Can I use the Environmental Safety (ES) supplied Chemical Spill Kit on all chemical spills?
There are 2 styles of spill kits that have been supplied by the ES: 1) The older version consists of an absorbent powder, a brush for sweeping it effectively over the spilled chemical, nitrile gloves, instructions and multi-part laboratory waste tags. The spill kit is specifically designed for use by lab personnel in cleaning up small spills (1 liter or less); the absorbent powder is compatible with most chemicals, with the exceptions of hydrofluoric acid and metallic mercury. 2) After March, 2007, we were not able to obtain additional absorbent powder and so have substituted gray absorbent pads (this also eliminates the need for the brush in the kit). The pads are compatible with all chemicals including hydrofluoric acid, but do not work with metallic mercury spills. They still have a maximum capacity of about 1 liter. Note that neither absorbent removes any hazards associated with the spilled chemicals and that the clean up materials must be treated as chemical waste. Call Police Ser
