EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO CHEMICAL SPILLS AND/OR RELEASES
Each department, shop, laboratory, studio, or work area must have an Emergency Response Plan which includes the appropriate site specific procedures and response equipment for dealing with a chemical spill. It is the responsibility of each individual using chemicals and chemical products to become familiar with this plan. The following general rules should be followed in the event of an emergency:
1. ACTIVATE ALARMS, IF NECESSARY.
Be familiar with the location of the alarm system in your area. If the incident could threaten the health of the individuals in the building, activate the alarm.
2. TREAT LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. FOR INGESTION OR INHALATION, CALL THE POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-800-252-5655.
The first priority in the event of an emergency is to protect the life and health of individuals whenever possible. Do not unnecessarily jeopardize your own safety. Know the location of emergency showers and eyewashes.
3. EVACUATE NON-ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL AND PREVENT ACCESS TO THE AREA.
Barricades of some sort with appropriate warnings should be set up to prevent inadvertent access to the area of the spill. This action may be necessary to prevent injury and to control the spread of contamination.
4. DIAL 911 TO INITATE OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN OR CALL CAMPUS SAFETY (7333) FOR NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
Get as much information as you can about the chemical or chemical products. If possible, locate the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Be sure that everyone involved is accurately informed as to the nature and location of the spill.
5. CONTAIN THE SPILL IF IT CAN BE DONE SAFELY AND PREVENT RELEASE TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
If the spill can safely be contained, prevent release to the sanitary sewer (sinks, drains), the storm sewer system, and/or the ground. Do not unnecessarily jeopardize your own safety.
6. INITIATE MATERIAL SPECIFIC CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES.
The Hamilton Fire Department will respond to the immediate emergency and stabilize the situation, if necessary. However, eventual spill clean up and disposal of the residue is the responsibility of the university and may be charged to the department(s) involved. Check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for proper spill clean up methods and precautions. Clean up will probably require a level of protection greater than normal use.
NOTE: The best response to a spill or release is to know the properties of the materials that you are working with and to have a plan and the necessary clean-up equipment in the event of a spill. For assistance, call Environmental Health and Safety at x7994.