Hazardous spills

When potentially harmful or dangerous chemicals are spilled, work quickly to protect yourself and others.

Immediate actions

Alert everyone in the immediate area of the spill.
Evacuate if necessary. More information: Evacuation.
Identify the substance (e.g. through the use of signs, labels or safety data sheets) and note any safety requirements.
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.
Stop the source (e.g. plug the leak, activate shut-off valves), if safe to do so.
Contain the spill to protect the environment. Use drip trays and spill kits and block off access to drains.
Notify the lab manager/supervisor.
Lab manager/supervisor: Notify Security on 966 (0800 373 7550 from a mobile phone).

If the spill can't be safely contained and it affects people or the environment, notify the Fire Service on 111 and state the following:
- Name of caller
- Exact location of spill
- Substance involved in spill
- Quantity of spill in litres
- Size of spill in square metres.
Staff: Assign a person—preferably the lab manager or supervisor—to meet the Fire Service/inform the building warden.
Evacuate the building immediately, avoiding the area of contamination as best you can. More information: Evacuation.
Comply with the Fire Service's instructions.

Seal in plastic bags or containers:
- Any items used from spill kits
- Any other products that have been contaminated.
Take the bags/containers to an authorised disposals point complete with a hazardous waste declaration that identifies the materials.
Lab manager/supervisor: Contact an authorised waste contractor to remove the waste.

Raise an incident report using the University’s accident/incident reporting system.
Re-stock spill kit.
Assess reasons for incident and implement corrective response as soon as practicable.
Retain a copy of the fire crew’s incident report (if the Fire Service was called).