Hazardous Materials

Hazardous substances pose a significant threat to health and safety by their very nature and require an emergency response regardless of the circumstances surrounding the release.

Any one of the following criteria designates an emergency situation:

• The situation is unclear to the person causing or discovering the spill.
• The release requires evacuation of persons.
• Fire, suspected fire, explosion or other imminent danger
• Conditions that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health without direct contact.
• High levels of exposure to toxic substances.
• Endangeringthe environment  (e.g.- by entering the sewer or soil)

If the spill meets the definition of an emergency as described above, execute the following:

• 1. Pull the fire alarm
• 2. Call 911 from a safe location.
• 3. Contact Security Services at 337-6911 and the chemical hygiene officer at 337-6813 or 752-5219.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
• 4. Isolate the spill area and close doors to the room where the spill occurred.
• 5. Remove ignition sources and shut down equipment.
• 6. Establish exhaust ventilation to the outside of the building only
• 7. Evacuate

Attend to victims for a body splash:

• 1. Remove person(s) from spill area to fresh air only if attempts to rescue victim(s) does not present a danger to the rescuers.
• 2. Remove contaminated clothing while under an emergency shower.
• 3. Flood affected area with cold water for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
• 4. Wash skin with mild soap and water - do not use neutralizing chemicals, creams or lotions.
• 5. Contact Security Services at 337-6911

Attend to victims for an eye splash:

• 1. Remove victim(s) from spill area to fresh air only if attempts to rescue victim(s) does not present a danger to the rescuers.
• 2. Lead the victim(s) immediately to an emergency eye wash facility.
• 3. Hold eye lids open.
• 4. Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
• 5. Contact Security Services at 337-6911