| Chemical | Neutralizer, Absorbent, or Spill Containment |
|---|---|
|
Acids |
Sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, or calcium carbonate |
|
Acid Chlorides |
Dry sand or other inert absorbent. Do not use water or sodium bicarbonate |
|
Alkali Metals (Lithium, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium) |
Dry sand or contents from a Class "D" fire extinguisher. Do not use water |
|
Bases |
Sodium bisulfate |
|
Bromine |
5% solution of sodium thiosulfate or other inert material |
|
Flammables |
Activated charcoal, sand or non-combustible absorbent pads |
|
Hydrofluoric Acid |
Neutralize with soda ash or lime (or absorb with special HF spill pillow - standard spill pads will NOT work) |
|
Mercury |
Mercury amalgamate powder, such as Merc-sorb |
|
Oil |
Granular absorbent or oil-specific absorbent pads (especially important if a spill is on water; oil-specific absorbents will only absorb the oil) |
|
Oxidizers |
non-combustible absorbent pads |
|
Solvents (organic) |
Inert absorbent material |
|
Thiols/Mercaptans |
The odor of thiols and mercaptans may be removed with activated charcoal |
|
White or Yellow Phosphorus |
Cover with wet sand or wet absorbent |