552 Appendix a: Safety and Emergencies
Chemical Spills
Before you clean up a chemical spill, protect yourself, people nearby, and water
sources. If there are people who are more prepared than you to clean up a spill
(people who have been trained to do this work), call them for help. Always wear
protective clothing to clean up chemicals!
Small chemical spills
If a small amount of chemicals is spilled, it is
important to control, contain, and clean the spill
before anyone is hurt, and before the chemicals get
into waterways or soak into the ground.
Control the spill
The most important thing is to keep the spill from
getting bigger. Shut down any leaking equipment,
turn a fallen container right side up, or put the
leaking container inside an unbroken container.
Contain the spill
Absorb the chemicals by putting soil, sand,
sawdust, clay or other material on the spill. If
the material may blow around, cover it with a
cloth or plastic sheet.
Clean up the spill
Scoop materials into barrels or thick plastic
containers. Do not use water because it will
spread the chemicals and make the problem
worse. Dispose of the material safely (see
pages 410 to 411).
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012