HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Responsible Persons: Owner of Hazardous Material, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) Department, Department of Public Safety
Hazardous materials are frequently used on University grounds and accidental releases of these materials may occur. A hazardous material is a substance (solid, liquid or gas) which is toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, radioactive or a reproductive hazard. Also included in the hazardous category are agents which may pose an environmental or biological threat. If the material in anyway represents a hazard to human health or life, then the material may be considered to be hazardous. The magnitude of the hazard depends on the amount of the material present and the inherent properties. A hazardous material incident or spill, for the purpose of this policy, is an occurrence on the premises of the University of the Sciences, or an incident or spill involving materials that are the property of the University of the Sciences.
No hazardous material may be kept in an unlabeled container at anytime.
Anticipate spills by having the appropriate safety equipment on hand. If a spill occurs, immediately alert personnel in the area and do what is necessary to protect life.
Call for assistance if the spill is large; a threat to personnel, students or the public; involves radioactive materials, flammables, corrosives, highly toxic, or reactive (explosive) chemicals:
| * | Confine
or dike the spill on your way out, if possible. (to keep the area involved smaller and
to decrease evaporation rate) Absorbent pads, spill socks, or neutralizers
may be used from the hallway spill kits. Spill kits should also be located near oil storage tanks. |
| * | If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish flames and all other sources of ignition, if safe to do so. |
| * | Protect floor drains or other means
for environmental release, if possible. Absorbents and spill socks may
be placed around drains. |
| * | Maintain fume hood ventilation (if applicable). |
| * | Evacuate
the area, warn others to leave and stay out of the area. Avoid touching
the spill, walking in it, or breathing it, whether it has an odor or not.
(Secure area, post a warning sign, if it is safe to do so.) |
During Regular Working Hours call:
| * | The EHRS Department: (215-596-8925) or (215-596-8843) or (267-295-3141). |
| * | Department of Public Safety: (215-596-7000) - Public Safety will contact the owner of the chemical (if not already notified) and the Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (215-596-8925) or the Manager Central Scientific Stockroom (215-596-8843). |
If the Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety or the Manager Central Scientific Stockroom cannot be reached, then the Hazardous Materials Specialist (267-295-3141) is to be contacted.
After Regular Working Hours call:
| * | Department of Public Safety: (215-596-7000) - Public Safety will contact the owner of the chemical and the Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety or the Manager Central Scientific Stockroom. |
If the spill is too large or hazardous for the owner of the chemical to handle, EHRS will obtain off-campus assistance from the University's emergency chemical spill responders (24 hour emergency line 1-800-423-2382 or the local # 215-289-3700). If immediate danger to life and property exists (e.g., fire), call 911.
Be prepared to report:
| * | The name of the chemical spilled (spell the chemical name) |
| * | The amount of the chemical spilled |
| * | Location of the spill (Note room numbers and contact names and phone numbers posted on laboratory doors, if applicable) |
| * | If it is still leaking and/or is it contained |
| * | Any noticeable properties (i.e., fuming, bubbling) |
| * | If anyone has been injured or exposed |
| * | Do your best to describe what occurred or what you see. |
Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct EHRS and Public Safety personnel when they arrive. You are needed to relay, and possibly receive, important hazard information.
If it is a small spill or a spill of a relatively non-toxic substance, it may be cleaned up by the owner of the chemical:
Anticipate spills by having the appropriate safety equipment on hand in your area. Additional equipment is available in the laboratory hallway spill kits.
Warn others to stay out of the area.
If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish all nearby flames and sources of ignition. (such as brush-type motors)
Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release. Absorbents and spill socks may be placed around drains. Contain or dike the spill to limit the physical size of the area of release.
Always wear the proper personal protective equipment when cleaning up spills. Rubber gloves, goggles, booties and cover-alls should always be worn.
Use an absorbent material that will neutralize the spill or suppress flammable vapors, whenever possible. When using neutralizers, the reaction must be complete before clean-up. (no popping or hissing) You may use a dustpan and brush to scoop the spill residue into the container. Decontaminate area with soap and water after clean-up.
Products of the clean-up should be placed in yellow hazardous waste bags or an appropriate container. (Available in the Central Stockrooms - Griffith Hall and McNeil Science & Technology Center) Seal bags or containers securely. Use strong tape on bags, and label the containers/bags with the chemical name(s) or as "spill debris." Bring the bag or container to the Central Stockrooms for disposal. Make sure someone is there to accept it. The EHRS Department must be informed of the spill. (X8925, X8843 or X3141)
If you think you have been exposed to a chemical:
* Strip immediately and wash. * Look for a hose, fountain, safety shower, eyewash, or any source of water, and flush with copious amounts for at least 15 minutes, being sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin. * Seek emergency medical attention. (Call 911 and call Public Safety at 215-596-7000)
Click here for additional information on chemical spills.
Click here for information on biohazard spills.
Click here for information on radioactive spills.
| University of the Sciences in Philadelphia • 600 South Forty-third Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495 • phone: 215-596-8800 • email: safety@usip.edu |