Environmental Health & Safety
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
Printable files are available in three parts with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
- PDF Version of Chemical Hygiene Program
- PDF Version of Appendices 1 through 11
- PDF Version of Appendices 12 through 16
Many hazardous substances necessitate special clean-up procedures to minimize hazards to clean-up personnel. Spills can be classified as either a minor clean-up procedure or a major spill. Some chemicals may present potential adverse health effects unless the proper actions are taken. Major spill clean-up should not be attempted by laboratory personnel. If personnel are present at the time of a major spill and a spill kit is readily available, the contents of the kit can be emptied onto the spill to help stabilize the spill until the Spill Team arrives. Contact Security (x13) to activate the University's Spill Response Team.
Minor spills, also called “Low Risk Spills”, do not expose laboratory employees to over-exposures because they present a lower hazard to personnel. These “Low Risk Spills” can be cleaned up immediately by the laboratory staff wearing the appropriate PPE.
Introduction:
This procedure is for the clean up of “low risk” liquid chemical spills of less than 1 gallon (4 liters). Waste collected from “low risk” spills must be packaged and disposed of through the Environmental Compliance/Hazardous Waste Unit (only exception is water).
CAUTION: This procedure is NOT to be used to clean up any liquid that is not listed as a “low risk” chemical. Trained laboratory staff must follow the information listed below and observe any special notes listed for the chemical.
Location of Spill Supplies:
The Lab Manager / Laboratory Safety Officer of each lab complex shall have a supply of spill cleanup supplies to absorb or neutralize spilled materials.
Spill supplies:
- Absorbent materials or neutralizers:
- Speedy-Dri (general absorber, including flammable liquids)
- Absorbent pads or pillows (general absorber)
- Boric acid (for base spills, pH > 9)
- Sodium bicarbonate (for many acids, pH < 5)
- Plastic scoop or scraper
- Plastic bucket or drum or large trash bag for waste (handle as hazardous waste)
- Hazardous waste tag
PPE:
All personnel cleaning spills are to wear chemical protective gloves (double glove), safety glasses or face shield, and clothing covers (lab coat or Tyvec suit). Personnel can always utilize additional PPE.
10 STEP "LOW RISK" LIQUID SPILL PROCEDURE:
NOTE: If the quantity of the spilled material exceeds the listed volume of the chemical, do not go further. Evacuate the area, close the door, and call Public Safety at x13 to contact the University Spill Team.
- Evacuate all personnel from spill area.
- Gather all necessary PPE and cleanup supplies.
- Determine planned actions to minimize time in spill area.
- Put on protective gloves, safety glasses or face shield, lab coat or Tyvec suit.
- Secure liquid spill source if still leaking.
- Contain spill by covering spilled material with neutralizer, absorbent, pad or pillow. Use generous quantity so no visible liquid is visible. Use plastic scoop to assist in covering spill.
- Place contaminated sorbent materials into waste container (large plastic bag, plastic bucket, etc.). Take off outer gloves and place in waste container. Seal waste container.
- Surface clean area of spill with detergent/water to remove residual chemicals from surfaces.
- Label waste container and place into Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Introduction:
This procedure is for the clean up of “low risk” solid chemical spills of less than 8 pounds (4 kilograms). Waste collected from “low risk” spills must be packaged and disposed of through the Environmental Compliance/Hazardous Waste Unit.
CAUTION: This procedure is not to be used to clean up any solid that is not listed as a “low risk” chemical. Trained laboratory staff must follow the information listed below and observe any special notes listed for the chemical. If chemical "dusts" may be generated, personnel may need to wear an N95 respirator (must be enrolled in the University's Respirator Program to do so.)
Location of Spill Supplies:
The Lab Manager /Laboratory Safety Officer of each lab complex shall have a supply of spill cleanup supplies to absorb or neutralize spilled materials.
Spill supplies:
- Plastic scoop or scraper
- Plastic bucket or drum or large trash bag for waste
- Hazardous waste tag
PPE:
All personnel cleaning spills are to wear chemical protective gloves (double glove), safety glasses or face shield, and clothing covers (lab coat or Tyvec suit). Personnel may always elect to wear additional PPE.
10 STEP "LOW RISK" SOLID SPILL PROCEDURE:
- Evacuate all personnel from spill area.
- Gather all necessary PPE and cleanup supplies.
- Determine planned actions to minimize time in spill area.
- Put on nitrile gloves, safety glasses or face shield, lab coat or Tyvec suit.
- Scoop or gently brush up solid material while minimizing dust generation. Solids that do not react with water can be sprayed with a water mist. Place collected material into waste container. NEVER use vigorous dry sweeping actions to remove spilled materials.
- Wipe down contaminated material with a damp mop, paper towels or lab wipes.
- Using paper towels, surface clean area of spill with detergent/water to remove residual chemicals.
- Place paper towels/wipes and gloves into waste container.
- Label waste container and place into Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area.
