• Working with hazardous materials often leads to the obvious---spills. It is extremely important to understand how to react during these times, since safety and health might be on the line. Although the steps you take will depend greatly upon the type of material present, there are some general guidelines to follow that can help keep the situation under control.
  
  

Response Guidelines

• Hazardous materials are extremely variant, especially in lab settings where they can range from chemical to radioactive. With hazardous material comes a responsibility for those nearby to establish emergency situation handling. Normally there are emergency procedures nearby to follow, which are especially prominent in universities and labs, as it is legally required for them to have emergency procedures available to all people working with hazardous chemicals or other materials.
  
  

Alert

• Assuming that you are unable to handle the situation or have no access to emergency procedures, the next step is to alert those around you and call 911 to report the hazard. If you're in an environment that has a safety crew or within a university setting, it is important to alert all notable members who might be able to assist in containing the situation. Fire alarms depend upon the nature of the spill and should be avoided if there is a potential risk that they might pose to the materials in the spill.
  
  

Prepare

• Assuming that you have a potentially explosive material that is exposed, avoiding any type of spark is key. You can turn off all electrical equipment, or shut off the electricity altogether if applicable.
  
  

Contamination

• If you have touched any type of contaminate, use the shower rinse that is equipped nearby. Shower rinses are required by law to be in areas where hazardous materials are present. If any chemicals have reached your eyes, use the eyewash rinse as well.
  
  

Leaving

• Try to avoid leaving the material unattended if possible, as others might venture upon the hazardous material. Only leave if you have secured the area by locking the doors that lead to the spill.