Emergency Guide Hazardous Materials


Hazardous Materials Emergency

Hazardous materials come in four forms:

  • Explosives
  • Flammable and Combustible Substances
  • Poisons
  • Radioactive Materials

    •  

    During a Hazardous Materials Emergency

    • If possible, leave the affected area immediately in the direction upwind from the source
    • If leaving safely is not possible, get indoors immediately and shelter-in-place. Do not leave the safety of shelter to assist others outdoors
    • Follow the instructions given by university officials

     

    If instructed to evacuate:

    • Do so immediately
    • If available, monitor local broadcast media for emergency information on:

     evacuation routes

     temporary shelters

     procedures to follow

     

    • Follow the routes given by university, and other authorities  shortcuts and other routes may not be safe
    • Carpool with others to minimize traffic congestion
    • Assist those in need (children, elderly, disabled, persons without transportation)

     

    If outside:

    • Stay upwind, upstream, and uphill
    • Try to go at least one-half mile from the source
    • Avoid contact with spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits
    • Avoid inhaling gases, fumes, and smoke covering the nose and mouth with cloth, if possible
    • Avoid contact with exposed individuals until the hazardous material has been identified and interpersonal contact determined safe.

    If in a motor vehicle:

    • Stop and seek shelter indoors
    • If leaving the vehicle safely is not possible, close the windows and vents and keep the air conditioning and heater fan off.

    If indoors, shelter-in-place:

    • Close and lock all exterior doors and windows
    • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems
    • Seal off air conditioners
    • Seal the gap between the doors and the door frames with plastic sheeting and duct tape or a wet towel
    • Seal the gap between the windows and window frames similarly
    • If gas or vapors enter the building, take shallow breaths through a towel or cloth
    • Avoid eating or drinking potentially contaminated substances
    • When the emergency conditions have ended, ventilate the shelter with fresh air

    Precautions for Exposure

    If exposed to hazardous chemicals:

    • Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities
    • Authorities may advise to shower thoroughly or to avoid contact with water and follow another procedure
    • If experiencing symptoms of exposure, seek immediate medical attention
    • Place contaminated clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers avoiding contact with other items
    • Advise others with whom personal contact was made of the exposure so that they can also take precautions or seek medical treatment

    Additional information is available on the following website:
    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/

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