Procedures

Chemical Spill and Response - Procedures

Printer-friendly version
Body

1.0    Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines the requirements at The University of Queensland (UQ) for managing a chemical spill in the workplace and provides information about the hazards and precautions to reduce the risk of harm to people and any potential damage to the environment. This procedure differs from biological spill procedures referred to in UQ’s Biosafety procedures. UQ’s legislative obligations for managing chemical spills are provided under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (the Regulation).

This procedure applies to all areas on all UQ campuses and sites, including controlled entities who use, transport and store chemicals. It also applies to UQ workers in these areas who may be required to manage chemical movements and incidents resulting in a chemical spill. For the purposes of this procedure, the definition of UQ workers is broad and is intended to ensure UQ meets its responsibilities under the Regulation. The definition of UQ workers is provided in section 7.0. The Chemical Spill and Response Guideline (the guideline) supports this procedure.

2.0    Process and Key Controls

The following requirements apply to all areas when managing chemical spills at UQ:

  1. A risk assessment, as a minimum, must be developed for the use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals.

  2. UQ workers using, storing and transporting chemicals must always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

  3. All areas handling, transporting, storing or disposing of chemicals must have a spill response plan that includes appropriate strategy and procedures to adequately contain and clean up chemical spills. A spill response plan must be included in the area emergency planning.

  4. UQ workers in areas handling, transporting, storing or disposing chemicals must be trained in this procedure and any local safe operating procedure for chemical spill where the chemical is being used, stored or transported.

  5. Controls must be in place to minimise the environmental effects of a chemical spill.

  6. When there is a major spill of a very toxic chemical or a fire hazard is created by a spill, UQ Security must be called immediately and the HSW Division must be called as soon as practicable.

3.0    Key Requirements

3.1    Risk Assessments

Risk assessments must be completed in UQSafe based on the chemicals that are handled and stored in the area to inform the spill response plan, and the location and contents of the spill kits; the safety data sheets (SDS) for the chemicals must be consulted for this purpose. SDS are available from Chemwatch and/or the chemical manufacturer/supplier.

The quantity of spill that can be safely managed must be considered when developing risk assessments for work involving highly hazardous chemicals.

3.2    Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are documents that provide critical information about hazardous chemicals. For example, they include information on:

  • the chemical’s identity and ingredients

  • health and physical hazards

  • safe handling and storage procedures

  • emergency procedures

  • disposal considerations.

SDS must be used when assessing the risks of hazardous chemicals and in particular when considering chemical spills and waste procedures. Refer to the Safety Data Sheets guideline.

3.3    Training

Supervisors and Managers must ensure that UQ workers are aware or are made aware, by providing adequate information, training and supervision of the health hazards that the use, handling and storage of chemicals may present and be given induction and training (including refresher training) prior to using chemicals, including how to respond to spills and emergencies.

3.4    Spill Response Plans

A spill response plan outlines the strategy and steps in responding to spills in an area. Each area must have a spill response plan that is known and communicated to the users. This procedure and the accompanying guideline should be used to inform the spill response plan that must be included in the emergency planning for the area.

3.4.1    Spill response procedure

The spill response plan must contain relevant spill response procedures that detail the materials and steps to follow to contain and clean up a spill. Spill response procedures must be displayed in the area where chemicals are used and/or stored.

Prior to cleaning up chemical spills, the SDS must be consulted for the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn and which collection and disposal methods must be followed.

The response to major spills and minor spills differs, regarding evacuation, high risk chemicals and other factors. Refer to the guideline for more detail.

Areas that use phenol or hydrofluoric (HF) acid must have specific first aid procedures included in their plan – refer to the First Aid Treatment for Burns Guideline for specific information. These must be posted in close proximity to where the chemicals are used and/or stored so UQ workers in these areas can access the information quickly.

3.4.2    Spill kits

Spill kits are used to control, contain and clean up spills. All areas using and/or storing chemicals must have a spill kit available strategically located around work areas in fixed locations so they can be easily accessed.

