Spill Kits and Spill Procedures

All groups are required to have spill kits within their labspace. These kits may be homemade or purchased from a supplier and must at minimum contain neutralizing materials for both acids and bases. It is recommended that they also contain absorbent material though it is not required. 

Below is a list of appropriate examples for each:

Any labs that operate under BSL-2 and above are required to have disinfectant in their spill kit. RMS lists their recommended disinfectant as bleach and any spills involving biological materials should be properly disinfected during clean up procedures. 

There are 2 categories of Spills: Incidental and Emergency

These classifications are dependent on both the volume and the danger associated with what has spilled:

Any spills containing hazardous or radioactive materials that are less than 1 liter and not located in a public area like a hallway or spills that contain no hazardous or radioactive materials, are classified as incidental spills. These may be cleaned up at the discretion of the LSO and any other lab members with absorbent materials or mops. 

Any spills that contain hazardous or radioactive materials with volumes of over 1 liter or spills that require specialized training or PPE (such as respirators) are classified as emergency spills. All personnel should immediately evacuate and inform emergency services by dialing 911 of 574-631-5555 to contact Notre Dame Police and Fire Department. 

The RMS guidelines should be taken seriously, but spills vary wildly in scope and severity. Ultimately, as long as the spill is contained to the lab space and is under 1 liter, it is up to the discretion of the lab members to properly contain and clean up the spill. If you believe you can manage it, then you should so long as the proper precautions are taken.