Spills of Hazardous Substances

 A hazardous substance spill is an unintentional release of a substance out of its container or vessel.

Spills create an immediate slip hazard and when hazardous substances are involved, there is the potential for greater consequences, namely the risk of harmful exposure, either through inhalation or skin contact.

For details on ensuring suitable local arrangements are in place to manage hazardous substance spills within a school or department, please refer to this university guidance document:

Hazardous Substance Spills Management - university arrangements

Key aspects covered are: 

• Application of risk assessment to dealing with spills 

• Spills response procedures – a step by step approach to safely dealing with a spill 

• Appointment and training of a Spills Coordinator (BUSC) within each business unit 

• Training of workers who may need to deal with spills 

• Provision and contents of spill kits and first aid