Hazardous Materials

For fumes and vapors only -- any spark may cause ignition leading to explosion.  Do not call ferom cell phones or two-way radios.  Do not pull fire alarms if you detect gas.

Fumes and Vapors
Minor Spills
Major Spills

Fumes and Vapors

• You may be overcome by fumes or vapors. Immediately evacuate the area.

• Some dangerous gases do not have an odor. Do not let your safety be guided by your sense of smell.

• Never enter a room or building from which a strong odor or vapor is being emitted.

• Avoid using elevators.

• Do not re-enter affected building or area until authorized by University Police or other officials.

For Minor Spills

• Notify others in the area that a spill has occurred.
• Prevent others from coming in contact with spilled material(s).
• If you can identify the material and are familiar with it, clean it up.
• Wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, respirator, etc. before cleanup.
• Try to prevent material from entering waterways. Build a dike around access points (sink, cup sinks, floor and outside storm drains). Spread absorbent material on and around spill.
• Sweep up absorbed spill from the outside toward the middle and deposit in leak-proof container. Label and dispose following hazardous waste management protocol.
• Wash the contaminated surface with soapy water. Report the spill to your supervisor and to Environmental Health and Safety at 585-245-5663.

For Major Spills

• Dial 911 from a campus or blue light emergency phone.
• Notify others in the area that a spill has occurred.
• For flammable materials, turn off all ignition sources.
• Close doors to the area where the spill occurred.
  
• Limit access to the area. Do not attempt to clean up a spill.
  
• Stand by area outside the building until help arrives.
• If you are injured in a hazardous material spill, seek immediate medical attention.

When reporting a spill, provide the following information

•  Personal injuries, if any.
•  Contamination, if any. You and those around you may require decontamination to protect yourself and the lives of friends and family. Do not leave the site until cleared by emergency response personnel.
• Location of the spill (building and room number).
•  Name of material(s) involved.
•  Estimated amount of material spilled.
• Spill details

  How it occurred (if known or suspected) Immediate response actions Who first detected spill and at what time Call-back number(s)

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