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The University of Tennessee

Campus Safety Guide

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Chemicals & Hazardous Materials » In the Event of a Chemical Spill


In the Event of a Chemical Spill

If anyone is injured or contaminated, call 911 or 974-3111 immediately.

If it is safe for you to do so, take action to contain the spilled material immediately. The use of absorbent substances such as vermiculite is very effective in containing spilled liquids and keeping them from causing a safety or environmental problem.

If you sense that the nature of the spill could cause serious, immediate consequences such as explosion, fire, poisoning, etc., evacuate the immediate area and call 911 or 974-3111.

If it is judged that the spill presents no immediate hazard—such as a spill of limited quantity that is controlled by secondary containment—immediately contact your immediate supervisor and your departmental chemical hygiene officer or the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for assistance.