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Chemical Spills
All chemical spills that take place on campus should be considered dangerous. University personnel should not attempt to handle any chemicals unless they are properly trained in handling chemical releases (i.e. laboratory personnel, safety personnel). If a chemical release occurs in your immediate area, the following steps should be taken:
Note: Radionuclide users should not evacuate rooms until they have taken steps to limit the spread of contamination, unless immediately warranted by any radiological or life threatening conditions. Limit the movement of all potentially contaminated persons to confine the spread of radioactive material.
1. If a corrosive chemical is spilled on the body, remove the contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with large amounts of water.
2. Call University police at (202) 994-6111.
Give:
- your name and telephone number location of incident
- Time and type of incident (i.e. spill, fire, explosion)
- Name and quantity of material(s) involved, if known
- Extent of injuries, if any
- Possible hazards to human health (e.g., toxic vapors)
- Damage to property or environment
3. Notify the department head or chairperson of the area(s) affected by the chemical release.
4. Evacuate all personnel from the immediate work and/or laboratory area.
5. If the chemical release has the potential to affect large areas in the building, the internal fire alarm should be sounded. Go to the nearest pull station and pull the alarm. Evacuate the building to a safe distance and leave clear access for arriving emergency personnel. Do not return to the building until instructed by the University Police Department.
6. Persons involved with the release of chemicals should remain near the scene to direct people away until the University Police and GW's Safety and Risk Management personnel arrive to assess the situation.
7. If there is a disabled or injured person in your area, assist the individual to the nearest stairwell. Immediately contact the University Police Department at 994-6111 with this person's location.
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