Question

describe the procedure for cleaning up spill of an unknown liquid?

Answer 1

The following steps should be taken during spill cleanup.

1. Prevent the spread of dusts and vapors.

If the substance is volatile or can produce airborne dusts, close the laboratory door and increase ventilation (through fume hoods, for example) to prevent the spread of dusts and vapors to other areas.

2. Neutralize acids and bases, if possible.

Spills of most liquid acids or bases, once neutralized, can be mopped up and rinsed down the drain (to the sanitary sewer). However, be careful because the neutralization process is often vigorous, causing splashes and yielding large amounts of heat. Neutralize acids with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Bases can be neutralized with citric acid or ascorbic acid. Use pH paper to determine when acid or base spills have been neutralized.

3. Control the spread of the liquid.

Contain the spill. Make a dike around the outside edges of the spill. Use absorbent materials such as vermiculite, cat litter, or spill pillows.

4. Absorb the liquid.

Add absorbents to the spill, working from the spill's outer edges toward the center. Absorbent materials, such as cat litter or vermiculite, are relatively inexpensive and work well, although they are messy. Spill pillows are not as messy as other absorbents, but they are more expensive. Note that special absorbents are required for chemicals such as hydrofluoric and concentrated sulfuric acids.

5. Collect and contain the cleanup residues.

The neutralized spill residue or the absorbent should be scooped, swept, or otherwise placed into a plastic bucket or other container. For dry powders or liquids absorbed to dryness, double bag the residue using plastic bags. Additional packaging may be required before the wastes can be transported from your laboratory. For spills of powders or solid materials, you may need to add a dust suppressant. Be sure to place descriptive labels on each container.

6. Dispose of the wastes.

Keep cleanup materials separate from normal trash. Contact your environmental health and safety officer for guidance in packaging and labeling cleanup residues. Promptly place cleanup wastes in an appropriate hazardous waste receptacle.

7. Decontaminate the area and affected equipment.

Ventilating the spill area may be necessary. Open windows or use a fan unless the area is under negative pressure. In some instances, your environmental health and safety officer can test the air to ensure that hazardous vapors are gone. For most spills, conventional cleaning products, applied with a mop or sponge, will provide adequate decontamination. If you have any question about the suitability of a decontaminating agent, seek expert advice.

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