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College of Life Sciences
Emergency

Hazardous Material Release

Hazardous Material Release: Biological / Chemical / Radiological Spills

Only attempt to clean up a hazardous material spill if trained and you have the appropriate protective equipment.

  • Stop the source of the spill if it is safe to do so.
  • Alert others in the immediate area of the spill and notify others who can help.

  • Assess the hazard of the spill:

    • Nuisance (minor) spills are less than four liters of a known, low hazard material (i.e. salts, water, detergents, weak acids, weak bases, BSL1 agents).
    • Hazardous (major) spills are greater than four liters of a known low hazard material or a smaller volume of more hazardous material (i.e. unknown materials, chemicals with a LD50 less than 50mg/kg, LC50 less than 200ppm, unknown toxicity, carcinogens, flammable metals, radioactive material, infectious agents, toxins). Hazardous spills must be reported to the college safety officer.
  • Evacuate the area if needed for safety. Avoid breathing vapors from a spill.
  • Stay at the scene of the spill if it is safe to do so until trained personnel arrive.