Name: chemical spill safety in the lab
Uploaded: 2023-04-30T06:56:56.000Z
Duration: 3 min 51 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

High School

Specialised Topic in Science

112.51.c.1.

112.51.c.1.C.

Handling Chemical Spills

1. Spill Control
<ol>
	<li>Before attempting to control a chemical spill, put on proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles with side shields. Your organization&#39;s Environmental Health &#38; Safety (EHS) Office should have the protective clothing required. Do not attempt to rescue someone else without appropriate knowledge of the environment and proper PPE.</li>
	<li>Respond immediately to control the spill and minimize the damage by stopping the flow of the material being spilled.</li>
	<li>Isolate the spill site by marking or roping off the area.</li>
	<li>If the spill is large or involves an acutely dangerous chemical, evacuate the area immediately and seek help by dialing 911. An individual familiar with the contents of the spill should be available to provide responders with this information. Have the product information and the safety data sheet (SDS) available.</li>
	<li>Regardless of the size of the spill, if the contents represent a potential immediate or long-term hazard to occupants of the area where the spill occurred, the spill should be reported to the proper regulatory agencies. In most cases, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) performs all regulatory notifications and verifies the spill has been cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements and standards.</li>
</ol>
2. Spill Containment
<ol>
	<li>Contain the spilled material to the smallest possible area, in order to minimize potential spreading. Spill kits often contain sorbent, which can be used directly on or around the spill to form a barricade. EHS often has an inventory of spill control materials.</li>
	<li>Avoid contaminating surrounding areas and make sure the spilled material does not come into contact with any body of water, including storm water sewers, drains, streams channels, or ditches.</li>
</ol>
3. Spill Clean-up
<ol>
	<li>Anyone causing a spill is responsible for cleaning it up or for making sure that others clean it up. Anyone who comes across an unattended spill is responsible for reporting the spill to the proper regulatory agencies and/or EHS.</li>
	<li>EHS will oversee, assist and/or clean-up, depending on contents of what has been spilled and the volume of the spill.</li>
	<li>Decontamination or neutralization of the spill site may be required.</li>
	<li>If any sorbent material was used to soak up the spilled material, dispose the saturated material as hazardous waste in accordance to regulatory standards.</li>
	<li>Disposable PPE or badly contaminated garments should be properly disposed of immediately after the spill clean-up.</li>
</ol>
4. Spill Prevention
<ol>
	<li>Assess the types of hazards present in the laboratory paying close attention to chemical storage, handling, and transportation.</li>
	<li>Equipment used with chemicals in the laboratory should also be well maintained by calibrating and periodically checking for leaks, loose connections, and faulty valves.</li>
</ol>

Research laboratories should be assessed for hazards, especially those related to chemical storage, handling, and transportation. Careful consideration of those hazards allows for the prevention of any chemical spill/release. In the event of a chemical spill, it is important to first be safe and wear proper PPE before attempting to handle the spill or trying to rescue someone. If one acts quickly and safely to stop the flow of the chemical, it will minimize structural damage and exposure to individuals. When the spill is...

handling chemical spills

Source: Robert M. Rioux &#38; Taslima Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Since chemicals are commonly used for laboratory research purposes, it is extremely important to be adequately prepared to handle chemical spills or accidental release of hazardous chemicals, which can happen at any time. No matter how minor a spill may be, the inability to respond in an emergency situation could severely endanger public health or the environment. All chemical spills must be properly disposed of, satisfying diverse regulations and standards, such as those of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Act of 1986, which are administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Source: Robert M. Rioux &#38; Taslima Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Since chemicals are commonly used for laboratory research ...

