HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

SPILL PROCEDURES

For Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin or Highly Toxic Chemicals:

• Evacuate area immediately, regardless of spill amount.
• Close doors to spill area.
• Do not enter the contaminated area.
• Contact Emergency Dispatch at 716-9111.

For Minor Chemical Spills (Less than 300 cc) except for the above:

• Alert people in the immediate area of the spill.
• Avoid breathing vapors.
• Use proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, lab coat and/or spill apron.
• Use appropriate material to neutralize spill material.
• Place material in an appropriate container, label and dispose as chemical waste.

For Major Chemical Spills (More than 300 cc):

• Alert people in the area to evacuate.
• Do not enter the contaminated area.
• Contact Emergency Dispatch at 716-9111.
• If spilled material is flammable, and without placing yourself at risk, turn off ignition sources.
• Close doors to spill area.
• Have knowledgeable people to assist emergency personnel once on-scene.

 For Blood or Body Fluids:

• Use personal protective equipment (gloves) and eye protection.
• Use paper towels to absorb spill.
• Once spill is absorbed, discard paper towels in red biohazard bag.
• Spray area with hospital-grade disinfectant and allow contact for 10 minutes.
• Wipe dry with paper towels.
• Discard paper towels in red biohazard bag. Discard gloves in same bag.
• Wash hands.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

For Minor Spills (uCi amounts):

• Cover the spill with absorbent paper.
• Notify persons in the area that a spill has occurred. I
• If necessary, evacuate personnel to a safe distance in order to limit the chance of further spread of contamination and reduce risk of exposure.
• Wear disposable gloves; use tongs. Do not handle directly.
• Carefully fold the absorbent paper or pad.
• Perform a survey of the immediate area and decontaminate the area as necessary.
• Treat all cleaning items as radioactively contaminated.
• Place waste material in clear plastic bag.
• Report the incident to Radiation Safety at 716-1201.

For Major Spills (mCi amounts):

• Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room.
• Cover the spill with absorbent towels or pads but do NOT attempt to clean up.
• Leave the room, shut the door to prevent further entry.
• Immediately notify Radiation Safety at 716-1201.
• Stay in the immediate area and retain all involved personnel in a safe area outside the room.
• Personnel may be monitored for potential contamination.
• Person responsible for the spill may need to submit a written report of the incident to the RSO.
• Notify Environmental Health and Safety 716-9375.
• Have a person knowledgeable of the incident and area assist emergency personnel.
• Document names of persons potentially contaminated.