Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials

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

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)