Failure to respond to a spill, whether large or small, could result in the endangerment of public health and the environment. Therefore, all laboratory personnel must be prepared for handling spilled or accidentally released chemicals.All chemical spills must be disposed as per the regulations and standards, such as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act or RCRA, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986.The more quickly the spill is controlled, the more likely it will be contained in a small area, and the less severe the damage could be.In this video, we will discuss the procedures for spill containment, post spill cleanup, and prevention measures one could take to avoid spills.Before attempting to control a spill, put on proper personal protective equipment, such as chemical resistant gloves and safety goggles.Stop the flow of the material being spilled, to minimize the damage, then isolate the spill site by marking or roping off the area.In case of a large spill or an acutely dangerous chemical, evacuate the area immediately and seek help by contacting local emergency services. Have someone remain near the scene to provide information from safety data sheets to the responders.Once the spill has been controlled, contain the spilled material to prevent spreading by using sorbent from chemical spill kits located in the laboratory directly on or around it.Avoid contaminating surrounding areas and make sure to prevent spills from going down any drains.When a spill occurs, have the person responsible clean it up. Report any unattended spills to the EH&S office.EHS will oversee or assist in the cleanup depending on the toxicity or the quantity of the material. Decontamination or neutralization of the area may be required.Remove any sorbent material used to soak up the spill to a container, and label it as hazardous waste. Also properly dispose of gloves and contaminated garments immediately after cleanup.Finally, verify with your organization's EHS office that the spill cleanup meets regulatory requirements and standards.While it is prudent to learn how to handle chemical spills, it is also wise to learn how to prevent them from happening. An important first step is to assess the types of chemical hazards present, and pay close attention to their storage. This will be covered in more detail in this collection.Also, maintain laboratory equipment used near chemicals, by periodically checking for leaks, loose connections, or faulty valves.You've just watched JoVE's introduction to handling chemical spills. You should now understand how to control, contain, and clean them up. Thanks for watching!

Education

JoVE Science Education

Basic Biology

Lab Safety

chemical spill safety in the lab

Chemical spill safety in the lab is essential whenever hazardous chemicals are used. Spills can happen at any time during laboratory work. Even a small spill can become dangerous if people are not prepared to respond quickly and correctly.

Preparing for a chemical spill helps protect public health and the environment. Lab teams need to know how to respond to accidental releases of hazardous chemicals before an emergency happens. Safe cleanup also depends on proper disposal of the spilled material after the incident is controlled.

Chemical spills must be handled according to established rules and standards. These include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. These regulations are administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

Chemical Spill Safety in the Lab

proper personal protective equipment

Choosing the Right Lab PPE

Choosing the right lab PPE is a key part of working safely in a laboratory. PPE, or personal protective equipment, helps reduce risk when hazards are present. Laboratory hazards can be many and varied. The right choice of PPE helps make the lab a safe place to work. Students should match their protective gear to the tasks and conditions in the lab. This topic focuses on selecting proper protection for the situation at hand. Wearing the correct PPE supports safer lab work and helps limit...

emergency eyewash and shower stations

Laboratory Chemical Spill Response Stations

Laboratory chemical spill response stations help protect people who are exposed to injurious or corrosive substances. In workplaces and school labs, OSHA requires emergency eyewash and shower stations to be easy to reach when these hazards are present. These stations are used after an accident that spills a harmful chemical on the body or splashes it into the eyes. The eyewash station helps rinse the eyes, while the shower station is used for chemicals on the skin or clothing. They are meant...

electrical safety

Preventing Lab Electric Shock and Fires

Electrical hazards are a common lab safety concern. Most laboratory equipment uses electricity to work, so students and lab staff must stay alert around cords, plugs, and powered devices. Improper use of electrical equipment can cause electric shock. In serious cases, this can lead to injury or death. Electrical sparks are also dangerous in the lab. They can start a fire or trigger an explosion. This risk matters because many flammable chemicals may be stored near powered instruments. Knowing...

working with centrifuges

Centrifuge Safety and Sample Separation

Centrifuges are used to separate heterogeneous mixtures by spinning particles in a fluid at high speed. The motion creates a force away from the axis of rotation. Heavier particles move faster toward the bottom of the sample holder, and the rate depends on particle size and density. This process is called centrifugation, and it speeds up sedimentation, which is the settling of particles out of a liquid. Gravity can separate some mixtures on its own, but that can take a long time.

working with hot and cold sources

Safe Use of Lab Heat and Cold Sources

Safe use of lab heat and cold sources is an important part of laboratory work. Extreme temperatures are common in many lab tasks. They can involve both high heat and very low temperatures. Bunsen burners and hot plates are widely used in research labs and industry. A Bunsen burner is a gas burner that gives a direct flame. A hot plate is an electric device that warms containers without an open flame. Because these tools reach high temperatures, users need to follow safe handling procedures. <br...

guidelines in case of a laboratory emergency

guidelines-in-case-of-a-laboratory-emergency

Lab Spill and Accident Response Basics

Lab spill and accident response basics help students stay safe during common laboratory emergencies. The most common lab emergencies include chemical spills, fire or explosion, electric shock, and personnel injuries. Many accidents happen because of poor planning or lack of attention, so prevention is always the first step. Good lab safety starts before an emergency happens. Students should wear proper personal protective equipment, or PPE, in the laboratory. Regular lab inspection and...

