In case of an accident
- Stay calm! Don't rush to clean up an extremely dangerous or even lethal chemical in a panic. Pause for a moment to assess the situation.
- Firstly, assess the size of the accident or spill and alert other people working in the lab. Call 1-1-2 if necessary.
- There is a Poison Centre at Landspítali University Hospital that can advise you on how to respond to a toxic chemical spill. The telephone number is 543 2222
- The next step is to contain the spill as far as possible, remove and attend to anyone who has been hurt or exposed and administer first aid as required.
- Note that it is not necessarily a good idea to open a window, since this could change the negative pressure in the laboratory into positive pressure, which could lead to greater spread of contaminants.
- Be aware of the fact that some gases have no odour, e.g. carbon monoxide, and some chemicals can dull your sense of smell, e.g. hydrogen peroxide.
Don't forget to report the accident!
Emergency response to chemical spills
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Call for help from people nearby. |
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Generally, if a chemical splashes on your skin or in your eyes, it is best to rinse the affected area with water immediately. However, some chemicals are more harmful than others and you should rinse for longer if the chemical is more hazardous.
These numbers are only meant to serve as guidelines, but it is vital to start rinsing right away. |
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If a chemical gets into your eye a quick response is crucial. There is an emergency eye wash attached to at least one tap in every lab in the University.
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If you require medical assistance, call 1-1-2 immediately. |
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If an ambulance is on the way, someone must be sent out to meet it and show the ambulance crew where to go. |
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Don't forget to report the accident! |
For minor chemical spills
If the spill is minor, you can use absorbent and spill socks, as found in the chemical spill kit, to clean it up.
This is what you should do:
- The first thing you will find in the spill kit is a sheet giving information on the contents of the kit and simple instructions for use.
- Before you start cleaning up the spill, ask everyone else to leave the room and wait – this is in their best interests.
- Start by protecting yourself: at a minimum, put on a mask, safety goggles and gloves.
- Use the spill sock to contain the spill – if it is heading towards a drain, for example, it must be stopped. You can also use the spill sock to sweep broken glass and splashes together.
- Sweep up broken glass and place it in the plastic container.
- Sprinkle absorbent over the spill and allow it to soak up the liquid. Then sweep this up and place it in a plastic bag.
- Use towels to wipe up any remaining liquid and place them all together in a plastic bag.
- Collect everything into the plastic container, label it as hazardous waste, and broken glass if applicable, and put it in the building's hazardous waste area.
- Contact the UI Health and Safety Committee to get the spill kit refilled.
Don't forget to report the accident!
Emergency response to needle-stick or sharps injuries
If working with human or animal tissue samples:
- Squeeze the blood out of the wound as far as possible.
- Rinse the wound under running water and dry it.
- Disinfect the wound.
- Go to the hospital emergency room – remember to take all the information you have about the sample.
The hospital will provide the following emergency treatment:
- A blood sample will be taken
- This sample is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as routine – more tests will be run if deemed necessary.
- In the case of a high risk needle-stick or sharps injury, or when the origin of the needle/instrument is unknown, you will need to have follow-up blood tests in 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Ekki gleyma að tilkynna slysið!