Selection and placement of spill kits should be based on the chemical register, the risks present in each area and work activities. The decision for the area must be informed by a risk assessment based on these factors and be reflected in spill response plans. Other relevant UQ chemical procedures should be consulted.

Spill kits must be checked periodically (recommended every 3 months or quarterly) and restored after each use.

The recommended contents of spill kits can be found in the guideline.

3.4.3    First aid

Immediate and correct first aid for chemical spills is essential. The SDS must be consulted for accurate provision of first aid response in relation to the chemical. Refer to the guideline for specific first aid response to chemicals including HF, phenol and cyanide.

3.5    Defining major and minor spills

Spills can be either minor or major, depending on the volume, location and hazardous nature of the substance spilt (refer to the SDS). 

A major spill involves the release of a type or quantity of a chemical that poses an immediate risk to health; or involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion. For some chemical spills, evacuation of the area or the entire building may need to be considered.

A minor spill is the release of a type or quantity of a chemical which does not pose an immediate risk to health and does not involve chemical contamination to the body. It is a spill that a UQ worker can clean up with confidence and without support due to the less hazardous nature of the chemical, small volume and effective containment.

3.6    Minimising environmental impact

3.6.1    Storage and secondary containment

Containers holding solutions must be placed in a spill tray that is able to hold the volume of substance held within the primary container/s. Spill trays must not contain incompatible chemicals.

Secondary containment is recommended for the storage of chemicals to prevent the spread of the substance if the primary container fails. This requires the primary container to be placed inside a secondary unbreakable container which may then be sealed. This secondary container must contain enough absorbent material to absorb the contents of the primary container and labelled to indicate the dangerous good class and contact details of the responsible person transporting the chemicals, in the event they are lost.

3.6.2    Chemical transport and secondary containment

A risk assessment must be completed when planning to transport chemicals between areas. When transporting chemicals between areas – including laboratories, buildings and campuses – secondary containment must be used to prevent a chemical spill.

Winchester/bottle carriers must be used for solvent Winchesters and other glass bottles.

3.7    Decontamination and disposal

The SDS must be consulted when considering the disposal of the spill waste and the clean-up materials. Appropriate bags or plastic buckets must be used, and these containers must be compatible with the spilled chemical. Contaminated equipment and clothing must be de-contaminated and if necessary, disposed of and replaced. Items that cannot be decontaminated must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

All spill waste containers must be labelled with a hazardous waste label and disposed of as per the SDS and Chemical Waste Operating Procedure (Environmental Management System) through the UQ Science Store.

3.8    Incident reporting

Incidents involving chemicals spills must be reported by completing an incident report in UQSafe. It is especially important that major chemical spills and/or those that involve personal contamination are reported in UQSafe.

In the event of an incident defined as “notifiable” by Work Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) (refer to Health and Safety Incident and Hazard Reporting Procedure) the area must firstly be made safe and then not be disturbed until any investigation is complete or the Regulator has given authority to release the site.

4.0    Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

4.1    Head of Organisational Units

Heads of Organisational Units must ensure that:

  • UQ workers are not put at risk from work with hazardous chemicals, or substances in their area of responsibility;

  • hazardous chemicals are used, handled and stored safely;

  • sufficient resources are available to enable compliance with the requirements of this procedure (for example, the availability of spill kits and trained personnel); and

  • the reporting of chemical spills is in UQSafe.

4.2    Supervisors and Managers

Supervisors and managers of work groups that undertake work with chemicals at UQ must ensure that:

  • risk assessments for the handling, use, transport, storage and disposal of chemicals are completed, including emergency procedures and spill kits;

  • safe work instructions or safe operating procedures (SOPs) are developed if the risk assessments require them;

  • risk assessments and SOPs are made available to UQ workers, where required under this procedure (for example, in relation to the safe response to spills);

  • UQ workers are provided with adequate information, training and supervision in the use, handling and storage of chemicals to minimise spills;

  • less hazardous chemicals are considered as alternatives;

  • appropriate PPE and spill kits are purchased for their area of responsibility;

  • UQ workers adhere to these procedures; and

  • spills are cleaned up and reported in UQSafe.

