6.1. Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment and Emergency Procedures

Overview

This section provides critical information on how to protect yourself and others in the event of an accidental release or spill of a hazardous chemical. It outlines the necessary precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures to follow.

Personal Precautions

Safety Priorities

When dealing with a chemical spill or release, always prioritize personal safety:

  • Approach the spill from upwind to avoid inhaling vapors
  • Evacuate the immediate area and keep unnecessary personnel away
  • Remove all sources of ignition (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames)
  • Do not touch or walk through spilled material
  • Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the area

Protective Equipment

Required PPE by Body Part

Body Part Protective Equipment
Eyes/Face Chemical splash goggles, face shield
Skin Chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, boots
Respiratory Appropriate respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Always consult the SDS for the specific PPE recommendations for the chemical you are handling.

Emergency Procedures

General Steps

  1. Alert others in the immediate area
  2. Evacuate if necessary and secure the area
  3. Activate emergency response systems if needed
  4. Identify the spilled material if possible
  5. Refer to the SDS for specific guidance
  6. Contain the spill if safe to do so
  7. Clean up the spill using appropriate methods and materials
  8. Dispose of waste properly
  9. Report the incident as required

Example: Emergency Response for Hydrochloric Acid Spill

Personal Precautions

  • Evacuate personnel to safe areas
  • Use personal protective equipment as required
  • Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Remove all sources of ignition

Protective Equipment

  • Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, and protective suit
  • Use NIOSH-approved respirator with appropriate cartridges or SCBA for large spills

Emergency Procedures

  1. Immediately evacuate the spill area
  2. Isolate the hazard area and deny entry
  3. Stay upwind and keep out of low areas where vapors may accumulate
  4. Ventilate closed spaces before entering
  5. Do not allow spill to enter waterways or sewers
  6. Neutralize with soda ash or lime
  7. Absorb with an inert material (e.g. vermiculite, dry sand, earth)
  8. Place in a suitable container for disposal
  9. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete

Additional Considerations

Key Factors

  • Scale of the potential release (small vs. large spill)
  • Physical state of the chemical (solid, liquid, gas)
  • Potential for fire or explosion
  • Toxicity and health hazards
  • Environmental impact
  • Availability of spill response equipment and materials

It's crucial to have a well-prepared emergency response plan and to train all personnel on proper procedures. Regular drills can help ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an actual emergency.

Common Spill Response Materials

Material Type Examples Use
Absorbents Vermiculite, sand, activated charcoal Contain and absorb liquid spills
Neutralizers Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid Neutralize acidic or basic spills
Decontaminants Bleach solutions, oxidizers Deactivate biological or chemical agents
Barriers Spill socks, dikes, booms Contain and control the spread of spills