What should I do if there is a chemical or hazardous material spill on campus?

Hazardous materials are any elements, compounds or a combination that is flammable, corrosive, toxic, radioactive, or highly reactive, and that, because of handling, storing, processing, and packaging may have detrimental effects upon operating and emergency personnel, the public, equipment, and/or the environment. Hazardous materials can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes and other property.

The Environmental Health and Safety Office is charged with ensuring that all hazardous waste generated at ABAC is handled properly. If a question exists on how waste should be handled, assume it is hazardous and contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office.

Radioactive and hazardous materials are transported throughout the state by nearly every mode of travel. While many of these materials are in common use, accidents or spills present a serious threat to the health and safety of the general public.

Additional information can be located in the Environmental Management Plan located in the Office of the Physical Plant.

EMERGENCY SPILL PROCEDURE IF IN IMMEDIATE AREA

• Refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, the Environmental Health/Occupational Safety Handbook, and/or the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous material incidents. These reference materials are located in the Physical Plant and are provided to furnish initial information for your protection and the protection of others.
• Check to see if others are nearby and warn them of the dangers.
• Close off the room or area, if possible, and evacuate the area.
• Notify ABAC Police or 911 requesting the area Hazardous Material Team (HAZMAT).
• When calling, please advise of the following:
  • Identification of the material.
  • Approximate quantity.
  • Location of the incident.
  • Time of incident.
  • Any injuries.

IF INDOORS AND ASKED TO EVACUATE:

• Leave immediately.
• Refer to the ERP for information on evacuation routes, assembly points, and procedures.
• Follow the routes recommended by the authorities–shortcuts may not be safe.
• If you have time, minimize contamination by closing all windows, shutting all vents, etc.
• Remember to assist students and visitors who may have special needs.

IF INDOORS AND ASKED TO REMAIN INDOORS:

• If inside the building, remain inside and follow SHELTERING IN PLACE procedures.
• Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close vents, and as many interior doors as possible.
• Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems.
• Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should have the fewest openings to the outside.
• Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic and duct tape. Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom, etc. with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
• If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.

IF IN AN AUTOMOBILE:

• Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building. If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.

IF OUTDOORS:

• If outside the building, be aware of the location of the incident and directional movement of the contamination cloud, and evacuate the area, upwind of the incident. Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind!
• In general, try to go at least one-half mile (usually 5-6 city blocks) from the danger area. Move away from the accident scene, and help keep others away.
• Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If possible, cover the mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
• Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.