Final answer:
In case of a large fluid/chemical spill, immediately inform the teacher, evacuate the area, and follow the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) protocols if applicable. Specialized cleanup procedures, such as chemical neutralization, containment, or bioremediation, should be executed by trained personnel, and flammable chemicals or biohazards require additional precautions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a large fluid/chemical spill, immediate action is crucial to minimize environmental damage and ensure safety. The first step is to alert the teacher or the person in charge of the laboratory right away. It's essential to follow safety protocols, which typically include evacuating the area to prevent harm to students and staff. If the spill involves oil or chemicals that may discharge into navigable waters or affect adjoining shorelines, the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule comes into play. Facilities storing significant amounts of oil must have a written plan detailing procedures for handling such spills, which includes measures like secondary containment.
Do not attempt to clean a chemical spill yourself unless you've been trained. In the classroom, teachers often have specific instructions on how to ensure proper disposal and cleanup, including chemical neutralization methods for certain substances. For oil spills specifically, different tactics can be employed depending on the severity and location of the spill, such as skimmer ships or bioremediation techniques.
Spills involving flammable chemicals require particular care to avoid any ignition sources. Furthermore, any bacterial culture spills must be saturated with disinfectant and cleaned thoroughly following documented procedures for handling biohazards.