How-to: Neutralise Chemical Spills
Handling Acid & Alkali Spills
These spills don’t just happen in laboratories – Many household cleaning products and industrial fluids are also acid and alkali based, which is partly what makes them so effective. This makes it important to take additional precautions to ensure a safe spill clean up. First it’s important to understand pH – pH is the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a chemical, as represented on the scale below.
A pH of 7 is neutral, whilst a pH of less than 7 is acidic and a pH of more than 7 is alkali (or basic). Neutralising chemicals makes cleaning, handling and disposal safer. When an acid or alkali chemical spill occurs, we recommend the following steps as a best-practice approach.
- Prevent exposure
Many chemicals are harmful if ingested or handled. Reduce your risk of exposure by wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, respirators and safety goggles. Turn off air conditioning and fans to prevent the spread of dust and vapours. - Contain the spill
Use chemical socks around the spill area to prevent the spread. - Neutralise & Absorb
Use acid or alkali neutralising powder on and around the spill until it is fully absorbed. During the neutralisation process the contents may bubble, change colour and emit fumes. Avoid inhalation and use a pH tester to determine once the spill has a pH of ~7. - Dispose
Sweep or vacuum the powder and dispose of in accordance with your local regulations. Use chemical absorbent pads to clean up any remaining residue. - Decontaminate
Wash spill site with soapy water after initial pickup is complete.
Note: Always consult the chemical Safety Data Sheet. If the spill is too large and cannot be safely contained, evacuate the area and call emergency services by phoning triple zero ‘000’.
Acid and alkali neutralisers are available to purchase from Stratex and are recommended to be used in conjunction with our Chemical Spill Kits.
For further information on chemical spill control, please contact us on 1300 991 180 or email [email protected].
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30L Chemical Spill Kit – Acid NeutralisingHeavy duty spill kits designed to neutralise, contain and absorb chemical spills, including acids and alkalis.
All Stratex Spill Kits are compliant with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested.
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30L Chemical Spill Kit – Alkali NeutralisingHeavy duty spill kits designed to neutralise, contain and absorb chemical spills, including acids and alkalis.
All Stratex Spill Kits are compliant with Australian standards and regulations, and our absorbents are quality tested.
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Acid Neutralising Powder – 4L BottleStratex Acid Neutraliser has a pH of 10.7 (1% Solution) and is designed to absorb and neutralise small acid spills. The Acid Neutraliser is a white powder which is spread over small spills, allowing for safe handling and non-hazardous disposal. Suitable for use with spills of acidic chemicals such as methanoic acid, ethanoic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid or similar. It is not recommended for use with hydrofluoric acid.
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Alkali Neutralising Powder – 4L BottleStratex Alkali Neutraliser has a pH of 2.2 (10g/l @ 20°C) and is designed to absorb and neutralise small alkaline spills. The Alkali Neutraliser is a white powder which is spread over small spills, allowing for safe handling and non-hazardous disposal. Suitable for use with spills of alkaline chemicals such as ammonia, calcium carbonate (lime), sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (potash) or similar.
NOTE: Ensure suitable Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when using Stratex Alkali Neutraliser. Ensure the chemical does not come into contact with skin or clothing, and that no fumes emitted during the neutralisation are inhaled.
