Spill Control for Laboratories and Research Facilities — UK COSHH Guide
Laboratory environments present unique spill control challenges — diverse chemical inventories, small quantities of highly hazardous substances, and workers who may be highly trained in chemistry but less familiar with environmental regulation. This guide covers COSHH requirements for laboratories, CLEAPSS guidance for educational establishments, and best practice for specific high-risk substances.
COSHH in Laboratory Settings
COSHH Regulations 2002 apply fully to laboratories. Regulation 6 requires a suitable and sufficient COSHH assessment for each hazardous substance used or produced. In practice, laboratories typically manage this through a Chemical Inventory system cross-referenced with Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The assessment must address: inhalation risk (fume cupboard adequacy), dermal contact, ingestion risk, and spill/accident scenarios.
CLEAPSS Guidance — Schools and Colleges
CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) provides practical guidance for school and college laboratories. CLEAPSS Hazcards specify spill response procedures for each chemical group. Key requirements include: designated chemical spill kits in each laboratory, trained first aiders with knowledge of chemical burns, and SDS available for all chemicals. CLEAPSS membership is essentially mandatory for maintained schools in England and Wales.
Chemical Classes and Spill Kit Selection
| Chemical Class | Examples | Recommended Kit | Key Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong acids | HCl, H2SO4, HNO3 | Chemical/acid spill kit | Burns, fume generation |
| Strong alkalis | NaOH, KOH, NH3 | Chemical spill kit | Burns, saponification |
| Flammable solvents | Ethanol, acetone, toluene | Chemical/solvent kit | Fire, vapour inhalation |
| Oxidising agents | H2O2, KMnO4, HNO3 | Specialist chemical kit | Fire acceleration |
| Mercury (elemental) | Thermometers, electrodes | Mercury spill kit (specialist) | Vapour toxicity, chronic exposure |
Mercury Spill Response — Critical Procedure
Never use paper towels, cloths, or standard absorbents to clean mercury spills. Mercury droplets fragment and can be spread, increasing surface area and vapour generation. The correct procedure: evacuate and ventilate the area; use a mercury spill kit (contains amalgamation powder or zinc dust to convert mercury to a non-volatile amalgam); collect using specialised tools; seal in airtight container; dispose as hazardous waste (EWC code 06 04 04*).
Formaldehyde and Carcinogen Storage
Formaldehyde (formalin solution) is classified as a Category 1B carcinogen and mutagen under CLP. COSHH Regulation 7A applies — employers must prevent exposure, or where not reasonably practicable, reduce to as low as reasonably practicable. Storage: sealed containers in ventilated COSHH store, secondary containment, minimise quantities stored. Maximum WEL: 2 ppm STEL (short-term exposure limit).
Last reviewed: April 2026 | Need expert advice? Call 01744 520 110 | Chemical Spill Kits | Specialist Spill Kits