- Remove PPE and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
NOTE: The information found in the listings below is believed to be correct. Always obtain and read the SDS for the chemical to verify the hazard rating of the chemical and additional supplemental information to clean up small-scale chemical spills.
“Low Risk” COMPOUND |
CAS NO. |
Health |
Fire |
Reactivity |
Special Notes |
Acetone |
67641 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Agar |
9002180 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Albumin (human) |
70024907 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Handle as biohazard |
Alconox |
1025000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aldicarb |
116063 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Alumina (aluminum oxide) |
1344281 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Amino acetic acid |
56406 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Aluminum sulfate |
7784318 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium acetate |
631618 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ammonium benzoate |
1863634 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium bitartrate |
2214422 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium bromide |
12124979 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium chloride |
12125029 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium citrate |
3012655 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium persulfate |
7727540 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Ammonium sulfate |
7783202 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ammonium thiosulfate |
7783188 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Amyl alcohol, n- |
71410 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Amyl benzene, n- |
538681 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Amyl butyrate, n- |
540181 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Amyl ether |
693652 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Amyl lactate |
6382065 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Amyl laurate |
5350038 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Amyl naphthalene |
1320270 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Amyl phenyl phenyl ether |
70289360 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Amyl salicylate |
2050080 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Amyl stearate |
6382134 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Amylcyclohexane |
4292926 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Anisole |
100663 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Antifreeze |
107211 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ascorbic acid |
50817 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Bactopeptone |
51142188 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Barium carbonate |
513779 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Barium chloride |
10326279 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Barium nitrate |
10022318 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Barium sulfate |
7727437 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bentonite |
1302789 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Benzoic acid |
65850 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Benzyl alcohol |
100516 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Benzyl benzoate |
120514 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Benzyl ether |
103504 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Benzyl salicylate |
118581 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate |
142165 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)succinate |
2915573 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Bleach |
7778543 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Boric acid |
10043353 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Buffer solutions (for pH, all) |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Butanediol, 1,2- |
584032 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Butanediol, 1.3- |
107880 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butanediol, 1,4- |
110634 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butanediol, 2,3- |
513859 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butene-1,4-diol, 2- |
110656 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butyl alcohol |
71363 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Butly oleate, n- |
142778 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Butylstearate |
123955 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butylbenzylphthalate |
85687 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butylene glycol, 1,3- |
107880 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Butyrolactone |
96480 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Calcium carbonate |
471341 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Calcium chloride |
10043524 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Calcium oxide |
1305788 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Calcium sulfate |
7778189 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Carnauba wax |
8015869 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Castor oil |
8001794 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cellulose acetate |
9004357 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cesium chloride |
7647178 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Citric acid |
77929 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cobalt naphthenate |
61789513 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Cod liver oil |
8001692 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Copper carbonate |
1184641 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Corn oil |
8001307 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cresyl acetate, p- |
140396 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Cupric acetate |
6046931 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cupric chloride |
13933170 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cupric nitrate |
19004194 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cupric sulfate |
7758997 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cyclopentanol |
96413 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Decane |
124185 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Decane, 1- |
872059 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Developer, Photo (working solutions) |
Mixture |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Concentrates are not low risk |
Dextran |
9004540 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dextrose |
50997 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diatomaceous earth |
68855549 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Diethyl maleate |
141059 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diethyl malonate |
105533 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Diethly succinate |
123251 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Diethyene glycol dimethyl ether |
111966 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate |
124174 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether |
111773 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Diisodecyl phthalate |
26761400 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diisooctyl phthalate |
27554263 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diisopropylbenzene, 1,3- |
99627 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Dimethyl sebacate |
106796 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dimethyl sulfoxide |
67685 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Rapidly absorbed through skin, use caution if mixed with other chemicals. |
Dimethyl terephthalate |
120616 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diphenyl phthalate |
84628 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diphenylethane |
103297 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Diphenylmethane |
101815 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dipropylene glycol |
110985 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dodecane |
112403 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Dodecyl benzene |
25265785 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Drierite |
7778189 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ethoxy benzene |
103731 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ethyl acetamide |
625503 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethyl alcohol |
75175 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Ethyl benzoate |
93890 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethyl benzoyl acetate |
94020 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ethyl butyrylacetate |
123660 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ethyl malonate |
105533 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ethyl oxalate |
95921 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Ethyl phenylacetate |
101973 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ethylacetamide, N- |
65503 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethylene glycol |
107211 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethylene glycol diacetate |
111557 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ethylene glycol monoacetate |
542596 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethylhexanoic acid, 2- |
149575 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ethylnaphthalene, 2- |
1317379 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Fixer (working solution) |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Concentrates are not low risk |
Formalin (10% formaldehyde) |
500000 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
Only if under 250 ml volume |
Gelatin |
9000708 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Glucose |
50997 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Glucerine |
56815 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Glycerol |
