Hazardous Materials Incidents The actions taken when a hazardous materials incident occurs is dependent upon the level of response decided during the planning process. The following are basic response guidelines. Public Safety and the Fire Department (or other public agency responsible for HAZMAT incidents) should be notified immediately to respond. The following information should be relayed to both:
1. The nature of the incident (leak, spill, derailment, fire, or explosion) 2. Location
3. Area affected (area of the building, the entire building or does it threaten surrounding properties) 4. Name of the material(s) released (Safety Data Sheet information, shipper, rail car 4-digit UN identification number, placard or label) 5. Quantity, type and hazards of the chemical 6. Injuries, property damage or threat to the environment
Local, state, and federal environmental authorities, and the University’s insurance pro vider, should also be notified if the quantity of material spilled meets or exceeds reportable threshold quantities.
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) should be used to identify the chemical manufacturer, trade name and chemical type. The response instructions on the MSDS should be relayed to Public Safety and first responders.
Occupants in the immediate vicinity of the spill or leak should be notified immediately. If the spill or leak is serious, the emergency alarm system should be sounded for evacuation of building occupants.
The response team, typically Public Safety and maintenance, should be assigned the following tasks depending on the nature of the incident:
1. If there are any gases or vapors that could be spread by the system, the air handling systems should be shut down if safe to do so. 2. If there is a possibility of a fire or explosion, all energized electrical equipment should be shut down. Sump pumps or other electrical equipment located downstream or at a lower level than the spill or leak should not be overlooked when de-energizing electrical equipment. 3. If it can be done safely, the flow of the liquid should be controlled. First, stop the source, and then prevent the liquid from flowing into sumps, drains, stairwells, shafts, or other low points. Sand or other inert material can be used to prevent liquid flow. The following precautions should be followed: 1. No one should enter an area where they could be exposed to toxic chemicals unless they have been trained in confined space rescue, are outfitted with appropriate personal protective equipment, and are paired with a trained “buddy” who can affect rescue. Note: Federal OSHA has specific requirements for confined spaces (1910.146). The OSHA regulations
can be accessed at https://www.osha.gov/laws- regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.146 .
2. If vapors or gases in an enclosed room or area overcome someone, rescuers should not enter the area unless protected with lifelines and self-contained breathing apparatus. Confined space entry procedures should always be followed. 3. Manholes or other confined spaces should not be entered unless personnel are trained, properly equipped, and there is supervision. Confined space entry procedures should always be followed. It may be best to use insured and licensed outside contractors. 4. If exposed to any chemical, either on clothing, skin, or by inhalation, decontamination and
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