Hazardous Materials

Chemical and Biological Spills

If YOU can safely clean up the spill yourself:

• Review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Pick up broken glass with broom and pan and clean spill with appropriate spill clean up material                                             **biological spills should be decontaminated using 10% bleach and absorbent material
• Store waste in a containers labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste - [contents]" and the date of the spill
• Contact EHS at 913-588-1081 to schedule a chemical waste pick up                                                            
• For Mercury Spills - call EHS at 913-588-1081

If you cannot manage or clean up the spill yourself:

• Notify and evacuate those in danger
• Contain the spill if you can do so safely
• Close doors to isolate the area
• Notify the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office at 913-588-1081: 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; if after these hours, contact KUPD at 911 from campus landline phones or 913-588-5030 from cell phones
• Wait for responders to arrive and take direction as necessary
• Ensure any waste collected is in a container labeled "Hazardous waste - [content]" with the date of the spill; contact EHS at 913-588-5030 for a chemical pick up as necessary

Radioactive Material Spills

In the event of a radioactive spill, do the following;

• Notify all persons in the room of a spill
• Restrict traffic and control spill by isolating area and preventing spread
• Notify the EHS office at 913-588-1081 between the hours of 8am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday; otherwise contact KUPD at 911 (campus landline phones) or 913-588-5030 from cell phones
• Do Not allow persons in the immediate area to leave
• Decontaminate the area per instructions or with assistance from the EHS office

*Remember: Some spills may require you to Shelter-in-Place depending upon what and where the spill is located. Should a "shelter-in-place" order be given, follow the procedures listed here.

**All employees should be aware of the hazards and chemicals they are working with in their particular area -  YOU have the right to know. If you are unsure of a chemical that you work with frequently, look at the chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), or ask your supervisor for more in-depth training. For any additional questions or for additional information on Chemical and Biological Safety, visit the EHS webpage.