PDP 104–01: Laboratory Emergencies

To provide general guidelines for laboratory emergencies including, but not limited to, fires, chemical burns, chemical or smoke inhalation, explosions, and hazardous materials releases

29 Code of Federal Regulations § 1910.151

Arizona Revised Statutes § 23–4114

Arizona State University Chemical Hygiene Plan

The most common types of laboratory emergencies include small fires and explosions, spills, leaks, and chemical burns. In the event that one of these incidents is life-threatening, immediately dial 911 (the ASU Police Department [ASU PD] emergency number). If the incident is not life-threatening, the laboratory supervisor must be notified as soon as possible, and ASU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) should be contacted at 480/965–1823. All laboratory incidents must be reported regardless of the size or severity. Failure to report an incident could seriously endanger the lives of everyone in the laboratory.

For chemical splashes:

1. Remove affected clothing immediately.
2. Rinse affected area with copious amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes.

If a chemical has burned the skin:

1. Dial 911 immediately.
2. Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Do not put any salve or ointment on the burn.
4. Do not leave victim unattended.
5. Do not break blisters.
6. Have the chemical Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for responding medical personnel.

For ingestion or inhalation of chemicals:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Do not move victim if unconscious.
3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
4. Have the chemical MSDS available for responding medical personnel.

If fire can be easily extinguished:

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
2. Attempt to extinguish the fire using a dry chemical or CO₂ extinguisher. Do not use water as it may spread the fire.

If the fire cannot be easily extinguished:

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
2. Dial 911.
3. Evacuate the area, closing all doors.
4. Remain out of the building at a safe distance until told by someone in charge that it is okay to re-enter.

Small or nonhazardous spills or leaks:

1. Contain the spill and ensure it doesn’t spread into the sink or drain.
2. Clean up the spill completely using approved absorbent and cleaning materials.
3. Notify supervisor.

Large or hazardous spills or leaks:

1. Evacuate the area immediately.
2. Pull the nearest fire alarm or dial 911.
3. Notify supervisor.

For more information, see:

1. PDP 101–01, “Reporting an Emergency”

   and

2. PDP 101–03, “Emergency Evacuation.”

See also the Environmental Health & Safety Policies and Procedures Manual:

1. EHS 104, “Laboratory Use of Hazardous Chemicals”
2. EHS 108–01, “Health and Safety Training”
3. EHS 205, “Storage of Hazardous Chemicals”
4. EHS 401, “Hazardous Waste Management”

   and

5. EHS 403, “Chemical Release Emergency Response.”

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