Chemical, Biological & Radiological Spills

Chemical Spills:

  1. Upon recognition of the spill, call 911 and RSU Police Department and secure the area.
    • Do not allow additional people to enter the building as they may become contaminated.
    • Chemical spills may be hazardous and require special decontamination procedures.
    • Contact with others may spread the chemical.
    • Do not leave the site until properly decontaminated or released by emergency personnel.
  2. Evacuate the area, as needed moving uphill, upwind or upstream. Allow designated emergency personnel to remove injured persons.
  3. For questions on spill response, call Physical Plant at 343-7818.

Chemical Spill Or Splash On Body/Eyes:

  1. Know the location of any eyewash or safety showers in your area. Remove contaminated clothing. Brush off any remaining dry chemical. Flush skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Make sure chemicals have not accumulated in the shoes.
  3. Seek medical attention for all splashes in the eye(s).
  4. For questions on spill response, call Physical Plant at 343-7818.

Biosafety Level 1 Organism Spill (low risk agents for healthy adults):

  1. Wear disposable gloves.
  2. Place paper towels over the spill and soak with an appropriate disinfectant.
  3. Place towels in a plastic bag for disposal.
  4. Clean up spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
  5. If disinfectant does not completely decontaminate the waste material, autoclave wastes prior to disposal.

Biosafety Level 2 Organism Spill (moderate risk agents):

  1. Alert people in immediate area of spill.
  2. Put on protective equipment.
  3. Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent materials. Avoid splashing.
  4. Carefully pour a freshly prepared 1 to 10 dilution of household bleach or other appropriate disinfectant around the edges of the spill and then into the spill.
  5. Allow a 20-minute contact period.
  6. After the spill has been absorbed, clean up the spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
  7. Place towels in a plastic bag and decontaminate in an autoclave.

Biosafety Level 3 Organism (serious or lethal agents):

  1. Hold your breath.  Do not inhale. Leave the room immediately and close the door.
  2. Notify others in the area to evacuate immediately, and assist others, if necessary.
  3. Remove personal protective equipment in the airlock or access zone. Turn potentially contaminated clothing outward. Remove gloves last and wash any exposed skin areas with antiseptic soap and warm water.
  4. Call RSU Police (343-7624) and alert them of the situation.
  5. Warn others not to enter the contaminated area. Place an appropriate sign on the door.
  6. Wait at least 30 minutes to allow dissipation of aerosols created by the spill.
  7. Coordinate cleanup with Physical Plant at 343-7818.