Hazardous Materials Exposure

Some areas on campus contain hazardous materials (HazMAT), including chemicals, medical waste and biohazard waste. 

Hazardous Materials include any substances that are:

  • Flammable 
    examples: acetone, diesel, ethanol, gasoline
  • Toxic
    examples: arsenic, chlorine, mercury
  • Corrosive
    examples: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
  • Reactive
    examples: explosives, pyrophoric substances, water-reactive materials.
  • Oxygenic
    examples: hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate, bromine
  • Cryogenic
    examples: liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, dry ice
  • Radioactive
    examples: uranium, thorium, radium

If you suspect a HAZMAT release, exposure or danger

Immediately notify the University Police Department:

  • Dial 9-1-1 from a campus desk phone
  • Dial 415-338-2222 from a cell phone
  • Locate the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone on Campus and Push the “CALL” button

When speaking with UPD dispatch: 

  1. Provide your full name.
  2. Location of the HazMat (Indoor/Outdoor, Building, Room, etc.)
  3. Describe the situation (smells, any smoke, etc.)
  4. If known, provide information about the source of the hazardous material (flammable liquid, toxic chemicals, oxidizer, etc.)
  5. Follow dispatch instructions. 

Personal exposure to chemical spills

Note: For water-reactive or unknown substances, do NOT rinse with water. Consult with EHS and/or First Responders. 

If you or your clothing come into direct contact with a chemical spill: 

  1. Get yourself to the nearest deluge shower or eyewash station
  2. Step under the shower area with clothing on
  3. Activate the deluge shower or eyewash station and flush the affected area for 15 minutes then begin to remove contaminated clothing. 

If no shower or eyewash station is available: 

  1. Flush affected area using lukewarm tap water for 15 minutes, THEN
  2. Remove contaminated clothing. 

For small liquid or solid spills

If you encounter a small liquid or solid spill that does not pose an immediate danger to lives or property:

  1. Evacuate the immediate area.
  2. Extinguish open flames and immediately cease spark-creating operations/activities.
  3. Advise others and stay away from the affected area.
  4. If appropriate, move to the appropriate evacuation assembly point(s).
    1. Evacuation assembly point should be upwind and uphill from the release location.

Gas leaks or gas odors

  1. Evacuate the immediate area.
  2. Extinguish open flames and immediately cease spark-creating operations/activities.
  3. Advise others and stay away from the affected area.
  4. If appropriate move to the appropriate evacuation assembly point(s).
    1. Evacuation assembly point should be upwind / uphill from the release location.
  5. If indoors, move away from the source while trying to find a shelter-in-place location.
  6. Do not return to the affected area, until you receive an “ALL CLEAR” notification.
  7. Listen for and follow further instructions. 

For more information on hazardous waste please visit Environment Health and Safety.