USM: Hazardous Materials
Chemical spills, leaks or strange odors:
- Remove yourself from the area, and keep others away.
- Do not walk into, touch, or smell any of the spilled substance.
- Try not to inhale gases, fumes or smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
- Stay away from any accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
- Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.
- Call the USM Police Department at 911 and state your name, location and information about the spill (area involved, injuries, type of chemicals, amount). The USM Police Department will notify the Manager of Environmental Health and Safety, Lab Manager, Facilities Management, and any other needed resources.
ALWAYS BE FAMILIAR WITH ANY CHEMICALS YOU ARE WORKING WITH .
If you have been exposed to a chemical, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for that chemical or chemical compound. Go to the Health Hazard Data Section, usually on the first page. This should include First Aid Information.
MSDS copies are maintained in each laboratory and work area.