chemical storage: categories, hazards and compatibilities

chemical-storage-categories-hazards-and-compatibilities

Safe Chemical Labels and Storage Basics

Safe chemical storage and labeling help prevent dangerous reactions in school and research labs. Chemicals can vary widely in their properties and reactivity, so they must be managed, stored, and labeled correctly as part of an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program. If chemicals are not handled properly, they can create harmful or even destructive results. These risks include toxic fume production, fire, explosion, human fatality, property damage, and environmental hazards. Proper...

safe handling of mineral acids

Mineral Acids in the Lab

Mineral acids are common chemicals in research laboratories, and they must be handled with care. These acids, also called inorganic acids, are water-soluble acids formed from inorganic minerals by chemical reaction. Their corrosive nature makes them a major safety risk in the lab. Examples of mineral acids include boric acid, chromic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid. These acids are important reagents in research, and...

Chemical spill safety in the lab is essential whenever hazardous chemicals are used. Spills can happen at any time during laboratory work. Even a small spill can become dangerous if people are not prepared to respond quickly and correctly. Preparing for a chemical spill helps protect public health and the environment. Lab teams need to know how to respond to accidental releases of hazardous chemicals before an emergency happens. Safe cleanup also depends on proper disposal of the spilled...

proper use of autoclaves

Autoclaving Lab Materials Safely

Autoclaving lab materials safely is an important part of decontamination in the laboratory. This method is commonly used for items that have contacted biological samples, especially those that may contain microorganisms. An autoclave cleans materials with pressurized steam at a high temperature. The steam and heat work together to kill microorganisms on the loaded items. For this reason, effective autoclaving depends on good steam flow and strong heat transfer. Packaging matters because it...

fume hoods and laminar flow cabinets

Airflow Controls for Safer Lab Workspaces

Fume hoods and laminar flow cabinets are airflow controls used in laboratories. They both rely on a constant stream of air to protect the lab environment and the people in it. These systems work in similar ways, but they serve different purposes. A fume hood is a ventilation system that helps reduce exposure to hazardous vapors, fumes, and particles. Air is drawn into the hood opening, which helps keep harmful substances inside the workspace. The air is then pulled out through the exhaust. A...

handling air- and water-sensitive chemicals using a schlenk line

handling-air-and-water-sensitive-chemicals-using-a-schlenk-line

Schlenk Line Setup for Inert Atmospheres

A Schlenk line helps chemists work with air- and water-sensitive chemicals. It provides an air-free way to handle reagents that can react with oxygen or moisture. This makes it useful in a chemical laboratory when careful control of the atmosphere is needed. The glass apparatus is commonly used because it can create an inert gas environment or a vacuum. Inert gases such as nitrogen and argon can be used to protect the reaction. The same setup can also expose glassware to vacuum when needed. A...

proper operation of vacuum based equipment

proper-operation-of-vacuum-based-equipment

Vacuum Pumps for Laboratory Procedures

Vacuum pumps are used in many laboratory procedures that need low pressure. They help create vacuum conditions for experiments and equipment that must run below normal atmospheric pressure. In the lab, vacuum pumps are the most common way to achieve this low-pressure environment. They can also support rapid changes in the atmosphere inside a reactor or flask. This is done by evacuating the vessel and then backfilling it with another gas.

operating the glovebox

Glovebox Atmosphere and Sample Transfer

A glovebox is an enclosed workspace that keeps an inert atmosphere inside. Scientists use built-in gloves to handle chemicals or equipment without exposing the inside of the box to outside air. The box uses positive pressure to help make up for small passive leaks. Objects can be moved in and out through an antechamber, which works like an airlock between the glovebox and the outside atmosphere. Some gloveboxes have more than one pair of gloves. The number of glove ports depends on the size...

operation of high-pressure reactor vessels

operation-of-high-pressure-reactor-vessels

Safe Use of Pressure Vessels in Chemistry

High-pressure reactor vessels are used in synthetic chemistry to handle gases safely during reactions. They help chemists carry out gas-based processes such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and amination. These reactions often use hydrogen, oxygen, or ammonia, which are important reagents in the lab. These gases usually dissolve poorly in standard reaction mixtures. Because of that, high pressure is needed to make the reaction proceed at a useful rate. The vessel creates a sealed space that keeps...

