General:

• In Educational Facilities - It is the responsibility of the faculty and the lab instructors to know the characteristics of the chemicals they work with and to take precautions to protect themselves and students in containing spills that occur.
• In Work Areas - It is the responsibility of employees to know the characteristics of the chemicals they work with and to take precautions to protect themselves and others in containing spills that occur. 

 For Any Chemical Spill:

1. First priority is First Aid. Any spill that results in personal exposure should be treated immediately.
   • Eyes/skin contact: Assist the person to sink/eyewash and flush eyes or affected skin areas with water thoroughly and continuously for a minimum of 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. If the injured person requires immediate attention, call 4-4911. Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals involved, if available.
   • Inhalation: Get the person into fresh air. Call 4-4911. Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical, if available.
2. When appropriate, get all personnel/students away from danger.
   
   
3. If there is time and no personal risk, protect property - first financial and student records, then other University property.
   
   
4. Evaluate the severity of the spill, identify:
   • the chemical spilled
   • approximate quantity
   • location of the spill.
5. Regardless of the quantity, immediately report the following types of spills by calling 4-4911.
   • radioactive materials
   • flammable
   • toxic
   • corrosive
   • all uncontrolled compressed gas releases
   • leaking containers
   • if you are unsure of the type of spill call 4-4911.
6. Report known radioactive material emergencies to the Radiation Safety Office by calling 8-3640 or Campus Safety at 4-4911 or RSSI at 847-965-1999.

General Cleanup Procedure - For Minor Spills Only:

1. Trained personnel should attempt to clean up spills. Cleaning up chemical spills is dangerous and should be performed by professionally trained persons.
   
   
2. Clear all persons out of the area who are not directly involved in the cleaning.
   
   
3. Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical that was spilled.
   
   
4. Do not switch on lights or other electrical equipment, as any spark could detonate combustible gas that may be present.
   
   
5. Do not re-enter the area until it is completely decontaminated and the all-clear has been given by authorized persons.