What to do if... gas leak/chemical hazard/spill
Raise the alarm
1. Ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity of the spill.
2. Evacuate the immediate area.
3. Report the spill to Security (extension 222) and to your supervisor or the
Occupational Health and Safety Group (extension 68269 for Burwood and 72869 for
Geelong and Warrnambool). Remember NOT to use a mobile phone in the event of
a gas leak.
or
If you cannot contact any of these, break the nearest fire Break Glass Alarm,
which automatically notifies the Fire Brigade and Security.
Isolate hazard
4. Anyone who has been exposed to the hazardeous materials must, if safe to
do so, be moved to a safe decontamination area. The treatment of serious injury
must take precedence over decontamination and containment. If unsure, consult
with your supervisor or the Occupational Health and Safety Group.
5. Restrict unnecessary movement into and through the area to avoid spreading
contamination. Isolate the affected area at a safe distance by erecting a temporary
barricade and placing suitable warning signs.
Clean-up
6. Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated by personnel trained specifically in chemical safety.
Evacuate
7. Evacuate the building as instructed to do so by the emergency personnel.
8. Walk quickly and calmly to the assembly area advised by the emergency personnel.
9. Remain at the assembly area in groups.
10. In the case of a fire, every effort must be made to prevent undue spreading
of contamination. However, fire fighting must take precedence over the control
of contamination.
11. Do not switch on any electrical equipment, light switches, etc, as these
may cause a spark and become an ignition source.
12. It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to ensure that their particular
class is evacuated and to maintain control of the students during the emergency
until released by the warden.