4.3    UQ workers

UQ workers that work with chemicals at UQ are required to comply with this procedure, including:

  • assessing the health and safety risks of using chemicals in the workplace prior to their use through assisting in completing risk assessments;

  • following the safe and correct procedure in responding to chemical spills;

  • adhering to operational level safe work instructions and operating procedures regarding the use, transport storage, disposal and safe response to spills;

  • reporting chemicals spills in UQSafe; and

  • participating in training.

4.4    HSW Managers and Work Health and Safety Coordinators

HSW Managers and Work Health and Safety Coordinators (WHSCs) are responsible for assisting workers in their areas in complying with the requirements of this procedure. They will assist Managers and Supervisors assess the risks in the areas and advise on mitigation of these risks through the completing of risk assessments.

They will work with senior management to decrease chemical spill hazards through their use, storage or transport, especially for large quantities of chemicals.

For areas in their responsibility, they will assess whether UQ workers are able to demonstrate compliance with this procedure and that any compliance issues that are identified are rectified in a timely manner.

4.5    Health, Safety and Wellness Division

Health, Safety and Wellness Division (HSW) in conjunction with local Health, Safety and Wellness staff, is responsible for providing UQ workers with education and advice regarding the safe clean-up of chemical spills at UQ.

HSW Division is also responsible for ensuring that this procedure is reviewed regularly and kept up to date.

5.0    Monitoring, Review and Assurance

Organisational Units and supervisors must review the need for local chemical emergency response procedures, spill kits, and trained personnel for their areas of responsibility following incidents, near misses or if there are any changes to processes or procedures. They must also undertake annual workplace inspections and review the local chemical emergency response, updating it as required.

The HSW Division will periodically review chemicals (use, storage, transport and emergency response at UQ) through its internal audit program against the procedure for compliance.

6.0    Recording and Reporting

Organisational Units are responsible for accurate recording of local emergency response procedures, training of personnel and the reporting of incidents into UQSafe.

The HSW Division is responsible for reporting an incident defined as “notifiable” to Work Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) (refer to the Health and Safety Incident and Hazard Reporting Procedure).

7.0    Appendix

7.1    Definitions

Bund – a small wall or barrier that restricts the flow of substances and contains them in a particular area.

Major spill – the release of a type or quantity of a chemical that poses an immediate risk to health; or involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion.

Minor spill – the release of a type or quantity of a chemical which does not pose an immediate risk to health and does not involve chemical contamination to the body.

SDS (Safety Data Sheets) – provide workers with information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.

Spill kit – provides the equipment and reagents for cleaning up spills and is appropriate to the quantities and types of chemicals in that work area.

UQ workers – for the purposes of this procedure includes:

  • Staff - continuing, fixed-term, research (contingent funded) and casual staff;

  • Contractors, subcontractors and consultants working under UQ systems and control (e.g., contingent workers);

  • Visiting academics and researchers;

  • Affiliates - academic title holders, visiting academics, emeritus professors, adjunct and honorary title‑holders, industry fellows and conjoint appointments;

  • Higher degree by research students; and

  • Volunteers and students undertaking work experience.

 

Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael

Guidelines

Chemical Spill and Response - Guidelines

Printer-friendly version
Body

1.0    Purpose and Scope

In research and teaching laboratories and other areas at The University of Queensland (UQ), incidents resulting in the release of chemicals may occur. While the risk is generally low, it is essential that all areas that store, decant, use and dispose of chemicals have a chemical spill response plan that includes appropriate procedures and materials to adequately contain and clean up a chemical spill. This guideline aims to give practical advice on how to respond to a chemical spill in the workplace.

This guideline should be read alongside the Chemical Spill and Response Procedure to help UQ workers:

  • design an effective spill control plan for their area for inclusion in the area emergency planning;

  • prepare spill kits;

  • decide when and who to call for assistance in the clean-up; and

  • determine the first aid response.

2.0    Defining major and minor spills

Spills can be either minor or major, depending on the volume, location and hazardous nature of the substance spilt (refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS)). 

