Hazardous materials are an integral part of campus operations and support the school in work related to the clinical, research and academic missions of WashU. Although on-campus use of hazardous materials is generally safe, a hazardous materials incident can still occur.
Risks to faculty, staff and students occur if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment. Equipment failure, human error, natural disaster, or sabotage can cause these incidents.
How to prepare before it happens
- Know which hazardous materials are in your area, their locations and safety actions to respond.
- Be able to quickly access the appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products in your area.
- Make sure hazardous materials are properly stored and secured.
- Have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment available and accessible in your area.
- Know the locations of the closest eye wash stations.
- Know at least two ways to get out of a room.
What to do when it happens
- Immediately notify affected personnel to evacuate the area.
- If the spill material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Leave the local exhaust ventilation (fume hoods) on.
- Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled material.
- Call the appropriate emergency contact for your location to report the incident:
- Danforth Campus: 314-935-5555
- School of Medicine: 314-362-4357
- North/West/South Campus & Tyson Research: 911 then 314-935-5555
- Only attempt to contain or clean up spills if you have been trained to do so.
- If contaminated by the spill, avoid contact with others, remain in the area remove and wash off contamination and administer any required first aid.
- If you are not contaminated, remain in the area and close the door behind you to contain the spill.
- If building evacuation is required, pull the fire alarm and gather at your Emergency Assembly Point.
What to do right after it happens
- Provide any requested information to emergency responders.