Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management
Accidental Release Measures
When a hazardous material is accidentally spilled, the emergency can be minimized if proper response is immediate. Therefore, reviewing this section before using a chemical will prepare you in the event of a hazardous spill. This section describes evacuation procedures, containment and cleanup techniques, and other emergency advice like personal protective equipment and respirators.
Information from this section will allow you to plan for emergency response, training of individuals using the hazardous material, and making available in the laboratory necessary equipment to quickly contain and clean up a spill or leak.
In most cases, if the spill is small, the advice in this section can be very useful. However, if the spill is large, evacuate the area and call Emergency 911. A Hazmat unit will be sent to deal with this emergency. Make sure that the doors of the affected area are closed and people are posted at them to prevent anyone from entering. Also be prepared to describe to the Hazmat personnel the substance spilled and the extent of the spill.
To see examples of Spill and Leak sections click on Methylene chloride MSDS or Bromine MSDS.