Chemical spills (on the Bench or Floor): Be sure to clean up the spill immediately. If the spill involves explosive or flammable materials make sure ALL flames in the lab area are put out and spark-producing equipment is shutdown. If an acid is spilled, pour baking soda on it before cleaning up to neutralize it. If a base is spilled, pour vinegar on it before cleaning up to neutralize it. All other chemicals used in this manual can be cleaned up as you normally would. If you have any questions, check the MSDS.
Hazardous Chemical Spills (on a Person): If the spill covers a large area, remove all the clothing while rinsing off in the safety shower. If it is a small area, wash the area immediately with a lot of water and then wash it with soap. Check the MSDS for the spilled chemical and follow all instructions: Medical assistance may be necessary.
Chemical Spills (in the Eyes): If a harmful chemical is splashed on your face and/or in your eyes, immediate attention is critical. Call for help and get to the nearest sink. If the chemical splashes on your face, and you have glasses on KEEP the glasses on. Remove the chemical from your face before you remove the glasses. If a chemical gets in your eyes, hold your eyes open in the eyewash for at least 20 minutes. Even though you should not be wearing contact lenses in the lab, if you are, rinse your eye thoroughly, remove your contacts, and continue to rinse your eyes. A doctor should examine your eyes as soon as possible.
Chemical Ingestion: Check the MSDS immediately. Call 911 or “Poison Help” at 1-800-222-1222
Burns: Flush the area with cool running water for 20 minutes. Medical attention may be necessary.
Cuts and Wounds: If a chemical gets into the cut or wound, rinse it off immediately with a large amount of water. Avoid contamination and check the MSDS.
Fire: Fires in a laboratory are often contained in pieces of glassware, such as a beaker. You should not move a beaker that has a chemical burning in it. Instead, extinguish the fire simply by covering the mouth of the beaker with a thin curved piece of glass called a watch glass and turning off the source of the flame. A plate or pie pan can also work in place of a watch glass. If the fire is not easily covered, you can use a fire extinguisher. If the fire is too large to extinguish quickly, clear the building and call the fire department immediately.
- Clothing fires can be extinguished in a safety shower if it is close by. If it is not very close, you will need to STOP, DROP, and ROLL to quickly smother the fire.