Hazardous Materials

You can find information on Laboratory Safety on the EH&S website.

Hazardous Material Spill or Release

Immediately report accidents that involve chemical spills, leakage and emission of gasses, radioactive material or other dangerous substances to the University Police Department by calling 911 or at 828.232.5000.

  1. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and the location. The University Police will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.
  2. A professor or supervisor should evacuate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination until the arrival of police personnel.
  3. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible, remain in the vicinity and give their names to the University Police officer. Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
  4. If necessary or if directed to do so by police personnel, activate the building fire alarm.
  5. The senior UNC Asheville Police officer will immediately notify the following:
    • Local Fire Department
    • Hazardous Materials Response Team
  6. The Fire Department has concurrent and overlapping responsibility and authority with the University to protect life and property.  Fire department personnel are specially trained and possess technical knowledge of dangerous chemicals.
  7. Personnel working in the affected area should use a self-contained breathing apparatus.
  8. Water or chemical fire retardants should NOT be used without Fire Department approval (these could result in poisonous fumes).

Biological (Blood) Spill Procedures

Health care or custodial personnel trained in spill clean up should follow established protocols. For blood or body fluid spills in residence halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings or on outside surfaces, contact Facilities Management at 828.251.6564.

  • Wear disposable gloves and absorb fluids using a blood-spill kit.
  • Clean area of all visible fluids with detergent (soap/water).
  • Decontaminate area with an appropriate disinfectant, e.g. bleach.
  • Place all disposable materials into a plastic leak-proof bag.
  • Always practice “Universal Precautions” when handling human blood fluids.