Spill Kits

Each laboratory is required to purchase and maintain the required spill kit(s), as needed. The Principal Investigator is responsible for the purchase, proper stocking, and maintenance of spill kit supplies specific to the hazardous substances used or stored in the laboratory. Laboratory Personnel are responsible for maintaining knowledge and understanding of spill kit contents, location and use.

General Spill Kit – A spill kit that contains items to control most manageable chemical spills. The kit typically includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), absorbent materials (Vermiculite or Litter box filler), neutralizing agents for acids and caustics, clean-up materials (i.e. tongs, plastic scoop,plastic trash bags, a backet, etc.) and waste label.

Many chemical and safety supply vendors have spill kits available for sell, but it is important that spill kits be tailored to meet the specific spill control needs of each laboratory. Some laboratories choose to assemble their own, depending on the laboratory activity (biological agents, liquid radioactive materials, etc.). The following is a list of recommended items that should be contained in a chemical spill kit:

Absorbents:

• Universal Spill Absorbent Material - 1:1 mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Flor-Dri (or unscented kitty litter) or alternatively, a 1:1:1 mixture of Flor-Dri (or unscented kitty litter): Sodium Bicarbonate: Sand. This all-purpose absorbent material is good for most chemical spills including solvents, acids, and bases.
• Acid Spill - Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, or Calcium Carbonate
• Alkali (Base) Spill - Sodium Bisulfate
• Solvents/Other Organic Liquids - Inert absorbents such as vermiculite, clay, sand, Flor-Dri, and Oil-Dri

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Goggles and Face Shield
• Plastic Vinyl Booties
• Disposable Coveralls and Apron
• Disposable Vinyl Gloves and Heavy Neoprene Gloves

Spill Clean-Up Material:

• Plastic Dustpan and Scoop
• Plastic Bags (30-gallon, 3 mil thick)
• One empty 5-gallon, plastic bucket with lid for spill and absorbent residues

Other Items:

• Hydrofluoric Acid Antidote Gel - Calcium Gluconate (TUMS)
• Mercury Spill Kit

Some substances that require additional spill kit supplies outside of the requirements of a general spill kit (e.g. mercury, hydrofluoric acid, cytotoxic drugs, and radioactive materials). For more information see Chemical Spill Procedures in Appendix A of the General Laboratory Safety Manual.

First Aid Kits

Every laboratory is required to have a first aid kit, with its location known to all Laboratory Personnel. A first aid kit in a hazardous chemical laboratory should follow recommendations in below table from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015)

ITEM                                                                      MINIMUM QUANTITY

• Absorbent compress, 32 sq. in.                                   1
• Adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in.                                  16
• Adhesive tape, 3/8 in. x 2.5 yd. total                           1
• Antibiotic treatment,0.14 fl. Oz. (0.5 g)                       6
• Antiseptic,0.14 fl. Oz. (0.5 g)                                       10
• Burn treatment, 1/32 oz. (0.9 g)                                  6
• First-aid guide                                                               1
• Medical exam gloves                                                     2 pairs
• Sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in.                                               4
• Triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.                 1

Additionally, labs and shops must maintain first aid kits appropriate to the specific hazards to the lab/shop.  For example, hydrofluoric acid is a strongly corrosive chemical that readily penetrates the skin and
mucous membranes, and can cause deep tissue destruction. HF First aid kit is a must-have kit for all the locations where hydrofluoric acid is used or stored or other possible exposure to the fluoride ion can occur.

An HF first aid kit must contain:

• Calgonate Gel - containing 2.5% calcium gluconate
• One (1) roll of calcium carbonate tablets (TUMS®)

For more information see section 6.2 First Aid Kits of the General Laboratory Safety Manual.