Emergency Preparedness

Tornado, chemical spill, fire and flooding are believed to be the sources of the greatest risk for an immediate emergency that would be dangerous to life and health. Therefore, it is essential that laboratory personnel are trained on emergency preparedness and response. Each laboratory shall be equipped with an accessible phone including posted emergency phone numbers. Each laboratory where corrosives and other chemical eye hazards exist shall be equipped with an eyewash and safety shower. The safety shower/eyewash is to be thoroughly tested at least monthly and documented. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers must not be blocked or obstructed and must be readily available. Pre-arrangements should be made with emergency or medical services for any special needs (neutralizers, antidotes, special medical, etc.). Laboratory spills that are within the scope of the researcher to clean up shall be cleaned immediately. Emergency/spills larger than the investigators ability to clean should be referred to EHS or the OHIO Police Department (OUPD). Spill kits should be maintained in the laboratory areas that are available to each laboratory or group of laboratories. Where mercury has the potential to be spilled, contact EHS for help in cleaning up such spills.

DON'T FORGET: Each laboratory where corrosives and other chemical eye hazards exist shall be equipped with an eyewash and safety shower.

Recap of Key Emergency Laboratory Equipment and Procedures Required:

• Lab phone is available with emergency phone numbers posted.
• Lab has safety shower/eyewash available.
• Safety shower/eyewash is thoroughly tested at least monthly, with reminder sheet posted.
• Safety equipment is available, operational (shower, eyewash, fire extinguisher, fire aid kits, etc.).
• Safety equipment is tested, checked, refilled regularly.
• Safety equipment is not blocked or obstructed.
• Provisions have been made with emergency or medical services for any special needs (neutralizers, antidotes, special medical, etc).
• Spills are cleaned up immediately and emergency/spills kits are available in the lab areas.
• Clean up materials and absorbents available for mercury collection and clean up.
• Spill clean up kits are maintained and stocked as needed.


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