Emergency: Hazardous
Materials Incident
In Case of
Hazardous Spills or Leaks | In
Case of Nonhazardous Spills or Leaks | Evacuation
| In-Place Sheltering | Assisting
Accident Victims
Only trained and authorized
personnel are permitted to respond to hazardous
materials incidents.
In Case of Hazardous
Spills or Leaks
- Remove yourself from the area, and keep others
away. Do not walk into or touch any of
the spilled substance. Try not to
inhale gases, fumes, and smoke. If
possible, cover mouth with a cloth while
leaving the area. Stay away from the
accident victims until the hazardous material
has been identified. Try to stay
upstream, uphill, and upwind of the accident
- Call 6-6666 immediately if on campus (911, if
off campus). Provide dispatcher with
information about the spill (location,
injuries, type of chemicals, amount)
- Leave immediate area but remain nearby to
direct emergency personnel to the affected
area
- Advise others to stay out of the immediate
area
- Assist with obtaining information about the
material (material safety data sheet [MSDS],
constituents, common use)
In Case of Non-hazardous
Spills or Leaks
- Barricade the area
- Attempt to contain the spill if possible.
Notify the Department of Public Safety if the
material is in danger of entering a storm
drain or waterway
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(if necessary) while cleaning the spill
- Notify the area supervisor
UO Environmental Health and Safety has personnel
trained in the proper cleanup and containment of
hazardous spills or releases; telephone 6-3192.
Evacuation
Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary
based primarily on the type and amount of chemical
released and how long it is expected to affect an area.
Other considerations are the length of time it should
take to evacuate the area, weather conditions, and the
time of day.
In-Place Sheltering
Seal space so contaminants cannot enter.
- Close windows and doors.
- Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet
towels and duct tape.
- Seal gaps around window with duct tape and
plastic sheeting or other impervious
material.
- Turn off ventilation systems.
Immediately after the in-place sheltering
announcement is issued, fill up large containers for an
additional water supply, and turn off the intake valve
to the building.
If gas or vapors could have entered the building,
take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.
Avoid eating or drinking and food or water that may
contaminated.
Assisting Accident Victims
Don't try to care for the victims of a hazardous
materials accident until the substance has been
identified and authorities indicate it is safe to go
near victims. Then you can move victims to fresh
air and call for emergency medical care. Remove
contaminated clothing and shoes and place them in a
plastic bag. Cleanse victims who have come into
contact with chemicals by immediately pouring water
over the skin or eyes for at least 15 minutes, unless
authorities instruct you not to use water on the
particular chemical involved.
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