Sulfuric acid should always be handled with extreme caution. In the event of a sulfuric acid spill, entry to the contaminated area should immediately be closed to personnel unless they are wearing the required protective equipment.

The spilled acid should be contained and cautiously diluted to a minimum of 5 or 6 times it’s original volume with water. The water should be added gradually to the acid to minimize spattering. During the dilution process, personnel should stand as far away as possible from the spill to avoid contact with the acid and with the corrosive fumes that will be emitted. In the case of an oleum spill, highly toxic sulfur trioxide gas will be emitted.

A qualified person should determine the degree of dilution and the need for neutralizing the acid before recovering it or discharging it to a wastewater treatment facility.

Care should be taken to ensure that acid leaks, spills, or drainage do not come in contact with sulfide materials, because of the danger of evolving toxic and flammable hydrogen sulfide gas.

Once the spilled acid has been cleaned up, the contaminated area should be thoroughly washed or saturated with water. When the wastewater can be collected, it should be discharged to a wastewater treatment facility designed to neutralize acidic wastes. Applicable Federal/State regulations should be followed.