2.1    Major spill

A major chemical spill involves the release of a type or quantity of a chemical that poses an immediate risk to health; or involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion. If any of the following apply, the spill is considered major:

  1. If the volume is more than –

    1. 100 mL/10 grams of highly hazardous chemical (e.g. carcinogen, toxic), or

    2. 1 Litre/100 grams of a volatile or flammable solvent, of a reactive or corrosive (acid or base) liquid/solid.

For some chemicals, evacuation should be considered at < 100mL. Always consult the relevant SDS.

  1. If the chemical is a hazard, that is, it presents an immediate threat to human health or safety or the environment, is unknown/uncharacterised or is an immediate fire hazard, such as an uncontrolled gas leak.  

  2. If the chemical is located outside of the laboratory or outside of the area where the chemical is normally used or stored, and/or there is no trained person available to clean up the spill.

A major chemical spill will usually require the immediate evacuation of the area, if not the entire building. It is recommended that responses to such scenarios are considered as part of developing risk assessments for work involving highly hazardous chemicals, as prior investigation can assist in understanding variables such as how laboratory ventilation may affect the spread of vapours and therefore what parts of a building need to be evacuated.

2.2    Minor spill

A minor chemical spill is the release of a type or quantity of a chemical which does not pose an immediate risk to health and does not involve chemical contamination to the body. It is one that an individual can clean up with confidence and without support due to the less hazardous nature of the chemical, the small volume and effective containment (e.g. 5mL of concentrated sulphuric acid inside a fume cupboard).

It is recommended that the quantity of spill that can be safely managed is considered when developing risk assessments for work involving highly hazardous chemicals.

3.0    Generic response table

Substance

Recommended Action

Organic chemicals

- Use an absorbent material such as vermiculite (if compatible with the chemical).

- Place spent vermiculite in a sealed labelled container for waste disposal by the UQ Science Store (336 52345).

- Flammable solvents can be cleaned up with absorbent rags and then placed in fully open headed drums that are sealed, suitably labelled. Purposed build solvent rooms with sumps might just need isolation to leave the spill to self-evaporate.

Oxidising acids

WARNING: DO NOT USE PAPER TOWELS OR SAWDUST TO CLEAN OXIDISING ACID SPILLS

- Always consult the safety data sheet when dealing with these types of spills. In particular, the hazards of the chemical (including acute and chronic health effects), reactivity information, safety precautions for handling and specific information for dealing with spills.

Acids

- For small spillages of acids use dry sand or carbonate to contain spill.

- The area should be flushed with water but not to the extent that the spillage is spread unnecessarily.

- Neutralise an acid with sodium bicarbonate by sprinkling generously over spill. A pH indicator should be used to check that the spill is neutralised.

- Spill kits should contain sodium bicarbonate (soda ash) to sprinkle liberally over the spill. If necessary, wear a P1 mask to avoid breathing dust.

Alkalis

- Contain the alkali spill using dry sand or neutraliser.

- Neutralise with boric or citric acid before clean-up.

- Residual alkali should be washed with water ensuring no contact.

- Spill kits should contain boric or citric acid to sprinkle liberally over the spill. If necessary, wear a P1 mask to avoid breathing dust.

Mercury

- Small spills should be removed with a mercury sponge, vacuumed up with a suction flask or dusted with sulphur powder (refer to section 5.3.3).

- Clean up the mercury thoroughly.

- Once the mercury is contained, clearly label and submit it for waste disposal by the UQ Science Store (336 52345).

Note: Mercury vapours are highly toxic – wear appropriate respiratory protection for spills outside a fume cupboard.

4.0    Generic spill response flowchart

5.0    Spill response procedures

5.1    Major spill procedure

Prior to cleaning up chemical spills, consult the SDS for the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn and collection and disposal methods to be followed.

