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Environmental Health and Safety

Chemical Spill Response

Accidents resulting in the release of chemicals must be properly managed to ensure the safety of individuals and the community, as well as the protection of the environment. It is important that personnel who have involvement with chemical handling and use be trained in spill response expectations and procedures. A site-specific spill response plan should be developed to include appropriate procedures and materials to adequately contain and clean-up a spill.

Environmental Health and Safety has trained HAZMAT Technician-level first responders. EHS can be contacted for assistance with any spill, regardless of the time of day or night, by calling (309) 438-8325 or (309) 438-8631 or 911.

Laboratory Chemical Spill Response

Minor Spill

Minor spills can be managed by laboratory personnel familiar with the chemical spilled. Each lab has a spill response kit intended to be used on small spills of known material. In the event of a spill involving the release of a type or quantity of a chemical that does not pose an immediate risk to health and will not result in an emergency situation over a short period of time, follow the steps below.

  • Notify other personnel of the accident
  • Isolate the area. Close doors and evacuate the immediate area if necessary
  • Remove all ignition sources. Open fume hoods and hit the Emergency Exhaust button
  • Choose appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Confine and contain the spill. Cover with appropriate absorbent. Pick-up the solid material and place into an appropriate and compatible container. Clean-up the affected area with soap and water, if compatible
  • Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at (309) 438-8325 or ISU Police Department (309) 438-8631 to request assistance, if needed
  • Complete a Hazardous Waste Pick-up Request Form and submit to EHS

Major Complex Spills

Spills involving a large volume of material or acutely hazardous substances should be managed by trained personnel. If you are involved in a spill that meets the following conditions you must immediately evacuate and isolate the affected area, contact EHS (309) 438-8325 during regular business hours or ISUPD afterhours (911 from a campus phone or (309) 438-8631 from a personal phone), and stay on-site until assistance arrives.

  • A person is injured; or
  • The identity of the chemical is unknown; or
  • Multiple chemicals are involved; or
  • The chemical is highly toxic, flammable or reactive; or
  • The spill/leak occurs in a "public space" such as corridors; or
  • The spill/leak has the potential to spread to other parts of the building, such as through the ventilation system; or
  • The clean-up procedures are not known or appropriate materials are not readily available; or
  • The cleanup requires a respirator (including cartridge respirators) to be worn and no personnel have been trained and fit-tested in accordance to the campus Respiratory Protection Program; or
  • The spill/leak may endanger the environment by reaching waterways or outside grounds, or by going down a drain.