Hazardous Material

Prevention

1. Utilizing built in controls can help prevent a Hazardous Material incidents.
   • Proper use of Fume Hoods (Only use Fume Hoods that are certified and working)
   • Proper Storage
     • Chemical Cabinets
     • Secondary Containment
     • Keeping incompatible chemicals separated

Protection

1. Review the Environmental Health and Safety website for information on Chemical Spill Management, Chemical Safety and Laboratory Safety.
2. Know the chemical information prior to working with the chemical.
   • Review the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
   • Know the hazards of the chemical.
   • Have and use the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) before using the chemical.
   • Have and maintain eye wash and shower systems.
   • Know the spill response plan to the chemical.
3. Identify and participate in hazardous material training.

Mitigation

1. Identify and obtain spill response materials, based on the chemical or chemicals being used.
2. Develop a spill response plan specific to the chemical or chemicals being used.

Response

1. In the event of a Hazardous Material, Radioactive Material , and/or Medical Incident call 9-1-1.
2. The following units may respond based on the scope of the incident
   • The local Fire Department
   • Campus Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
   • Campus Emergency Management
   • Local Law Enforcement
3. Be prepared to answer the follow questions when calling 9-1-1 or EHS
   • Name/types of the materials involved, quantities, location of the release, location where responders can meet you, and telephone number of the location.
     • Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for safety information on the specific product of concern. If personnel are exposed to hazardous chemicals, refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Section 4 for first aid information. Use an eyewash, drench hose or safety shower if necessary/available.
   • Attend to injured or contaminated persons if safe to do so, call 911.
   • Alert the Safety Representative, your supervisor, and other people in the immediate area to evacuate, close doors to affected area.
   • Have a person with knowledge of incident or area assist responding emergency personnel.
   • Do not clean up the spill unless you are familiar with the chemical and are trained to safely contain and clean up the chemical. Determine the size of the spill and respond appropriately, according to the spill response plan:
     • Immediately evacuate the area if you are not equipped to mitigate the spill (close doors to affected area)
4. You may cleanup the spill if:
   • You answer “yes” to all of the following questions
     • Is it your laboratory or work area?
     • Is it your material?
     • Is your PPE sufficient?
     • Can you clean up the spill in 15 minutes or less?
     • Is your training sufficient to clean up the spill safely?
     • Do you feel comfortable doing it?
   • You answer “No” to any of the above questions
     • Call 9-1-1 and your campus EHS
5. Cleanup the spill using the issued spill kit and place all cleanup materials inside the 5-gallon bucket for collection as dangerous waste.
   • Submit an Incident Report documenting the spill and injuries or damage to facilities.

Additional Information

1. Some emergencies require the evacuation of the buildings. The sounding of the fire alarm system or verbal orders in the building will signal evacuation.

Recovery

1. Follow WSU spill response procedures to clean up chemical waste.
2. If there was an injury, potential injury, or damaged to property complete an Incident Report.
3. Some events (e.g., active threat, explosions, medical emergencies) can have long-term impacts on individuals. Being able to talk about your experience in a safe, supportive environment may be helpful. If you are interested in confidential counseling and referral services, please peak with your supervisor and/or HRS about the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Student resources are available through the Student Care Network.