How should you handle a small spill of a non-volatile liquid on a clean surface?

• A. Isolate the area, wear appropriate PPE, contain the spill with absorbents, and collect for proper disposal
• B. Sweep the spill into a corner
• C. Flush with water and allow it to drain away
• D. Cover with plastic wrap and leave

Answer: (A)

Handling a small spill of a non-volatile liquid on a clean surface focuses on preventing spread, protecting people, and securing proper disposal. Start by isolating the area to keep others from stepping into the spill. Put on appropriate PPE—gloves and eye protection are the baseline, and a lab coat or apron may be used as well—to prevent contact with the liquid. Use absorbent materials to contain and absorb the spill, placing absorbents around the edges to create a barrier and then soaking up the liquid. Collect the absorbed material in a suitable waste container, seal and label it, and dispose of it according to hazardous waste rules and the material’s safety data sheet. After removing the liquid, decontaminate the surface as required and inspect the area for any remaining residue. Reporting and documentation may be needed per your program’s procedures.

Sweeping the spill into a corner would just move the hazard and create a larger cleanup problem. Flushing with water risks spreading the liquid, possibly into drains and the environment, and may be incompatible with the chemical. Covering with plastic wrap and leaving it in place fails to remove the hazard and can trap any residual liquid.