Hazardous Material Spill Response

Emergency Spills Requiring External Support - Dial 911 or 631-5555

• Defined as greater than 1 liter, involving a toxic or reactive compound, presenting a fire or environmental hazard, or requiring additional PPE (e.g., respirator) and specialized training to properly cleanup.
• The following procedures shall be followed in the event of an emergency chemical spill:
  • Cease all activities and immediately evacuate the affected area (make sure that all personnel in the area are aware of the spill and also evacuate).
  • If chemical exposure has occurred to the skin or eyes, the affected personnel should be taken to the nearest safety shower and eyewash station to flush skin or eyes.
  • Dial 911 from a campus phone or 574-631-5555 from a cell phone. This will initiate both the Notre Dame Security Police and Notre Dame Fire Department response.
• The spill shall be cleaned by properly trained personnel using appropriate PPE (e.g., respirator, chemical resistant suit).
• Spill cleanup supplies, such as absorbents and gloves, contaminated with hazardous waste spills shall be managed as hazardous waste and picked up by RMS.

Incidental Spill

• Defined as less than 1 liter or not involving a toxic or reactive material, not presenting a significant fire or environmental hazard, and not being in a public area such as a hallway.
• The spill shall be cleaned up by properly trained area personnel using conventional PPE (e.g., safety glasses/goggles, lab coat, gloves) utilizing the lab's or area spill kit.
• Detailed cleanup procedures are found in Section 22.7 of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (1 mb, pdf).
• Spill cleanup supplies, such as absorbents and gloves, contaminated with hazardous waste spills shall be managed as hazardous waste and picked up by RMS.