Note – This is general advice, the safety data sheet must be consulted for specific information.

Users of substances hazardous to health should know what they would do in the event of a foreseeable emergency event and relevant First Aid and Spillage Equipment should be present in the vicinity to support you.

Spillage
In the event of spillage outside a fume cupboard or local exhaust enclosure:
* If the substance is flammable, eliminate sources of ignition;
* Instruct others to keep at a safe distance;
* Open windows where appropriate;

* For spillage of volatile materials, evacuate the room and shut the door unless the substance has been determined to be safe to use in the open. Unless the spillage is one which may be left to clear by evaporation and ventilation, call Community Safety who will call the Emergency Services.
* For spillage of material which has been determined safe to use in the open, absorb it onto sand or proprietary absorbent, and transfer it into a container which is put into a well-ventilated space for ultimate disposal.

* If external to the premises, prevent spills from entering drains or watercourses by creating a bund and using absorbent materials, then transfer to a container for ultimate disposal.

* If trained to deal with a spill locally, identify relevant materials from a local spillage kit, don relevant personal protective safety equipment and mitigate the spill from entering any drain.

*Those working with biological materials should have a plan in place for the management of foreseeable spills relating to their work and should take the action required, as per the risk assessment.

Toxic Gas Leakage
If a compressed gas is leaking and cannot be shut off, feed the gas (if possible,) into a fume cupboard or other ventilation discharging directly to the outside. If this is not possible then for a small leak, where practicable, transport the leaking gas cylinder to the open air and clear the surrounding area. Otherwise evacuate the room, if possible opening windows before leaving. Report what action you have taken to a Supervisor / Technical Team member who may decide to take further action, i.e. to raise the fire alarm to evacuate the building, for example.

Unknown Vapour Cloud / Strong odour

If you spot a visible vapour cloud (not arising from a gas line) or smell a strong odour in the vicinity and there is nobody working in the area, evacuate the space and report this immediately to the Technical Team and Community Safety, who may decide to take further action.

Gas Leak / Fire where gas is in use

Some laboratories are fitted with piped in natural gas. If you can smell gas and the bunsen burners and gas taps are all turned off, or if you need to shut off the gas due to a fire incident, if you cannot get near to the local gas tap, hit the local emergency gas isolation shut off button in the lab. Report the matter to your Supervisor and the Technical Team, who may decide to take further action, e.g. to evacuate the building

Laser exposure to eye from a Class 3B or Class 4 Laser

All beams must be safely isolated or the power to the laser switched off. In addition, all other potential hazards must be made safe e.g. electrical, biohazard, trip hazards. Seek First Aid assistance.

The Emergency Procedure Card (AOR005) that is displayed in the laboratory (as below) must be completed and taken to the hospital with you. This card looks like this but can be downloaded from the Starting Work with Lasers Link opens in a new windowwebpage if not available: