Chemical Spills

Upon discovering a chemical spill the following precautions should be taken:

1. Attend to any injured or contaminated people. Flush any skin or eye contamination with water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Alert other people in the area about the spill.

3. During work hours call RM/EHOS at X 3995 to report the spill. During off hours call Public Safety at 9-911. Provide your name, department, location of the spill, and type of chemical spill.

4. Confine the spill area and limit access to the area by shutting the room door.

5. If the material is flammable extinguish any open flames such as lab burners. Do not operate light switches, phones, or fire alarms due to the possibility of sparks.

6. Avoid breathing vapors from the spill.

7. Protect yourself by keeping a safe distance from the spilled material. Evacuate to a safe area away from the building for a major spill.

8. Do not return to the building until instructed that it is safe to do so.

9. If the spill is outside, consider wind conditions and remain upwind.

10. If the spill is outside of the building notify Central Plant at X 2017 for ventilation control of the area if needed.