Incidental v. Emergency Spills

Spills happen! Two categories of spills: Incidental (you can handle it) Emergency (you cannot handle it) Either way, EHS is here to help!

Incidental spills An incidental spill is a spill that you can handle on your own or with the help of a coworker, meaning: You have the proper spill clean up materials You know how to clean up the spill safely You have necessary PPE Less than 1 gallon (small) of a low toxicity, low volatility chemical (not toxic or volatile) No injuries or exposures

Emergency spills Emergency spills involve more than 1 gallon (large) or involve a highly toxic or volatile chemical, additionally: If you lack experience to clean up the spill If you lack PPE If you lack the spill cleanup equipment

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up Step 1: Warn others and control access to the spill

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up Step 2: Wear PPE

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up Step 3: Contain and wipe up the spill

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up Step 4: Collect spill debris and dispose of the debris through EHS

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up Step 1: Warn others and evacuate the area If there is a fire or large scale release of toxic or flammable gases, pull the fire alarm and evacuate all building occupants. Do not allow people to evacuate through the affected area.

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up Step 2: Secure the area by closing the door, using a sign or caution tape, or posting a person at a safe distance to warn others not to enter

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up Step 3: Report the spill from a safe location Provide responders with: Your name Call-back number Building name Location of the release Name and quantity of chemical released To report a spill from the Anschutz Medical Campus call 911 from a campus phone or (303) 724-4444. To report a spill from the Downtown Campus call 911 from a campus phone or (303) 556-5000.

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up Step 4: Wait for emergency responders and provide them with spill details

What to do if you’re not sure? CALL EHS!!! 303-724-0345