How to Clean Up a Photographic Chemical Spill

If you are working in a home darkroom, you should be prepared for chemical spills larger than a few small drips and splashes. Here are a couple of tips to safely clean up after a small to mid-sized chemical spill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber gloves and apron
• Broom and dustpan
• Kitty litter or activated charcoal
• Waste bag

1. Be prepared for it. Keep your clean up materials on hand and ready in case you need them. In your spill kit you should have a pair of rubber gloves, something to absorb the chemicals, such as kitty litter or activated charcoal, a broom and dustpan, a protective apron and a hazardous waste disposal bag. For larger spills you may need to keep a respirator on hand.

2. Put on your protective apron and gloves.

3. Pour the litter or charcoal on the chemical spill and allow it to absorb.

4. Carefully sweep up the litter or charcoal and put into the hazardous waste bag.

5. Check with your local photographic supply store on where you will need to dispose of your hazardous waste. Do not throw it in the trash for regular pick up unless you are sure it is neutralized.

6. Mop your floor and allow it to completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use sawdust or paper towels to clean up flammable liquids.