Hazardous Material Spill

What to Do Inside

  • If you are inside where a spill has occurred, immediately evacuate the building.
  • If you cannot evacuate, go to a protected, interior area of a building where toxic vapors are reduced, close all windows and doors and seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and thick tape, such as duct tape.
  • If there is risk of an explosion, close all shades and draperies.
  • Stay away from the windows to prevent injury from flying glass.
  • If you suspect that gas or vapors have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.
  • Notify Public Safety from a safe location as soon as it is practical at ext. 5911 or (206) 296-5911 or one of the 'Blue Light' emergency phones located around campus.

What to Do Outside

  • Move uphill and upwind; hazardous materials can be transported quickly through air and water.
  • Go to a protected, interior area of a building where toxic vapors are reduced.
  • Notify Public Safety from a safe location as soon as it is practical at ext. 5911 or (206) 296-5911.

What Not to Do

  • Do not attempt to clean up a spill.
  • Do not touch or step in spilled materials.

What to Do After Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Corrosives: these are substances that cause visible destruction or permanent changes of the skin tissue upon contact.

  • Wash your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes if they are affected. Eyelids must be open; do not rub the injured area.
  • Get under a shower, remove all clothing, and wash with soap and water.

Flammables: these are liquids with a flash point below 100 degrees F with vapors that burn readily.

  • Turn off the electricity main and gas jets.
  • Evacuate the building.

Toxics: these are poisonous substances.

  • Wash your hands.
  • Discard contaminated clothing or objects.
  • Use the appropriate antidotes.

Reactives: these are substances that can undergo a chemical or other change that may result in explosions, burns, or corrosive or toxic conditions.

  • Close all doors.
  • Evacuate the danger area.
  • Follow decontamination instructions from local fire or health authorities.