Hazardous materials incident

A hazardous materials incident is considered a spill of the following: Chemicals (liquid and solids), hazardous waste or oils (fuel oil: diesel and gasoline).

Only trained and authorized personnel is permitted to respond to hazardous materials incident.

In case of a major hazardous materials spill call 911 immediately

Provide the dispatcher with information regarding the spill, i.e., location of spill, injuries, type of chemicals, hazards, flammability of substances, SDS, etc.

• A minor spill is one that a trained employee is capable of containing safely without assistance from EHS or emergency personnel. All other spills are considered major.
• Do not attempt to clean up even a minor spill unless you feel comfortable doing so.

For a major spill or leak

• If conditions warrant, activate the nearest fire alarm.
• Immediately evacuate the area, closing doors behind you. (Refer to the Evacuation section of this guide.)
• Call 911. If dialing from a cellular device, there is a chance that you will connect with a police agency other than ASU; tell them your location and situation and they will direct you to the appropriate help.
• Do not attempt to clean up the spill yourself.
• Provide clean-up/response personnel with appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other pertinent information.

For a minor spill or leak

• Alert people in the immediate area.
• If you attempt to contain or clean up the spill:
  • You must wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Never attempt to clean up a spill if you are alone.
  • Avoid breathing vapors.

• Do not allow anything to discharge into drains!
• Use your spill kit.
• Bag or contain cleanup material and label it with a Hazardous Waste Tag.
• Contact EHS for waste removal at the number listed in the attached contacts page Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (leave a detailed message after hours).

Chemical spill on the body

• Flood exposed area with running water from a faucet or safety shower for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove contaminated clothing, place in a plastic bag and seal.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Check SDS to determine if delayed effects may be expected.
• Obtain medical attention at the nearest ASU Employee Health, ASU Health Services, urgent care or hospital. For locations nearest you, contact ASU Employee Health or CorVel using the number listed on the contacts page.
• Report all incidents to a supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for workers compensation paperwork, notifying EHS during business hours (see contacts page) or the ASU Police or local law enforcement agency for after-hour or weekend incidents (see contacts page).

ASU Environmental Health and Safety has personnel trained in the proper clean-up and containment of minor and major hazardous spills or releases and can be dispatched using the number listed on the contacts page, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the ASU Police non-emergency number, listed on the contacts page, after hours to request EHS assistance.

Employees must be trained in the safe use of chemicals and chemical waste management prior to working in a laboratory or cleaning up minor spills. To register for Laboratory Chemical Safety training or for Hazardous Waste Management Training, go to the Environmental Health and Safety website.