decontamination for laboratory biosafety

Lab Cleaning Methods for Biosafety

Laboratory cleaning methods are a key part of biosafety because microbial contamination can build up and spread disease. Decontamination is used to reduce that risk on lab surfaces and equipment. The level of cleaning depends on how much contamination is present and what kind of item needs treatment. Decontamination can be grouped into disinfection and sterilization. Disinfection removes pathogenic microorganisms, but it does not remove bacterial spores on lab surfaces or equipment.

proper waste disposal

Lab Waste Management and Safety

Lab waste management and safety are essential parts of any laboratory activity. Waste generated during work must be handled correctly from the moment it is created until it reaches its final offsite disposal facility. Poor waste disposal can seriously harm public health and the environment. A waste management system should be planned before any lab work begins. This system guides how waste is collected, stored, and prepared for removal. For hazardous waste, special rules apply because its...

lab safety

This collection provides safety guidelines to be followed when working with hazardous materials and equipment. It covers universal topics such as PPE, electrical safety, and general emergency guidelines, as well as some specific safety procedures for chemistry and biology laboratories.

Learn why chemical spill safety matters in labs, how accidental releases can threaten health and the environment, and why proper disposal rules apply.

Chemical Spill Safety in the Lab | JoVE K12

Chemistry

CHEM.1

CHEM.1.C

Florida Department of Education

Life Science

SC.912.L.17

SC.912.L.17.16

Biology

BIO.1

BIO.1.C

Chemistry and Physics

IPC.1

IPC.1.C

Robert Rioux

Overview

Spill Control and Containment

Spill Cleanup and Prevention

Summary

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves ...

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. It is uncertain and operates in ...

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science. In deductive reasoning, the pattern of thinking moves in the ...

Correlation and Causation

Correlation and CausationStatistical tests can calculate whether there is a relationship, or correlation, between independent and dependent variables. A ...

Ask questions and define problems related to specialized topics of study based on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or investigations;

112.51.c.1.A.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is used to solve problems and explain phenomena. The development of the scientific method coincided with changes in philosophy ...

Demonstrating the Scientific Method with Tree Branches
ExpandObtain branches containing a few dozen typical leaves from five different local tree species. ...

Observation and Background Research
ExpandNOTE: The first two steps in the scientific process involve studying and observing natural phenomena of ...

Problem-Solving

A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. It involves trial and error, algorithms, heuristics, and insights. Effective ...

Problem Definition

Problem definition is the initial and the most essential step in research.
The researcher identifies and explains the specific issue or gap to be ...

Apply science practices related to specialized topics of study to plan and conduct investigations or use engineering practices to design solutions to problems;

112.51.c.1.B.

Proper Personal Protective Equipment

Robert M. Rioux &#38; William A Elliott, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Hazards are many and varied in the laboratory, but the right ...

Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations

Robert M. Rioux, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that an emergency ...

Electrical Safety

Robert M. Rioux &amp; Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Among the many hazards present in the laboratory, electrical ...

Working with Centrifuges

Source: Robert M. Rioux &amp; Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Earth's gravitational force is capable of separating ...

Working with Hot and Cold Sources

Source: Robert M. Rioux &amp; Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Working with extreme temperatures, both high and low, ...

Guidelines in Case of a Laboratory Emergency

Robert M. Rioux &amp; Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
The most common laboratory emergencies include chemical spills, ...

Chemical Storage: Categories, Hazards And Compatibilities

Source: Robert M. Rioux &amp; Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
While the use of various chemicals in experimental ...

Safe Handling of Mineral Acids

Source: Robert M. Rioux &#38; Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
A mineral acid (or inorganic acid) is defined as a ...

Proper Use of Autoclaves

Robert M. Rioux &amp; Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Autoclaving is one of the most commonly used methods in the ...

Fume Hoods and Laminar Flow Cabinets

Robert M. Rioux &amp; William A. Elliott, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Fume hoods and laminar flow cabinets are engineering controls ...

Decontamination for Laboratory Biosafety

Robert M. Rioux and Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Decontamination is essential for laboratory biosafety, as the ...

Proper Waste Disposal

Robert M. Rioux and Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, PA

Users are responsible for the proper disposal of the waste ...

Use appropriate safety equipment and practices during laboratory, classroom, and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards;

Common Lab Glassware and Uses

Source: Laboratory of Dr. Neal Abrams &#8212; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Glassware is a regular appearance in the professional ...

