In the event of a spill of chemical or biohazardous materials:
- If you have not been trained or equipped to clean up the spill, evacuate the immediate area and keep passers-by from entering the contaminated area.
- Call 911 to repor the spill (except mercury) and provide the following information:
- Location of the spill
- Quantity and type of materials(s) involved
- Whether biological or radioactive materials are involved
- Name of person(s) who caused the spill
- Name and phone number of person who is familiar with the properties of the chemical (e.g. principal researcher, graduate student, or other personnel in the building)
- Make arrangements to meet the responding agency with as much information as you have. The sooner information is accessible, the sooner the emergency can be resolved.
- EH&S provides clean-up and monitoring services to ensure the workplace is free of contaminants prior to re-occupancy.
- Laboratories may clean up their own spills if:
- the spill is in your normal work area and is a small volume of relatively non-hazardous material,
- the employees involved in the clean up have been trained to recognize the hazards associated witht he spill,
- the appropriate clean-up materials are available, and
- the employees involved wear the appropriate protective equipment.
- Do not attempt to clean up a spill if you were not present at the time of the spill.
- Do not attempt to clean-up elemental mercury spills, as this may spread the contamination. Report mercury spills directly to EH&S at 5-3041.
- Report spills of radiactive materials directly to the Radiation Safety Office at 5-8916.
|
