Hazardous Materials Incident

UO Environmental Health & Safety has personnel trained in the proper cleanup and containment of hazardous spills or releases. Be familiar with the materials you are working with, and observe appropriate safety precautions.  Consult with UO Environmental Health & Safety for any questions.

In Case of Hazardous Spills or Leaks:

  1. Move away from the area to a safe location. Do not walk in or touch any of the spilled substance. Try not to inhale gases, fumes, and smoke. If possible, hold your breath or cover your mouth with a cloth while quickly leaving the area.
  2. Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified. Try to stay upstream, uphill, and upwind of the accident.
  3. Keep others away
  4. Notify:
  • 911 for emergencies
  • DPS at 541-346-6666. Provide dispatcher with information regarding spill (location, injuries, type of chemicals, amount).
  • Environmental Health & Safety at 541-346-3192. Provide information regarding spill
  1. Remain in a safe location to direct emergency personnel to the affected area.
  2. If you think you may have been exposed to a hazardous material inform emergency personnel immediately.
  3. Assist with obtaining information regarding the material (material safety data sheet [MSDS], constituents, common use).

Assisting Victims

  • Call 911.  
  • Move victims to fresh air, if it is safe for you to do so without jeopardizing your own safety. Taking care not to contaminate your own skin/clothing  
    • locate nearest eyewash or safety shower
    • remove any contaminated clothing from the victim
    • thoroughly flush all contaminated areas of the victim’s body with water for 15 minutes.

Evacuation

Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it is expected to affect the area. Other considerations are the length of time it should take to evacuate the area, weather conditions, and the time of day.


Shelter-In-Place

  • Rarely, during a major hazardous materials incident such as a railway tanker spill with significant release of hazardous materials into the environment, emergency officials may determine that the safest course is for staff to remain inside until the hazardous material is cleared. In some cases officials may recommend sheltering in place.
  • To shelter-in-place take refuge in a small interior room with few, if any, windows or other connections to the outside environment. Seal the space so contaminants cannot enter. 
    • Close windows and doors.
    • Seal gaps under doorways and around windows with wet towels, duct tape and plastic sheeting or other impervious materials.
    • Turn off ventilation system if possible.
    • Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may have been contaminated.

Non-Hazardous Spills or Leaks:

  1. Barricade the area of the spill.
  2. Attempt to contain the spill if possible.
  3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (if necessary) while cleaning the spill.
  4. Notify:
  • Environmental Health & Safety at 541-346-3192
  • DPS at 541-346-2919 after-hours or if the material is in danger of entering a storm drain or water way
  • Area supervisor