Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Health
Home Medical Care Administration
Directorate General of Health Affairs in …........... Region
Home Medical Care Unit at ……………. Hospital

SPILL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE

A. General precautions for spill clean up

1) Determine chemical nature of spill
2) Refer to MSDS forms
3) If chemical nature of spill is not known, treat the spill as highly toxic and
hazardous material and take all necessary safety precautions
4) If spill is classified as toxic and /or hazardous, evacuate all personnel from the
area
5) Extinguish any flames and remove ignition sources
6) Ventilate area of the spill
7) Wear appropriate respiratory protection, protective clothing, chemical splash
goggles and gloves
8) Initiate the appropriate actions in case of fire. Call ------ - notify the facility/
Safety of the location and nature of the spill and/or fire.
9) Attempt to keep the spills from reaching floor drains, water ways, etc.
B. Chemical Spill Clean Up Kit

The spill kit contains Chemical Spill Control Pillows designed to absorb all types of
liquid spills, including hydrochloric acid. The absorbent consists of micro fibers of
polypropylene treated to be universally absorbent. The outer fabric that contains the
absorbent is also made of polypropylene. Spill pillows are not designed for use with
mixed chemical spills. Do not attempt to dry out after using. Each white chemical
spill pillow is designed to absorb up to 1500 ml volume of wet chemical spill. The
smaller yellow Polysorb pillows will absorb up to 250 ml of wet chemical spill.

Note: Chemical Spill Control Pillows are not suitable for clean up of mercury spills.

C. Steps in Spill Clean Up

Dike spill by surrounding it with Chemical Spill Control Pillows to prevent
further spread of the spill
1) Place additional pillows over spill and allow absorption to occur.
2) Each yellow Polyzorb Spill Pillow provided will absorb 250 ml of liquid.
3) Place spill-saturated pillows in disposal bag, close the bag securely and label
contents.
4) Dilute remaining residue with appropriate solvent and use additional pillows
or Kimtex Towels to finish clean up.
5) Scrub surface with soap and water and clean by ordinary means.
6) Document spill cleanup activities, identify cause and determine remedial
action (Incident Report).

HMC-MSE-FORM-4.2
 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Health
Home Medical Care Administration
Directorate General of Health Affairs in …........... Region
Home Medical Care Unit at ……………. Hospital

D. Recommended Spill Clean Up Methods for Selected Chemicals

The following are alternative techniques for dealing with chemical spills of various
chemical classes:

1) Organic Acids: Cover with Sodium Bicarbonate (soda) to neutralize. Wearing

gloves, wipe up the neutralized solution and wash area with soapy water.

2) Aldehydes: Eliminate all sources of ignition and flammables.

 Small spill- absorb with paper towel and evaporate in fume hood.
 Large spill - cover with Sodium Bisulfite and small amount of water.
Scoop up and wash area with soapy water.

3) Caustic Alkali and Ammonia:

 Solid - dilute with copious amounts of water. Wash down drain with
excess water.
 Solution - dilute with copious amounts of water and mop up.

4) Ethers: Eliminate all sources of ignition and flammables. Absorb spills on

paper towel and evaporate under fume hood. For large spills, use vermiculite
and evaporate.

HMC-MSE-FORM-4.2