An incidental release of a hazardous material is a release that does not pose a significant safety or health hazard to the people in the immediate vicinity or to the person cleaning it up, nor does it have the potential to become an emergency within a short period of time. Incidental releases are limited in quantity, exposure potential, and toxicity. If the hazardous substances that are in the area are always stored in very small quantities, such as in the laboratory setting, the risk of a release that escalates into an emergency is reduced. 

It may be possible for the person who generated the spill to perform the cleanup provided that all of following conditions are met:

1. The spill is incidental, based on the definition described in this section.
2. The laboratory worker is trained in the hazards and clean-up methods of the spilled materials.
3. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and spill response supplies are available and used.
4. The individual assesses that there is no level of personal danger to themselves or other individuals in the work area or building.

If a release involves a hazardous substance, defined as:

• A material with high toxicity, volatility, flammability, explosiveness, corrosiveness, etc. regardless of the quantity released
• A material that poses a significant threat to public health, safety, or welfare or the environment from fires, explosions, spills or any unplanned release to air, soil, surface water, or ground water
• A material released that occurs in excess of reportable quantities identified under 40 CFR 355. A copy of 40 CFR 355 is available from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Reportable quantities range from 1 to 10,000 pounds depending on the hazard of the chemical. 

If there is any risk of injury to any campus personnel including the person who generated the spill, if available PPE is in any way inadequate, or if the number or qualifications of on-site personnel is in any way inadequate, outside resources must be requested immediately by dialing 518-276-6611 or ext. 6611. Do not allow anyone to enter the hazard area until emergency response personnel arrive.

If there is no risk of injury, PPE is adequate, and on-site personnel are qualified to clean up the spill, then laboratory workers can clean up small spills.

Spill size should not dictate how a spill is addressed. Instead, how hazardous the spill is will determine if the spill can be cleaned up by laboratory workers.

Spills that do not pose significant safety or health hazard to those in the immediate vicinity or to the individual cleaning it up, due to the size of the spill or the type of material spill, may be cleaned up by laboratory personnel. A spill kit should be available in your laboratory to assist in the clean-up of the spill.

If spills are larger than a laboratory worker can handle, or if any questions exist as to hazards or clean up procedures regardless of quantity or material, emergency actions should be taken. These actions should include:

1. Alert all individuals in the laboratory and surrounding area, using both audible alarm systems and voice communication to evacuate the area. 
2. In the event that an individual has spilled a chemical on their person, remove all contaminated clothing and rinse in a safety shower for at least fifteen minutes followed up by professional medical attention. 
3. Chemical spills that enter the eye, should receive rinsing for fifteen minutes in an eye wash station followed up by professional medical attention.

Further information regarding spills and other emergency procedures, consult the Rensselaer Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

The PI/Laboratory Supervisor is responsible to equip the laboratory with protective clothing and spill cleanup materials to respond to small low-hazard chemical spills. Specialized chemical and corrosives spill kits are commercially available. In addition, you may obtain these materials to make your own spill kit. A complete spill kit contains the following:

• 1 Pail, Plastic, 2.5 Gallon
• 2 Oil Dri pads (absorbs oil, grease, water and odors)
• Bentonite Clay (oil, coolants, solvents and water absorbent), 5 LB Bag 
• 2 Plastic Bags, Black, 3 mL, 23 x 20 x 481 
• Dust Pan with Brush, Polypropylene 
• 4 Zip-lock bags
• 1 Pair Disposable, Nitrile Gloves (Large) 
• 2 Tags with Ties for Bags
• 2 Pairs of Shoe Covers
• Disposable Tyvek suit
• 1 Label (sticker) "Chemical Spill Kit" for bucket 
• 1 Sign "Spill Area - Keep Out"
• 1 Instruction sheet "Cleanup of Laboratory Spills" 
• 1 Pair Safety Goggles
• 2 Pair Gloves Neoprene 11”, Long

PIs and laboratory supervisors are responsible for identifying mercury containing devices in their laboratory that should be eliminated. Departments are responsible for providing sufficient resources to provide alternatives and implement reduction/elimination of mercury from departmental laboratories. EHS is responsible for properly disposing of mercury waste from laboratories and educating the campus about alternatives.

If your lab uses any devices that contain liquid elemental mercury, such as thermometers, manometers, or sphygmomanometers, you must have a small mercury spill kit available to contain the spill. Mercury Spill Kits are available commercially through Procurement services. Use the contents of the mercury spill kit for initial containment.

The kit contains everything needed to quickly and safely clean up mercury spills up to 0.75 oz. (25mL) and prevent toxic vapor contamination. Mercury indicator powder identifies mercury in the area of suspected contamination. After an undisturbed period, the powder changes color to indicate that mercury metal or vapor is present. The powder converts mercury into amalgam for safe, convenient cleanup of mercury on work surfaces, floors and hard-to-reach areas.

If a spill occurs, seal off the immediate spill area and contact Public Safety at 518-276-6611 or extension 6611 from a campus phone.