Chemical Incidents

Contact Chemical Safety

Call 303-492-6025

·¡³¾²¹¾±±ôÌýchemsafety@colorado.edu

Chemical Incidents

Who should I call if there is a chemical mishap?

In the event of an emergency involving hazardous chemicals, Environmental Health and Safety should be notified as soon as possible. If the emergency is life threatening, 911 should be contacted. If 911 is notified, be sure to indicate the chemical that is involved.

EH&S Department (Campus Hours)ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ÌýÌý(303) 492-6025

UCB Police Dispatch (After Campus Hours)ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 911 or (303) 492-6666

What information do I need to give responding personnel?

-Your name

-PI in charge of laboratory

-Type of incident (exposure, spill, fire, etc.)

-Type of chemical involved (name and hazardous characteristics)

-The volume/physical state/activity of the spill.

-Building/location/room number where the incident occurred.

-A phone number you can be reached

-A location where you are safe and we can meet you

Chem Safey Incidents FAQ

If a spill occurs, notify all personnel in the immediate area of the spill. All personnel not involved in the spill should vacate the area, being careful not to spread contamination. If the spill is large and you do not feel comfortable cleaning it on your own, contact Chemical Safety to assist.

Start by confirming you are wearing uncontaminated PPE including a lab coat and disposable gloves. Consider putting disposable booties on while you are cleaning up.Ìý

Once you have your PPE, proceed as follows:

  • If there is liquid, contain the spread with absorbent material that is compatible with the chemical. Be sure to block access to any drains and prevent merging with any nearby hazardous material. If there is solid, sweep up any spilled material and collect it in a sealable, puncture-proof container.
  • Clean the area with compatible absorbent materials, wiping from the outside of the spill zone, to the inside. This may require several cleanings.
  • Collect all contaminated debris in a compatible container or consolidate it in a compatible waste stream.
  • Fill out a Hazardous Waste Tag and submit it to UCB 413 for disposal.Ìý

If you need assistance with a spill cleanup, contact Chemical Safety at (303) 492-6025

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Try not to panic, follow the steps below to reduce exposure or injury:

  • Carefully remove any contaminated clothing and set aside in a plastic bag or on absorbent paper.
  • Utilize the safety shower or eyewash. Flush the contaminated area for at least 15 minutes.
  • Seek appropriate medical attention. Call 911 if the exposure is life-threatening.
    • Notify responding personnel of the injury, the chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
  • Notify CU Chemical Safety as soon as possible. (303) 492-6025

If the exposure involves an injury, submit a report to University Risk Management as soon as possible.Ìý

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Try not to panic, follow the steps below to reduce exposure or injury:

  • Move to fresh air immediately.
  • If the victim is not breathing, call 911. Use artificial respiration if available. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
    • Notify responding personnel of the injury, the chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
  • Notify CU Chemical Safety as soon as possible. (303) 492-6025

If the exposure involves an injury, submit a report to University Risk Management as soon as possible.

Try not to panic, follow the steps below to reduce exposure or injury:

  • Do NOT induce vomitting.
  • Flush mouth out thoroughly with water, do NOT swallow the water.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. If the exposure is life-threatening, call 911.
    • Notify responding personnel of the injury, the chemical involved and the nature of the exposure.
  • Notify CU Chemical Safety as soon as possible. (303) 492-6025

If the exposure involves an injury, submit a report to University Risk Management as soon as possible.