How to Handle Spills Of Corrosive Chemicals and Hazardous Liquids

Although fairly common in laboratory and industrial settings, chemical spills can pose significant health, environmental and property damage risks if not properly handled. As a 3M Strategic Distributor, JAM Industrial Supply understands the importance of having the proper equipment and protocols in place to safely respond to a spill involving corrosive chemicals and hazardous liquids. 

Since spills occur in a variety of settings where hazardous chemicals are transferred, stored or used, not every spill can be treated equally. Depending on the size and nature of the incident, different products are required to contain and safely clean up specific kinds of spills, which is why we have created this short guide to showcase the wide range of 3M spill control products you can use to safely and efficiently manage any future spills.

Preventing and Preparing for Hazardous Spills

The only good kind of chemical spill is the one that never actually takes place. The 3M Chemical Sorbent Roll (C-RL15150DD) is specifically designed to cover surfaces, such as bench tops and work tables, in preparation for potential spills of any kind. 

With over 150 feet of high-capacity sorbent material, this sorbent roll is by far the most cost-effective way of handling large spills. This very practical roll can be cut to fit into small spaces and to wrap around tight corners, and with an absorption capacity of 31 gallons per roll, your facility will be more than prepared to prevent hazardous chemicals and liquids from corroding work surfaces or causing environmental damages.

Containing a Hazardous Spill

Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan when handling hazardous chemicals and liquids. If a spill has already occurred, containing the spread of the chemicals is necessary to prevent potential environmental and health risks. When it comes to restricting the expansion of a hazardous liquid, the first step is always to control the source of the spill. 

3M’s Chemical Sorbent Pillow P-300 absorbs up to 12 gallons of liquid and is perfect for plugging the source of a leak. Small, lightweight, and tear-resistant, this mighty pillow has a higher absorption capacity than a solvent pad, and is ideal for containing high liquid volumes and heavy flows. 

Step two in Spill Response 101 is containing the spill. Surrounding a liquid with a fast-acting product, such as the 3M Chemical Sorbent Mini-Boom P-200, is a foolproof approach to containing a dangerous spill. Over four feet in length and with the capacity to soak up over two gallons of liquid per boom (six booms per box), this reliable mini-boom pack will ensure proper spill containment while reducing employee exposure to hazardous liquids.

Cleaning Up Hazardous Liquids

Promptly and correctly sanitizing an area that’s recently been exposed to hazardous liquids is a critical part of limiting human exposure to toxic chemicals, ensuring the longevity of work surfaces, and protecting the surrounding natural environment. 

If the spill has already been contained but there’s still a high volume of liquid to be absorbed, we highly recommend using the 3M Chemical Sorbent Particulate P-500 to soak up the bulk of the spill. Since each case can absorb almost 26 gallons of liquid, sprinkling the sorbent particulate material over a spill is a great way to minimize the amount of liquid that needs to be cleaned up manually. The solid particles will quickly absorb most of the spill and will be much more manageable to clean up than a large amount of liquid.

Wiping down and sanitizing the contaminated area is easy with the 3M Chemical Sorbent Pad (C-PD914DD). Specifically designed for small spill management and conveniently sized for easy storage, these practical sorbent pads absorb any remaining liquid and ensure that the formerly contaminated area is once again safe to work in.

An All-in-One Solution for Spill Response

In any facility where hazardous liquids and corrosive chemicals are handled, a spill-response safety kit is an absolute must. Never face a spill unprepared again with the 3M Chemical Sorbent Spill Response Pack (SRP-CHEM). Ideal for use in laboratories, industrial facilities, shipping docks and any other setting where hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and transferred, this safety kit includes three mini-booms, 10 chemical sorbent pads and a bag designed for temporary disposal of unsafe chemicals. This response pack is perfect for small spills of up to 3.5 gallons.

Another spill-response essential for any industrial setting, the 3M Chemical Sorbent Folded (C-FL550DD) is without a doubt the most versatile solution for spill preparation, management, and maintenance. Thanks to the perforations made on the roll in 16-inch intervals, choosing the correct amount of sorbent is as simple as tearing off a paper towel from a roll. Easily foldable and unfoldable, this all-in-one lifesaver can be used as a boom, a pillow, a pad, or a roll.

Ensuring employee safety and environmental protection is not an option; it’s a responsibility. A properly handled spill can be a minor inconvenience, while a mishandled one can be a major health and environmental hazard. It’s always best to be over-prepared for spills of corrosive chemicals and toxic liquids. Make your facility a safe place to work with our broad selection of chemical sorbents.