Hazardous Materials Incident
Hazardous materials are an integral part of campus operations and support the school in work related to clinical, research and academic missions of Idaho State University. Though rare, a hazardous materials incident does have the potential to occur.
A hazardous materials incident may be a spill or release of chemicals, radioactive materials or biological materials inside a building or to the environment. Risks occur if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment. Some spills may be managed by trained individuals, and others may require coordination with the local fire department or a Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Team. All major spills or emergencies should be reported immediately to Public Safety or Environmental Health Safety & Sustainability.
- Know which hazardous materials are in your area by annually updating the inventory.
- Ensure chemicals are properly labeled, stored, and secured.
- Complete all safety training and adhere to safe handling instructions, including the use of any personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Be familiar with and know where to find safety data sheets.
- Do Not mix chemicals without researching their reaction. Some chemicals may react to create poisonous fumes, ignite, or explode.
- Do Not use chemicals near an open flame.
- Know at least two ways to evacuate the area.
- In the event of a major chemical emergency, you will be notified by the authorities. Strictly follow all instructions.
- Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled material.
- Immediately notify affected personnel to evacuate the area.
- If possible, stop the spill and restrict access to the area.
- If possible, prevent the spill from spreading to floor drains or other places that may allow the material to flow into environmentally sensitive areas.
- If the spill material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Leave the local exhaust ventilation (fume hoods) on.
- Evacuate or shelter-in-place as appropriate, monitoring for ISU Alerts.
- From a safe area, Notify Public Safety (208) 282-2515, or Environmental Health Safety & Sustainability (208) 282-2310, or for emergency fire/medical assistance - 911 and provide:
- Location/building name/address of the leak or spill;
- Source and extent of leak or spill;
- Information about anyone experiencing symptoms of exposure (i.e. difficulty breathing, dizziness, irritation of the eyes, skin, or throat, blurred vision, fainting, etc.)
- Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
- Do not leave a safe area until known emergency response personnel or an ISU Alert advises it is safe to do so.
- In the event of exposure to a person, immediately wash/flush the exposed area for 15 minutes with cool water. Contact Public Safety, or 911 if it is a medical emergency.
- Discard clothing that may be contaminated, some chemicals do not wash out completely.
- Open windows, doors, and vents; turn on fans for ventilation.
- Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to Environmental Health Safety & Sustainability.
- Report all injuries to your supervisor, or Public Safety.
- Provide any requested information to emergency responders.
- Return to building only when authorities say it is safe.
Additional Resources
Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability
Submit a Safety Concern (non-emergencies)
PUBLIC SAFETY pubsafe@isu.edu (208) 282-2515 625 E Humbolt St Pocatello, ID, 83209
