Absorbent and Spill Containment

Absorbent and Spill Containment

Working in a laboratory has its own risks and depending on the type of laboratory, the risk factor is varied. A risk is a risk and whatever the risk posed, protection is a highly essential component of any laboratory management logistical procedure. Ascertaining risks and taking steps to prevent them is a good practice and this is where absorbent and spill containment equipment comes to the fore.

Spills, when not contained immediately upon occurrence can lead to illnesses, injuries, environmental hazards and even fire. Therefore, spill containment and absorbent use is highly critical to any laboratory or any such place where the use of harmful liquids in imminent.

Spill containment standards

Spill containment procedures for each form of chemical and liquid is different and is not limited to a mop like we use for a water spill. Specific containment procedures are outlined by MSDS for the same and can be contacted immediately when a spill occurs. The requirements or standards of requirement for spill containment are laid out in OSHA and EPA standards for CFR 1910.40, 112.261 and 264. Although the specifics for spill containment are detailed in these, availability and procurement of the proper and correct materials is of critical importance.

Types of spills, containment and equipment required

Spills of harmful chemicals or any other form of liquids used in a laboratory is inevitable and can happen any time. Preparedness to deal with such incidents is critical and keeping general spill kits at hand would be a good precautionary idea. Normally general spill kits contain vermiculite silicate and high absorbent pads that serve most spill cases. Specifically the absorbent pads are classified as universal, hazmat and oil only and are to be used on a case to case basis.

Certain hazardous chemicals like mercury are not easily absorbed and if your laboratory uses mercury, it is required to keep specialized mercury spill kits at hand. All chemicals are not the same and range from aggressive to non-aggressive forms. This underlines the importance of keeping the right kind of spill containment equipment depending on the grade of liquids and chemicals used.

Spills of substances like oil (inflammable or not) need to dealt with immediately. Containment procedures for inflammable liquid spills need to be dealt with in a more careful manner. In addition to absorbent pads, a requirement of fire fighting equipment at hand is mandatory. Spill containment equipment not only includes absorbents and fire fighting equipment but also equipment required to protect the people who may be exposed to such hazardous chemicals. This equipment might include respirators, body suits and other personal protection gear. 

Decontamination and disposal

The decontamination procedures to be undertaken after a spill happens are also highly critical to ensure the prolonged safety of technicians working in the vicinity. Decontamination equipment and materials should also be kept in the safety bracket to make sure that the spills are taken care of immediately. Such equipment and materials may include polyethylene bags, neutralizers for acidic spills, containers to store spilled liquids and used/ loose absorbents.

Once the procedure of mopping up the spills with the required equipment is done, storage of such waste material and environmentally friendly disposal practices should be undertaken as quickly as possible. Storage of such spills should be well managed. Ventilated areas and use of spill containment pallets and platforms is highly recommended. Many spills contain chemicals that may degenerate with time and cause harmful effects and therefore the disposal of the same should be undertaken quickly.

While spill containment is a science in itself, many large laboratories are known to hire specially trained safety personnel who are responsible for accident safety and spill disposal. Such personnel are well trained and are adept at handling such critical accidents with proper procedural guidelines and practices.