56815 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Glycerol triacetate |
102761 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
HEPES |
7365459 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Heptanol |
543497 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Hexadecane |
544763 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Hexanedione, 2,5- |
110134 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Hexyl methacrylate |
142096 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4- |
123080 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Iron oxide |
1309382 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Isoamyl alcohol |
123513 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Isopropyl alcohol |
67630 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Lactic acid |
50215 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lactic acid, methyl ester |
547648 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Lanolin |
8006540 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Linseed oil |
8001261 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Lithium carbonate |
554132 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lithium sulfate |
10377487 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magnesium |
7439954 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Magnesium carbonate |
23389335 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magnesium chloride |
7791186 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magnesium nitrate |
102213157 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magnesium oxide |
1309484 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magnesium sulfate |
7487889 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Manganous sulfate |
10034965 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mercury |
7439976 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Thermometers only! Follow mercury thermometer clean up procedure |
Methanol |
67561 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Methyl benzoate |
93583 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Methyl lactate |
27871494 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Methyl styrene, 4- |
622979 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
Methylene blue |
7220793 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mineral oil |
8012951 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Octadecane |
593453 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Octanol, 2- |
123966 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Oleic acid |
112801 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Olive oil |
8001250 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Pentanediol, 1,4- |
1 |
1 |
0 |
||
Pentanediol, 1,5- |
111295 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Pentanol, 1- |
71410 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Pentanol, 3- |
584021 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Peptones |
73049737 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Petroleum sulfonate |
4719044 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Phenol, red |
43748 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Phenyl acetate |
122792 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Phenyl propyl alcohol, 1- |
93549 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Phenylacetic acid |
103822 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Phenyldiethanolamine, N- |
120070 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS) |
Multiple |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Photo developer (working solution) |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Concentrates are not low risk |
Photographic fixer (working solution) |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Concentrates are not low risk |
Phthalic acid |
88993 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Polyethylene glycol |
25322683 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Polyvinyl alcohol |
9002895 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Potassium acetate |
127082 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Potassium bitartrate |
868144 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium bromated |
7758012 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium chloride |
7447407 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium ferricyanide |
13746662 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium iodide |
7681110 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium nitrate |
7757791 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium permanganate |
7722647 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium phosphate (mono, di, and tri basic) |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Potassium sodium tartrate |
6381595 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Potassium sulfate |
7778805 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Potassium tartrate |
921539 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Propanediol, 1,2- |
57556 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Propanediol, 1,3- |
504632 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Propanol (all isomers) |
Multiple |
1 |
3 |
0 |
Vaporizes quickly. Add absorbent immediately. Remove any open flames. Limit small spill responses to <1 liter. |
Propylene carbonate |
108327 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Propylene glycol |
57556 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Pump oil |
Multiple |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sand |
Multiple |
0 |
0 |
0 |
No quantity limit |
Silica gel |
1343982 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Salicylaldehyde |
90028 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Salicylic acid |
69727 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sodium bicarbonate |
144558 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium carbonate |
497198 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium chloride |
7647145 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium citrate |
6132043 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sodium nitrate |
7631994 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium phosphate, di basic and mono basic |
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium sulfate |
7757826 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sodium thiosulfate |
10102172 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Starch (all) |
Multiple |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Stearic acid |
57114 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sucrose |
57501 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tannic acid |
1401554 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tartaric acid |
133379 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tetradecane |
629594 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tetradecanol, 1- |
112721 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tetradecene, 1- |
1120361 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tetraethylene glycol |
112607 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tetrahydronaththalene, 1,2,3,4- |
119642 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tetralin |
119642 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tetramethoxypropane, |
102523 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tetramethylbenzene, 1,2,3,4- |
488233 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tetramethlbenzene, 1,2,3,5- |
527537 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tetramethylbenzene, 1,2,4,5- |
95932 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Toner (for copiers) |
Multiple |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triacetin |
102761 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tributyl citrate |
77930 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tridecanone |
593088 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triethanolamine |
102716 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Triethyl citrate |
77930 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triethyl phosphate |
78400 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Triethylene glycol |
112276 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether |
112492 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, 2,2,4- |
144194 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Trimethylene glycol |
504632 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Triphenyl phosphate |
78400 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Triethylene glycol |
112276 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether |
112492 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, 2,2,4- |
144194 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Trimethylene glycol |
504632 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Triphenyl phosphate |
101020 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Triphenylmethane |
519733 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tripropylene glycol |
24800440 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
TRIS |
1185531 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Triton ® X-100 |
9002931 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tryptone |
73049737 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Undecane |
1120214 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Vacuum pump oil |
Multiple |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Water |
7732185 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wax, paraffin |
8002742 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Zinc |
7440666 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Zinc acetate |
5970456 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Zinc oxide |
1314132 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Zinc nitrate |
7779886 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Zinc stearate |
557051 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions@safety.rochester.edu.
This page last updated 7/30/2015. Disclaimer.
