The first step in the event of a spill of a strong base is to

The first step in the event of a spill of a strong base is to

• A. Call 911
• B. Alert and evacuate those in the immediate area out of harm’s way
• C. Throw kitty litter on the spill
• D. Neutralize with absorbent materials in a spill kit

Answer: (B)

The first priority in a strong base spill is to protect people. A caustic substance can cause severe skin and eye burns and inhalation hazards, so the immediate action is to alert others and evacuate those in the affected area to keep everyone out of harm’s way. Only after the area is secured and people are safe do you bring in the spill plan: notify the proper personnel, isolate the spill, and begin cleanup with the appropriate spill kit and PPE if you’ve been trained to do so. Eyes and skin should never be exposed to the spill while you’re still deciding what to do, so safety of people always comes before containment or neutralization steps. Large or uncontrolled spills require emergency responders, but the critical first move is removing people from exposure.

The first priority in a strong base spill is to protect people. A caustic substance can cause severe skin and eye burns and inhalation hazards, so the immediate action is to alert others and evacuate those in the affected area to keep everyone out of harm’s way. Only after the area is secured and people are safe do you bring in the spill plan: notify the proper personnel, isolate the spill, and begin cleanup with the appropriate spill kit and PPE if you’ve been trained to do so. Eyes and skin should never be exposed to the spill while you’re still deciding what to do, so safety of people always comes before containment or neutralization steps. Large or uncontrolled spills require emergency responders, but the critical first move is removing people from exposure.