If the spill involves a chemical that poses an immediate risk to health, or may result in an uncontrolled fire or explosion, or impact the environment (refer to 2.1.1), the following procedure applies:

  1. Evacuate the building by activating the nearest fire alarm (if there is a local emergency plan that has assessed the risks and a response is in place, the area specified in the local plan is to be evacuated).
  2. Call (336) 53333 or 000 for a confirmed fire and then security (always consult the emergency procedure card of the area), and provide details of the incident including location, chemical/s involved, approximate quantity and whether there is any injury or harm to a person.
  3. If the incident involves a personal injury or chemical contamination of the body:
    1. If safe to do so, remove the injured person from the immediate area.
    2. Locate the nearest emergency eyewash or safety shower. Remove any contaminated clothing from the injured person and flush all areas of the body contacted by chemicals with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes.
    3. Administer first aid as appropriate, refer to the relevant SDS, and seek medical attention. 
  4. Submit an incident report in UQSafe as soon as practicable.

Areas that use phenol or hydrofluoric (HF) acid must have specific first aid procedures – see First Aid Treatment for Burns Procedure for specific information. These must be posted in close proximity to where the chemicals are used and/or stored so UQ workers in these labs can access the information quickly.

5.2    Minor spill procedure

In the event of a spill involving the release of a chemical or in a quantity which does not pose an immediate risk to health or the environment (refer to 2.1.2):

  1. Notify laboratory/area personnel and occupants in the vicinity of the incident.

  2. Isolate the area. Close laboratory/area doors and evacuate the immediate area, if necessary.

  3. Before re-entering the area, refer to the SDS to confirm whether toxic vapours are likely to be present; if so, do not re-enter the area and seek advice from the local Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) Manager, Workplace Health Safety Coordinator (WHSC) or the Occupational Hygienist in the HSW Division.

  4. Remove ignition sources and unplug nearby electrical equipment.

  5. Establish exhaust ventilation. Vent vapours to outside of building only (open windows if possible and if not a certified facility or physical containment facility and turn on and/or select boost in available fume hoods).

  6. Locate the spill kit.

  7. Choose appropriate PPE as per the risk assessment and local safe operating procedure.

  8. Confine and contain spill.

  9. Acid and base spills should be neutralised prior to clean-up. Cover with appropriate absorbent material after neutralisation.

  10. Sweep solid material into a plastic dustpan and place in a sealed container.

  11. Wet mop spill area.

  12. Put all contaminated items (gloves, clothing, etc.) into a sealed container or plastic bag to dispose in the clinical waste.

  13. Decontaminate equipment used (e.g. broom, dustpan).

  14. Return spill kit to storage location (place sign that has been used) and arrange for used contents to be replaced.

  15. Inform the relevant manager (laboratory, workshop or WHSC) and supervisor. 

  16. Submit an incident report in UQSafe as soon as practicable.

5.2    Special spills procedures

Prior to cleaning up chemical spills, consult the SDS for the appropriate PPE to be worn and collection and disposal methods to be followed.

5.2.1    Bromine

  • Neutralise spill with a 5% solution of sodium thiosulfate.

  • Absorb with inert absorbent material.

5.2.2    Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

  • Do not use water.

  • See special emergency first aid treatment instructions, always located above the fume hood and in first aid kit for the work area.

  • For spills of any amount of concentrated HF or buffered HF outside of a fume hood EVACUATE LABORATORY AND CALL (336) 53333 FOR UQ SECURITY ASSISTANCE (consult the emergency procedure card of the area).

  • Neutralise with sodium bicarbonate (soda ash) or lime (or absorb spill with special HF spill pillow).

  • Absorb with inert absorbent material (do not use vermiculite).    

5.2.3    Mercury

  • Use a special mercury spill kit.

  • Use aspirator bulb or suction device to collect mercury beads (DO NOT USE VACUUM CLEANER).

  • Mop up mercury with mercury decontaminating powder.

  • Contact the HSW Division‘s Occupational Hygiene Advisers and ask for assistance if you are unable to accomplish adequate clean up.

  • Label waste with a Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag and inform UQ Science Store (336 52345) that the sealed waste container requires collection and disposal. 

5.2.4    Acid and Caustic Spills (not Hydrofluoric Acid)

  • Ensure appropriate PPE is worn (goggles, gloves, enclosed shoes and respirator).

