Emergency Response
Response to chemical spills will vary based on several conditions. Some spills should be cleaned up by the individual(s) who created the spill while others should be cleaned up by specialists trained in chemical spill response.
If it is an emergency, an outside resource may need to be called in (i.e. local fire department, HazMat team, private contractor, etc.)
If an unexpected release of hazardous materials does occur, campus personnel should initiate clean up if ALL of the following criteria are met:
- The spilled material is known, AND
- Personnel are familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), AND
- Personnel has available and has been trained in the use of the MSDS-suggested Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), AND
- The correct clean up supplies are available, AND
- Personnel are confident in their ability to clean up the spill, AND
- Your health and safety are not in imminent danger.
If all of the above criteria are met, then campus personnel should initiate work area notification and emergency response procedures including, but not limited to:
- Searching for and assessing injuries
- Requesting assistance as needed
- Sealing of the work area if necessary
- Alerting others in the work area of the situation
- Cleaning up the spill