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Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely, and in the university research setting, these materials are handled daily.

Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes and other property.

Spills Inside a Building

If there is a hazardous materials release/chemical spill inside a building:

• Isolate and secure the spill area.
• Warn others in the immediate area.
• Based upon the hazard, attempt cleanup if trained and if you have appropriate personal protective equipment.
• If assistance is needed, call 911 and give the location and type of material spilled.
• Evacuate the building if required (use of public address system preferred or use of building fire alarm system).
• Meet with and assist emergency response personnel.

Spills Outside a Building

If there is a hazardous materials release/chemical spill outside the building:

• Isolate and secure the spill area.
• Warn others in the immediate area.
• Based upon the hazard, attempt cleanup if trained and if you have appropriate personal protective equipment.
• If unable to do cleanup but conditions do not require evacuation, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 979-862-1111 or the appropriate Health Science Center contact.
• If assistance is needed, call 911 and give the location and type of material spilled.
• Do not wash spilled material into a storm drain.
• Meet with and assist emergency response personnel.

Personnel Injuries

If there is a personnel injury involving chemical contamination:

• Assist with emergency eyewash/shower use, as appropriate.
• Provide first aid immediately for serious injuries.
• Call 911 and give the location and type of material involved.
• Notify Emergency Health & Safety at 979-845-2132 or the appropriate Health Science Center contact.
• If it is possible to remove contaminated clothing without harming the victim, do so.
• Obtain a Safety Data Sheet for the material involved. A Safety Data Sheet is a document created by a manufacturer or distributor of a chemical that provides information about the contents, characteristics, physical hazards and health hazards associated with the chemical. For Safety Data Sheet information, visit .