  • Ensure area is well ventilated.

  • Neutralise and absorb spill e.g. sodium bicarbonate.

  • Scoop up waste into plastic waste bags.

  • Mop floors after clean-up with water and detergent. 

5.2.5    Alkali Metals (Lithium, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium)

  • Smother with dry sand or cover with contents from a Class “D” fire extinguisher. Use of a Class “D” fire extinguisher is the preferred extinguishing/neutralising method.

  • DO NOT allow contact with water.

  • Collect waste into appropriate labelled container with a UQ Science Store (336 52345) supplied waste label and request its disposal.

6.0    Spill kit

The key to an effective spill kit is location and contents. Spill kits can be purchased through most vendors that sell chemicals or safety supplies, including the UQ Science Store through UniFi.

The following is a list of recommended items that should be contained in a chemical spill kit, however the contents should be adjusted to suit the local area’s specific requirements. 

6.1.1    Absorbents and neutralising material

Appropriate for the type and quantities of the chemicals used in the area. Suggestions include:

  • Universal Spill Absorbent - 1:1:1 mixture of Flor-Dri (or unscented kitty litter), sodium bicarbonate, and sand. This all-purpose absorbent is good for most chemical spills including solvents, acids (not for hydrofluoric acid), and bases.

  • Vermiculite or other inert absorbent material (e.g. unscented kitty litter, do not use for hydrofluoric acid).

  • Absorbent mats and/or socks.

  • Acid Spill Neutraliser - sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate.

  • Alkali (Base) Neutraliser - sodium bisulfate, citric acid or boric acid.

  • Solvents/Organic Liquid Absorbent - inert absorbents such as vermiculite, clay, sand, Flor-Dri and Oil‑Dri.

  • Bromine Neutraliser - 5% solution of sodium thiosulfate and inert absorbent.

  • Hydrofluoric acid - HF compatible spill pillow or neutralize with lime and transfer to a polyethylene container.

6.1.2    Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Goggles and face shield.

  • Heavy neoprene gloves.

  • Disposable lab coat or overalls and acid resistant apron (heavy duty PVC).

  • Plastic vinyl booties or acid resistant shoe covers over enclosed shoes and long pants.

  • Dust mask/respirator (all lab personnel must be properly fit tested before using a respirator). 

6.1.3    Clean-up material/equipment

  • Plastic dustpan and scoop.

  • Plastic bags (120 L, 3 mm thickness) for contaminated PPE.

  • One plastic bucket (20 L polyethylene) with lid for spill and absorbent residues.

  • Mop and bucket.

6.1.4    Other

Spill procedures print out or summary, and list of emergency contact numbers.

A floor warning sign (e.g. Floor Stands - Danger - Chemical Spill) or similar to warn personnel.

If relevant:

  • Hydrofluoric acid Antidote Gel - Calcium Gluconate.

  • Mercury Spill Kit - Aspirator Bulb and Mercury Decontaminating Powder.

  • Phenol antidote - PEG 300 or 400 glycerol.

  • Alkali Metals - Dry sand or a Class “D” Fire Extinguisher.

  • Acid chlorides - Oil Dri, Zorb-All or dry sand.

7.0    First aid

7.1.1    Chemical splashes involving corrosive or toxic to eyes or skin

Flood the eyes with water from the emergency eye wash or the skin with water from emergency shower continuously for 20 minutes. While flushing, remove all contaminated clothing as well as jewellery that could trap chemicals.

7.1.1.1    Delegate tasks to people

  • Call UQ Security on 336 53333 (St Lucia, Gatton) or 000 from other sites. Security will call an ambulance or seek medical attention from UQ Health Care (333 63333). Consult the emergency procedure card of the area.

  • Confirm site and meeting place with UQ Security/emergency team.

  • Person to stay by the phone and meet UQ security/emergency team.

  • Obtain the SDS.

  • Follow the first aid instructions on SDS. Poisons Information Service (13 11 26) can be consulted if the information contained in the SDS is not clear.

