Environmental Health and Safety

If the person who caused, or discovered, the spill has the appropriate training and equipment and can respond safely, he or she may clean up small spills according to the procedures outlined in Buffalo State’s “Chemical Hygiene Plan.” All recovered material must be properly contained, characterized, labeled, and disposed.

If the hazardous material spill is beyond the capabilities of the person causing or discovering it, he or she should immediately take the following steps:

• Leave the immediate area if it is not safe to stay there.
• If the spill poses a threat to people in surrounding areas/labs, activate the building alarm to initiate an evacuation and inform the people potentially at risk.
• If the spill does not require evacuation, isolate the affected area to prevent unauthorized entry until emergency responders arrive.
• Report the spill to UPD at (716) 716-878-6333 and provide as much information as possible regarding the type, nature, and location of the spill. 
• UPD will contact Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).
• Stay nearby to provide additional information to responders.

If you smell gas (or chemicals):

• Evacuate your building immediately
• Do Not turn on any lights
• Do Not use any electrical devices/appliances
• Leave doors open
• Once outside contact UPD at 716-878-6333
• UPD will contact Environmental Health & Safety and Facilities