Course Overview

In most cases, laboratory spills involve small quantities of materials and, if precautions are taken, present minimal hazards. Laboratory workers are usually the most appropriate people to clean up their spills because they are more likely than others to be familiar with the spilt material's hazardous characteristics; can respond at least as quickly as, and usually more quickly than, anyone else; know about other potential hazards or complicating factors in their work area, and should be familiar with the proper cleanup techniques for a particular spill. Some laboratory spills require outside assistance because of the spill's size or its unusual hazards. Trained hazardous material spill responders have learned that it is much better to be overly cautious in responding to a spill than to risk lives for something that "shouldn't be too dangerous." Do not downplay the seriousness of potentially hazardous spills. Every laboratory spill generates waste, so it is common Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management to worry about laboratory spills. This course is meant to help the bench chemist prevent and better respond to spills. Spills can seriously disrupt laboratory operations. Not only is valuable material lost, but a spill increasingly results in the temporary evacuation of a room or an entire building. For many reasons explained in this course, people have become more cautious when responding to laboratory spills. In spite of our best efforts, spills happen. When they do, it makes sense to respond to them as carefully and efficiently as possible. The good news is that, for many laboratory spills, you may be able to safely clean them yourself. Not only does that save time, but your initiative demonstrates your accountability for maintaining a safe laboratory.