In the event of an accidental release of hazardous materials, please follow the information provided to assist us with our response.

Required Information, Reporting, and Procedures

Identification and Contact Information:

Biological (Hospital Areas) Call floor nurse or Environmental Services @ 4-4288 Or Hospital Safety @ 4-1246 (Campus Areas) or Call responsible investigator or BioSafety @ 4-2487.

Chemical (All Areas) During work hours (8-5 Mon. – Fri.) call Chemical Safety at 4-2487 or Hazardous Materials Facility @ 4-3797. After hours, you may reach the Director on call by paging 8744 or calling 288-6742.

Radiological (All Areas) During work hours (8-5 Mon. – Fri.) call Radiation Safety at 4-2487 or Hazardous Materials Facility @ 4-3797. After hours, you may reach the Director on call by paging 8744 or calling 288-6742.

Questions to be Answered:

• Your name?
• Your phone number?
• Your location?
• Where is spill located?
• What is the name or specific nature of the spill? (Toluene, 32P aqueous buffer, etc.)
• If radioactive, how much activity in millicuries?
• Estimated volume?
• Time occurred?
• Anyone hurt or contaminated?
• Has area been evacuated?
• Can you isolate the spill area?

Immediate Procedures:

• Leave the area immediately if spill is not readily controlled or if potentially dangerous.
• Notify others in surrounding areas.
• Isolate spill by closing doors or barricading.
• Place appropriate absorbent material around spill to prevent spread.
• Do not attempt to dilute or treat chemically unless advised to do so by OH&S
• If someone is injured, notify UAB Emergency Room @ 4-5105 as soon as possible.
• Stay close to scene until you see UAB Response Personnel

Many things can go wrong during a spill. If you stay calm, use common sense, report the answers to the previous questions, and take the necessary defensive procedures we can reduce the effects of hazardous material spills.