Lab Techniques

Measurement Accuracy
The ability to repeat an experiment and get the same results, or reproducibility, is essential in scientific research. However, ...

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

	Preparation of LaboratoryExpand
	Here we show the laboratory preparation for 10 students ...

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

	Determining the Density of an EggExpand
	Density is a measure of how compact a substance or ...

Proper Lab Notebook Keeping

Organic Lab Notebook Keeping
Record keeping is a vital skill in science and organic chemistry labs. Without proper notes, descriptions, quantities, or ...

Source: Lara Al Hariri at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

	Preparation of the LaboratoryExpand
	Here, we show the laboratory preparation ...

Source: Lara Al Hariri and Ahmed Basabrain at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

	Nitration of Methyl BenzoateExpand
	From this lab onward, ...

Use tools appropriate to the specialized topic of study;

112.51.c.1.D.

SI Units: 2019 Redefinition

Measurement is integral to analytical chemistry. Each record comprises a number &#8211; denoting the magnitude&#160; &#8211; and the unit &#8211; a ...

International System of Units

The International System of Units, known as the SI system, is a universally accepted measurement system recognized and used worldwide. The SI system is ...

Measurement: Standard Units

Every measurement provides three kinds of information: the size or magnitude of the measurement (a number), a standard of comparison for the measurement ...

Measurement: Derived Units

The International System of Units or SI system, by international agreement, has fixed measurement units for seven fundamental properties: length, mass, ...

Collect quantitative data using the International System of Units (SI) or qualitative data as evidence as appropriate to the specialized topic of study;

112.51.c.1.E.

Review and Preview

Data are individual items of information obtained from a population or sample. Data may be classified as qualitative (categorical), quantitative ...

What is a Frequency Distribution

A frequency is the number of times a value of the data occurs. The sum of all the frequency values represents the total number of students included in the ...

Cumulative Frequency Distribution

A cumulative frequency distribution is another type of frequency distribution. Instead of reporting how many data values fall in some classes, it reports ...

Ogive Graph

An ogive graph is sometimes called a cumulative frequency polygon. It is one type of frequency polygon that shows cumulative frequency. In other words, ...

Histogram

The histogram is a graphical representation in the x-y form of data distribution in a data set. The horizontal x-axis is labeled with what the data ...

Relative Frequency Histogram

The relative frequency depicts the proportion of data points that have each value. The frequency tells the number of data points that have each value. ...

Scatter Plot

The most common and easiest way to display the relationship between two variables, x and y, is a scatter plot. A scatter plot shows the direction of a ...

Time-Series Graph

A time-series graph is a line graph with repeated measurements taken at successive intervals of time. It is also called a time series chart. To construct ...

Bar Graph

A bar graph is also called a bar chart and consists of bars that are separated from each other. It either uses horizontal or vertical bars to show ...

Multiple Bar Graph

As the name suggests, a multiple bar graph is the same as a bar graph but has multiple bars to depict relationships between different data values. One can ...

Pareto Chart

A Pareto chart is a bar graph or a combination of both line and bar graphs. The bar lengths represent the individual values or the frequency, while the ...

Pie Chart

A pie chart (or a pie graph) is a circular graphical chart or a pictorial representation of categorical data. It is divided into slices of pie each ...

Organize quantitative or qualitative data using representations appropriate to the specialized topic of study such as scatter plots, line graphs, bar graphs, charts, data tables, diagrams, scientific drawings, and student-prepared models;

112.51.c.1.F.

Modeling and Similitude

A scaled model of a dam is tested in a controlled environment to observe how it will manage water flow, turbulence, and pressure.
This setup predicts the ...

Typical Model Studies

Typical model studies analyze scaled-down systems to predict fluid behavior, focusing on interactions with free surfaces and flow around immersed bodies.
...

design-example-creating-a-hydraulic-model-of-a-dam-spillway

Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway

A hydraulic model of a dam spillway is often created by scaling down the design, typically to a 1:15 ratio, to replicate key flow characteristics such as ...

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical ...

/files/media/science-education/science-education-thumbs/14686.jpg

Concepts and Prototypes

The human nervous system translates sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes into information as thoughts and memories, forming ...

Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to problems as appropriate to the specialized topic of study; and

112.51.c.1.G.

Scientific and engineering practices. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to explain phenomena or design solutions using appropriate tools and models. The student is expected to:

Chemical Spill Safety in the Lab

Description

Transcript

Tags

More videos by Standards