Minor spills of hazardous materials that pose little or no threat to the safety and health of personnel can be cleaned by trained personnel. A hazardous material emergency exists when clean-up of hazardous material is beyond the level of knowledge, training or ability of the staff in the immediate area or if the spill creates a situation that is immediately dangerous to the life and health of those in the facility or surrounding area.
Indoor/laboratory hazardous material emergency
- Dial 911 and provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher
- Implement the evacuation procedure and exit to designated outdoor assembly area
- If the hazard affects the entire building, evacuate the building using the fire alarm
- Turn off adjacent burners or heating equipment to minimize risk of fire
- Close doors and windows as you leave the room to confine the hazard
- Stay in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and give direction
Outdoor hazardous material emergency
- Dial 911 and provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher
- Implement the shelter-in-place procedure; take shelter indoors and away from the hazard
- Seal rooms and offices
- Understand that it may become necessary for university personnel to shut down the HVAC system to prevent fumes or smoke from entering the building
- Remain inside until “all clear” is issued by emergency personnel
Gas Leaks and/or unknown odors should be reported to UCF Police by calling 911.