Hazardous Material Spill/Release
Chemical, Biological or Radioactive Materials
Emergency procedures:
- Alert people in the immediate area of spill/release.
- Move contaminated victim(s) to a safety shower and/or eyewash station (except with injuries involving alkali metals – use mineral oil instead)
- Remove contaminated clothing and flush exposed areas for 15 minutes under running water.
- Secure the area and post danger signs.
- Call 911 or Campus Safety x4444 for emergency response.
- Evacuate the area if necessary.
When a spill, leak, or incident not involving fire is identified, personnel may take the following steps, as appropriate:
Notify others:
- This can be done by loudly calling (or yelling) to other occupants of the spill/release area.
NOTE: If it is a large spill/release, assistance will be necessary and the emergency actions may occur simultaneously.
- Any spillage or release is to be reported immediately to the Environmental Health and Safety Manager 554-5078. If occurring after hours, contact Campus Safety.
- When reporting an incident provide the following information:
- Name, telephone number, and location
- Time and type of incident
- Identify the material and quantity spilled/leaked, if known.
- Extent of injuries or damage.
- Possible hazards to humans or environment.
- If it is a large release (contaminates more than one room, has very toxic or flammable vapors, or may cause immediate threat to human life) activate building alarm to evacuate or start selective evacuation.
- Take appropriate steps to make sure no one evacuates through the contaminated area.
Secure the area
- An on-site person should vacate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination of others.
- Attempts to contain, or clean up spills or releases should not be made unless you have been trained to do so.
Assist injured or contaminated individuals
- Assist anyone contaminated by the spill, avoiding contact as much as possible, and use proper personal protective equipment. In the event of chemical contamination assist them to a safety shower or drench hose, to wash off contamination.
- Begin any required first aid immediately.
Emergency response crews
- A campus emergency command post may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the command post unless you are requested to provide assistance or you have official business.
