During the COVID-19 emergency, the Safety Office is continuing to provide services.

Click here for more information on essential services that will continue, work that will be suspended, the laboratory shutdown checklist, and changes to the ESF hours.

Hazardous material spills

Follow these procedures for spills involving biological, chemical, and radioactive materials.

Prior to working with hazardous materials:

  1. For all chemicals, use safety data sheets (SDS) to determine the proper spill procedure.

  2. All University employees and students handling hazardous materials must be trained in spill procedures.
  3. Obtain proper spill kits and clean up equipment. These are available from Chemistry Stores in Earth Sciences and Chemistry (ESC) 109.

Small spills that pose no immediate threat to health:

  1. Notify occupants in the immediate area of the spill.
  2. Use spill kits to absorb and contain according to spill procedures.
  3. Place material in a secure and ventilated area.
  4. Contact the Environmental Safety Facility at ext. 35755 for disposal instructions.

Large spills or spills that pose an immediate threat to health:

  1. Remove sources of ignition if possible.
  2. Evacuate the immediate area.
  3. Call UW Police (ext. 519-888-4911 or ext. 22222).

Waste disposal

Lab spill plans should follow the University's Hazardous Waste Standard.

The Safety Office recommends anyone bringing hazardous waste to the Environmental Safety Facility (ESF) completes the Hazardous Waste Segregation (SO2035) online training module.

Additional Resources and Information