Department of Biology
How to deal with a liquid chemical spillage
- All laboratory areas have a ‘spillage kit’ containing absorbent mats / socks, protective gloves / overshoes and disposal bags.
- These can be used for relatively simple spillages, a spillage that a laboratory worker feels capable of dealing with, without compromising their safety or that of others. A simple spill will not spread rapidly, will not endanger people or property except by direct contact, and does not endanger the environment.
- The Chemical Spillage Procedure (PDF
, 148kb) should be followed by anyone involved in dealing with the spillage. - For more complex / large spillages (those that local laboratory workers have considered unsafe to deal with themselves and those that may present a risk of spreading / high risk of exposure to individuals / high risk of fire or explosion) evacuate the area and contact ‘Biology Infrastructure’ or the Biology H&S Advisor in the first instance for assistance. Out of hours contact University Security (3333).