Chemical Spills

If handled properly, a spill may only be a nuisance. If handled improperly, a spill can disrupt work. At worst, a spill can cause bodily harm or property damage. In most cases, laboratory spills involve small quantities of materials and, if precautions are taken, will present minimal hazards.

Laboratory workers are often the most appropriate people to clean up the spills because they are more likely to be familiar with the hazardous characteristics of the spilled material and can respond quickly. If personnel are unsure of whether a spill can be cleaned up safely, immediately call SRM Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for assistance at (804) 828-9834. 

EHS staff are trained and certified to help laboratories manage small chemical spills and can dispatch emergency response vendors for large spills, as necessary. EHS staff is available 24/7 for both the university and the health system to assist with chemical spill emergencies.

Small Spills and Large Spills

Any spill of 500 ml or less is usually considered small. However, spills of less than 500 ml may be considered dangerous if the spilled material is hazardous.

Be prepared for spills in the laboratory by reviewing the lab-specific chemical hygiene plan, standard operating procedures and the safety data sheet for the material(s) used in your experiments. Know how to contain and clean up spilled material. Accidents can happen at any time; make sure you are prepared with spill kits and contact information.

Spills involving biohazardous material are handled differently and labs should make plans based on biosafety level status and risk level the hazard represents. Contact Biological Safety staff for more information.

VCU EHS Spill Response Team

The EHS Spill Response Team is trained to handle or consult outside experts for hazardous chemical spills at the university and health system, as necessary. 

For emergency assistance, call (804) 828-9834.