room Number
 What/How much was spilled
 Security will then contact EHS
 EHS will respond to the spill to assess the hazard and provide health
and clean-up information.
 This information can help in determining if the spill can be adequately
handled with the spill kit or will require an outside contractor (i.e:
hazmat team).
 Find and read the MSDS for information on health
hazards and other emergency response.

6. Chemical Spill Response
Emergency Action Plan
 Limits of Response
 The emergency chemical spill kit is designed for use in a minor
spill.
 Everyone in the lab should know the location of the nearest
spill kit
 Know the locations of eyewash and safety showers
 Ventilation, use of PPE and Spill Kit
 Ensure adequate ventilation
 PPE must be worn at ALL times
 Report injuries to Health Services Dept.

7. Spill Kit
 Located in each lab
 Contains gloves, absorbent
pads, sheets, goggles,
aprons & disposal bags.
 An inventory on the outside
of the bucket lists what is
contained inside
 Periodically check the
spill kit to see if supplies
need to be replenished.
Additional supplies may
be obtained from EHS

8. Conclusion
 Know potential hazards and adhere to emergency procedures
 It may save your life
 If a procedure is not clear, or you have a questions, ASK SOMEONE TO
EXPLAIN
 Know where the spill kits are located
 Report all unsafe conditions and incidents
 Report before taking any action
 In an emergency, remember to call Security at x 4226
 Do not, by your actions, create hazardous situations that may
endanger employees
 Store and handle chemicals in a proper manner
 At or below eye level
 If you cannot safely respond - Evacuate

9. Biological Spills
 Biohazard Spill Kits can be found in each lab.
The kits are equipped with spill control material
along with instructions for use. All laboratory
personnel are encouraged to use these
materials to clean up small to medium size
biohazardous spills within their work area. Use
of Spill Kit material should be reported to the
EHS Department x4078 so kits can be
replenished.

10. …continued
 For clean up assistance, call Security at
x4226 and provide the following information:
 Name
 Location
 Description of incident
 Name of Agent
* While awaiting EHS response, use caution
barrier tape to identify spill area.

11. Mercury Spills
 Elemental mercury is extremely toxic to the body
in high and low doses and can enter the body
via ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure
 Depending on the type of exposure, the target organ(s)
may vary
 Ex: inhalation of mercury vapors can lead to brain and neural
toxicity
 Metallic mercury slowly evaporates when exposed to the air.
The air in a room can reach contamination levels just from
the mercury in a broken thermometer
 This is why all mercury spills, regardless of quantity,
should be treated seriously

12. …continued
 If a spill occurs, the following action is to be taken:
 Immediately notify your PI and co-workers of the spill and isolate
the area
 Mercury evaporates at room temperature, so ventilate the area to
reduce the amount of vapors in the air
 Contact Security at x4226 and notify them of the spill; Security
will notify EHS

13. Conclusion
 Use extreme care and wear proper PPE, including a lab
coat, gloves and safety goggles when handling mercury
or mercury containing devices
 Replace any mercury-containing devices with safe
alternatives
 If a spill occurs:
 Notify PI and coworkers
 Isolate the area and ventilate
 Call Security at x4226
 Clean up contaminated area
 Contact EHS to properly dispose of waste