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Emergency Procedures

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What would you do if the following occurred? List the actions/ responses you would take.

Examples:• Minor solvent spill: While running a column in DCM/MeOH under

pressure, column glassware breaks causing solvent to splash all over the contents of your hood. A few flasks and column fractions are spilled.

• Major solvent spill: After returning from the stock room, 2 4L bottles of DCM are dropped (causing them to shatter) while moving them to the flammable cabinet.

• Fire: While working with Pd/C it spontaneously starts a fire on a lab bench. • Injury: An out of place power cord causes someone to trip. The individual

bumps his/her head on the edge of a lab bench and is bleeding. Stitches may be required.

Emergency Response Procedures

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Minor Solvent Spill• Use spill kit for solvent outside hood.

– (Do NOT use spill kits for HF, radioactive material, or mercury spills)

• If inside hood, close doors and sash. • Notify lab mates.

– Be conscious of solvent vapors (flammable, cause dizziness, etc.)

• Make sure there are no chemicals on you – remove lab coat, flush eyes, check shoes and other clothing

• Notify Chuck Tomlinson (4-2321) or Raul Caretta (5-8066) as soon as possible

Spill kit locations? – In CHEM, large spill kits are located in near 681in Kolthoff and the

hallway by the east elevator on the sub-basement in Smith.JST Emergency Response Information

spills that do not pose an immediate hazard, clean up manageable by researcher

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Major Solvent Spill

• Evacuate the area and alert others in the area• Remove victims to fresh air

– Remove contaminated clothing and flush contaminated skin and eyes with water for 15 minutes.

– If anyone has been injured or exposed to toxic chemicals/vapors call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

• Confine: close doors and isolate the area• Contact emergency personnel

– Call 911 and say "Call AHERPS”. Be prepared to give basic information and be given some instructions.

• Contact the Front Office as soon as possible:– Chem (4-6000) CEMS (5-1313)

JST Emergency Response Information

Spill that presents an immediate hazard (fire, explosion, chemical exposure, etc.) or is a highly dangerous chemical.

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Fire or Release of Toxic / Explosive Material

• If you are trained and the fire size is manageable, use fire extinguisher to put out fire.

• If unmanageable fire, remove all personnel from area.• Close off area to prevent spread of hazardous material or

fire.

• Call 911 to report the nature and location of the hazard.• Activate the building alarm system at the nearest manual

alarm station.

• In all cases, report the incident to the front office– Chem (4-6000) CEMS (5-1313)

JST Emergency Response Information

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Injury• If minor, go to the U of M Hospital Emergency Room

accompanied by another person.

• If the injury is serious dial 911 and describe your injury as well as your location.

• Notify Chuck Tomlinson (4-2321) or Raul Caretta (5-8066)• A First Report of Injury must be filled out promptly

JST Emergency Response Information

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Assisting an Emergency Response

• In the event of a building evacuation, fire, police and other emergency responders will go to the north entrance of Smith Hall, facing Walter Library.– If you have information

relevant to an incident, plan to head to the north entrance to meet them and answer questions.

Walter Library

Smith Hall

Fire Dept.

Lockbox