Respond to chemical spills and dispose of chemical waste


If your facility uses or stores chemicals, you should review your chemical management practices at least once a year.

Your Work Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC) should complete a chemical safety inspection checklist

Respond to spills

In an emergency: 

Follow the Chemical Spill Response Procedure if a spill occurs. 

Prepare for spills 

Each organisational unit that uses or generates chemicals and other waste must be ready to manage spills. Your area must: 

  • hold appropriate equipment, including spill kits 
  • ensure staff are trained to clean up the types of chemicals used on your site (see training and induction requirements for hazardous chemical and laboratory workers).

Spill kits must match the type and volume of chemicals stored. The Chemical Spill Response Procedure lists recommended kit items. Safety data sheets (SDS) specify which agents can treat or neutralise spills. 

Store chemicals safely 

Follow the relevant guidelines for safe storage: 

Dispose of waste correctly 

Dispose of all chemical waste according to the UQ Science Store procedure. 

Never pour chemicals down sinks unless verified as safe. 

Consider disposal requirements before ordering chemicals. 

Check the SDS for each chemical for risk, safety, and disposal information. 

If unsure: 

Complete required training 

You must complete training before you start work with hazardous chemicals or laboratory work. Check the training and induction requirements for hazardous chemical and laboratory workers.