  • Provide a hard copy of the SDS to the injured person or UQ Security to take to the medical practitioner.

  • Person to contact the supervisor and the HSW Manager or WHSC of the area.

  • Complete an incident report in UQSafe

7.1.2    Chemical splashes involving non-corrosive, non-toxic substances to eyes or skin

Flood the eyes with water from the emergency eye wash or the skin with water from emergency shower continuously for 20 minutes. Ensure any contaminated clothing is removed.

  • Provide first aid as per the SDS and seek further medical attention at the UQ Health Care (333 63333) or other medical facility for always eye splashes, and for the skin if required. 

  • If the injured person is seeking further medical treatment or assessment, provide a hard copy of the SDS for them to take with them.

  • Complete an incident report in UQSafe

7.1.3    Special first aid

7.1.3.1    Hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid (HF)

Hydrogen fluoride is a colourless gas or liquid, called hydrofluoric acid as an aqueous solution. Exposure to these requires application of calcium gluconate gel, therefore areas that use these substances must have a HF specific first aid procedure – see First Aid for Burns Guideline and Working Safely with Hydrofluoric Acid Guideline for more information. These procedures must be provided to all workers who work with these chemicals and they must be easily accessed in the work area.

The first aid kit must contain the appropriate items to treat injuries from these chemicals.

7.1.3.2    Phenol and phenolic compounds (Qiazol or Trizol)

Exposure to these chemicals require application of glycerol, therefore areas that use these substances must have a phenol specific first aid procedure – see  First Aid for Burns Guideline and Working Safely with Phenol Guideline for more information. These procedures must be provided to all workers who work with these chemicals and they must be easily accessed in the work area.

The first aid kit must contain the appropriate items to treat injuries from these chemicals.

7.1.3.3    Cyanide

Call UQ Security on 336 53333 (St Lucia, Gatton) or 000. Internal emergency contact numbers may vary with each campus, refer to the campus emergency contact card for specific locations.  Inform UQ Security that the incident may involve exposure to cyanide as UQ Security carry a Cyanokit for emergency such as an exposure or poisoning.

Request immediate paramedic assistance and supply details such as building number, room number and where the casualty is located.

Cyanide antidote should ONLY be administered by a medical practitioner who is certain cyanide poisoning has occurred. Refer to Working Safely Cyanide Guideline. UQ Security and UQ Health Care have antidote-kits.

8.0    Induction and training

Supervisors and Managers must ensure that UQ workers are aware or are made aware, by providing adequate information, training and supervision of the health hazards that the use, handling and storage of chemicals may present and be given induction and training (including refresher training) prior to using chemicals, including how to respond to spills and emergencies.  The induction and training should include the following:

  • Nature of the hazards and properties of the chemicals UQ workers will be using.

  • Safe work practices to be followed when using, handling, storing, transporting, cleaning up and disposing of chemicals, including training in the proper use, fitting and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Spill response and clean up procedures, including how to use spill kits.

  • Emergency procedures, including evacuation, special decontamination procedures and post exposure procedures.

  • First aid and incident reporting procedures in the case of exposure, injury or illness.

9.0    Appendix

9.1    Definitions

Major spill – the release of a type or quantity of a chemical that poses an immediate risk to health; or involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion.

Minor spill – the release of a type or quantity of a chemical which does not pose an immediate risk to health and does not involve chemical contamination to the body.

SDS (Safety Data Sheets) – provide workers with information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.

Spill kit – provides the equipment and reagents for cleaning up spills and is appropriate to the quantities and types of chemicals in that work area.

UQ workers – for the purposes of this guideline includes:

  • Staff - continuing, fixed-term, research (contingent funded) and casual staff;

  • Contractors, subcontractors and consultants working under UQ systems and control (e.g. contingent workers);

  • Visiting academics and researchers;

  • Affiliates - academic title holders, visiting academics, emeritus professors, adjunct and honorary title‑holders, industry fellows and conjoint appointments;

  • Higher degree by research students; and

  • Volunteers and students undertaking work experience.

 

Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael
Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael