Introduction
EHS provides emergency response services to the University campus. This service includes remediation of incidents involving hazardous chemicals, biological agents, and radioactive materials.
Equipment
EHS has the equipment and supplies to manage spills and emergencies involving hazardous materials. EHS is geared to remediation of emergencies which would normally be encountered in a research or teaching laboratory setting. EHS has a fully stocked response trailer which contains equipment that few response teams have access to. EHS is one of the few groups in the southeast with a LATE–PCR detection system for identifying specific high threat biological agents. In addition to fully contained response suits, EHS has re-breather air supply units that allow for extended time in the active response areas.
Staffing
EHS personnel involved in hazardous material response are trained regarding their task during a response. Tasks include contamination setup, support personnel, information gathering and reporting and onsite remediation. Personnel responsible for site remediation have years of experience responding to hazmat emergencies on campus.
Protocols
EHS operates under distinctive protocols depending upon the nature of the hazmat emergency. Exact protocols are detailed in a series of flow charts which are available at the remediation site.
How To Request a Response
Almost daily there are several minor spills in many laboratories across campus. Lab supervisors handle most of these themselves. However, if assistance is needed you may contact EHS at 348-5905 during normal operating hours (8:00-4:45 M-F). At any time and after hours, you may contact UAPD at 348-5454 to report a hazardous material emergency. You should provide information including location, materials involved and a brief description of the situation.
What To Do If You Have a Hazardous Material Emergency In A Lab:
- Render aid if needed.
- Shut down equipment and experiments if possible.
- Leave the lab and keep others from entering.
- Inform EHS (348-5905) and UAPD (348-5454)