Appendix B - Emergency Response Guidance

Owned by Laura Lehman (Deactivated)
Nov 01, 2018
5 min read


A.  Hazardous Chemical Spills
See Appendix Q for detailed spill cleanup instructions
1.  General Response Actions                 

    1. Stop the source of the spill, if it can be done safely.
    2. Attend to any person(s) who may have been contaminated.
    3. Notify laboratory professor/instructor and persons in the immediate area of the spill.
    4. Evacuate all nonessential personnel from the spill area.
    5. If the spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Use remotely located shut offs to avoid spark sources.
    6. Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled material.
    7. Employ external ventilation such as fume hoods and portable fans.  Keep portable fans upwind of the spill source.
    8. Secure supplies to effect cleanup.
    9. During cleanup, wear appropriate protective apparel.
    10. Notify the Chemical Hygiene Officer if a regulated substance (Appendix D) is involved.
    11. At least quarterly inspect the emergency response kits and equipment to ensure that it has the appropriate response materials.
    12. Emergency spill kits are designed to deal with the chemicals used in the laboratory where they are located. Laboratory professor/instructor are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate materials are available at the beginning of each class period. 


2.  Cleaning and Handling Instructions for Spilled Liquids        

    1. Confine or contain the spill to a small area.  Do not let it spread.
    2. For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases (less than approximately 500 ml), use a neutralizing agent or an absorbent mixture (e.g., soda ash or diatomaceous earth).  For small quantities of other materials, absorb the spill with a non-reactive material (such as vermiculite, dry sand, or towels).
    3. For larger amounts of inorganic acids and bases, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Neither acids nor bases are to be discharged into the storm drain or sanitary sewer. Neutralization prior to release will be considered by the CHO or emergency response personnel for some chemicals.
    4. Mops used in a cleanup must be resistant to the chemicals.  Determine if the water qualifies for drain release.  (Water with a pH < 5.5 or >9.5 may not be released to the drain.)
    5. Carefully pick up and clean any cartons or bottles that have been splashed or immersed during the spill.
    6. If a vacuum cleaner is used it must be approved for the material involved, remembering that the exhaust of a vacuum cleaner can create aerosols or dust and, thus, should be vented to a hood or through a filter.
    7. If the spilled material is extremely volatile, remotely disconnect the electrical power to the zone. Do not exercise electrical switches in the room where the spill occurred. Let the solvent evaporate and be exhausted by the fume hoods. The exhaust fans in our laboratories have explosion proof motors. 
    8. Dispose of residues according to hazardous waste disposal procedures outlined in Appendix F – Hazardous Waste… Handling and Disposal 


3.  Cleaning and Handling Instructions for Spilled Solids          

    1. For substances which are of low toxicity and solid (i.e. not carcinogens, allergens, reproductive hazards or poisons) push them into a dustpan and place them in a solid-waste container for disposal. Attach a completed Hazardous Waste label.
    2. Additional precautions such as the use of a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter will be necessary when cleaning up spills of more highly toxic solids.  Call the Chemical Hygiene Officer to get assistance and to report the incident.


4.  Instructions for Leaking Compressed Gas Cylinders

  1. Occasionally, a cylinder or one of its component parts develops a leak.  Most such leaks occur at the top of the cylinder in area such as the valve threads, safety device, valve stem, or valve outlet.
  2. If a leak is suspected, don appropriate protective gear and check for its location with soapy water or other suitable solutions.
  3. If the leak cannot be remedied by tightening a valve gland or packing nut, notify the supplier and take steps to move the cylinder outside.
  4. Laboratory workers should never attempt to repair a leak at the valve threads or safety device; rather, they should consult with the supplier for instructions.
  5. The following general procedures can be used for leaks of a minimum size where the indicated actions can be taken without serious exposure to personnel:
  6. If it is necessary to move a leaking cylinder through populated areas of the building, place a plastic bag, rubber shroud, or similar device over the top and tape it (duct tape preferred) to the cylinder to confine the leaking gas.
  7. Move leaking cylinder to an isolated area (away from combustible material if the gas is flammable or an oxidizing agent) and post signs that describe the hazard. Evacuate the area consistent with the degree of hazard.
  8. Corrosive gases may increase the size of the leak as they are released.  Move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area and use suitable means to direct the gas into an appropriate chemical neutralizer.  Post signs that describe the hazards and state warnings.
  9. Toxic gases - Follow the same procedure as for corrosive gases.  Move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area and use suitable means to direct the gas into an appropriate chemical neutralizer or absorbent.  Post signs that describe the hazards and state the warnings. 


B.  Fires and Explosions       

  1. General Response Actions                            
  2. Alert other personnel in the laboratory.
  3. Determine if the size of the fire should be attacked with an extinguisher. If the answer is no, vacate area and activate the nearest fire alarm. Fire alarm boxes are located at the main entrances to the building.
  4. If an extinguisher is to be used it should only be used by members of the Science Center staff - persons who have had fire extinguisher training.
  5. All of the extinguisher in the Science Center are Class ABC and can be used on most of the fires in the area. Inform Facilities Management anytime a fire extinguisher is used to ensure prompt replacement. 


C.  Personal Injury

  1. General response Actions                  
    1. Warn others and render assistance to persons involved.
    2. If further exposure is life threatening, then remove injured persons from the affected area.
    3. If chemicals are involved, wash person under safety shower and/or eye wash for a minimum of 15 minutes.
    4. Contact Health Services (ext. 4308) for guidance.  If they are not available, take necessary action based on gravity of the injury.  If the injury is life threatening and the subject has sustained an exposure injury, call 9-911. 
    5. If the subject is an employee in need of medical assistance and is able to walk, transport him/her to Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital Center for Occupational Health (Spotswood Valley Shopping Center). Ask EMU Human Resources (ext. 4049) to fill out a Service Request form for an appointment at Sentara RMH Occupational Health. For all other conditions, transport subject to Sentara RMH. Call the Sentara RMH Occupational Health Center before leaving the hospital and discuss the patient's status with clinic coordinator, 540-564-5622. 
    6. All injuries are to be reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Health Services using EMU Injury Report Form (Appendix B2 and B3). 
    7. For minor cuts or burns consult with the responsible professor.


  1. Employee Injury- Workers' Compensation
    1. Supervisor's Responsibilities Appendix  B(2)
    2. Employee on the Job Injury Report Form Appendix B(2)


  1. Non-employee Accident/Injury, Appendix B(3)
    1. Available in First Aid Boxes