Most laboratory scale spills are not emergencies, as defined by OSHA. How can you distinguish and how can you safely clean-up a small spill? A series of definitions related to the risks associated with spills will be offered and the small spill response procedures will be explained. Examples of actual incidents will be used to illustrate the differences between a chemical emergency which invokes HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120(q)) and one which does not result in an emergency response.