Hazardous Materials Release (Chemical/Biological/Radiological)

Loyola University Maryland has developed and implemented a separate Hazardous Material Emergency Response Plan (HMERP) which is the standard operating guideline that the University uses in the event of a hazardous material incident.  The HMERP is intended to assist the University, our HAZMAT Emergency Response Team and other emergency response agencies with an organized response to any incident that may involve the accidental release of chemical, biological or radioactive material.  The HMERP is considered confidential information and can be obtained via the EHS department website (with proper credentials) or by contacting the EHS department directly at 410-617-1120.

Be Prepared

• Keep updated emergency response procedures for your area.
• Post a list of contacts in case of a spill.
• Make sure everyone knows the primary and secondary evacuation routes.
• Know where spill response materials are located.
• Train employees in advance on when and how to properly use spill response materials.
• Assign a person to periodically inspect spill kits and maintain their inventory.

In the Event of a Spill

• If you are properly trained and it is safe to do so, stabilize the spill
• Alert others in immediate area of spill and evacuate (if necessary)
• As you are leaving, extinguish all ignition sources and close the door behind you
• Do not use the elevators and do not panic
• Once outside, move to the designated rally point for the affected building(s).
• Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
• An Incident Command Center may be set up near the emergency site. Do not return to an evacuated building unless you have permission to do so by public safety
• Call campus police at 410-617-5911 to report the incident

Tell the Dispatcher:

• Your name
• Phone number from where you are calling
• Area, building and room number where the incident has occurred
• If there is or was an explosion or fire
• How many people are injured
• The extent of the injuries and what is being done for those injured
• The name of the chemical or hazardous material involved
• How much was spilled and has the material been contained
• Who is in charge of the laboratory or area
• Who will meet the ambulance, fire or police department at the main door
• Your intended location, after you evacuate the building or area

Notes and Precautions: The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require pre- planning to respond safely to chemical spills. The cleanup of a chemical spill should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced personnel who have received appropriate training. Spill kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants and protective equipment should be available to clean up minor spills. A minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of safety and emergency personnel. A major chemical spill requires active assistance from emergency personnel.