Spill Solids
Department of Safety and Environmental Compliance
- Alert other persons to the spill and the need to evacuate the area.
- Determine the degree of hazard before attempting clean up and take the necessary preventive
measures (i.e., protective equipment, eye protection, etc.)
- Generally, solids of low toxicity can be swept up into a dustpan and place into a
container compatible with the chemical. Damp toweling should be used to pick up and
transfer materials of a higher toxicity level to a compatible waste container. Make
sure the material is not water sensitive before using this procedure.
- Dispose of residue as hazardous waste, remembering brooms, dustpans and other items
may require disposal as hazardous waste also.
- Double bag contaminated clean up materials and seal.
- When clean up operations are complete, wash hands with soap and water for at least 1 minute. Check any non-disposable personal protective equipment (boots, respirators) for contamination. Clean, dry completely and place back in storage.
NOTE: Highly reactive solids, such as alkali metals, are best-gathered using tongs.