Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Release

CSUEB HAZMAT Incident

When a spill, leak, or accident involving a hazardous material or suspected hazardous material occurs, do not clean up the material UNLESS:
- It’s safe to do so.
- You have been trained to clean up the spill or handle the material.
- The necessary supplies and equipment are available.
After the cleanup is complete, immediately report the incident to Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at 510-885-4138.
If assistance is needed:
- Call EHS immediately. If unable to reach EHS, contact UPD at 510-885-3791 and ask them to notify EHS.
- Prevent other people from entering the area by placing barricades or stationing someone to keep others away.
- If possible and safe to do so, wait for “emergency personnel” to arrive and direct them to the affected area.

Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies if you see (or smell) a hazardous materials incident.
Monitor media for emergency information.
Stay away from the incident scene to minimize the risk of contamination.
Follow instructions from public safety officials.

If asked or ordered to evacuate:

Do so immediately.
If specific evacuation routes are given, follow these routes because alternate routes may not be safe.
Take only essential items and bring your pets if safely possible.

If asked or ordered to shelter in place:

Bring pets inside.
Close and lock exterior doors and windows. Close or turn off vents, fireplace dampers, heating or cooling systems, and as many interior doors as possible.
Go into a “shelter” room with your emergency kit. This room should be above ground and have the fewest openings to the outside.
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Close drapes, curtains, and shades in the room if you are warned of or suspect a possible explosion. Stay away from windows.
Remain in the room until authorities advise you to leave.
If you are caught outside, stay uphill and upwind of the location of the release. Try to go at least half a mile from the area. If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and try not to inhale gases, fumes, or smoke.
If you are in a vehicle, stop and seek shelter in a safe building. If you must remain in your car, keep windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.

Return home (or discontinue sheltering in place) only when authorities say it is safe.
Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
Continue to monitor the media for emergency information.
Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities. Depending on the material, you may be advised to take a thorough shower or stay away from water and follow another procedure.
Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find out about proper disposal.
Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.
Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to local authorities.
Do not eat or drink food or water that might have been contaminated.
Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors; especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional support.