All chemical spills are different; this guide cannot give definitive guidance on how to handle every one. One thing is clear, however a professional response to spills, from planning to properly using cleanup equipment, will reduce the eventual costs (in injury, pollution, dollars, pride, and job security).
This guide is NOT a regulatory compliance manual. Many of the terms used in this guide have regulatory significance; however, this document refers to their common (not legal) meaning. Although this guide may be used in conjunction with your institution's regulatory compliance programs, it only provides an overview of technical considerations required to respond safely to laboratory spills.