Hazardous Materials Spill, Release, and Exposure

Major Hazardous Materials Spill or Release

Hazardous materials are defined as any substance (biological, chemical, radiological, etc.) that causes or may cause adverse effects on health or safety of individuals, the general public, or the environment.

If there has been a release of chemicals or exposure to potentially hazardous materials:

• Avoid further exposure to the hazard
• Contact MIT Police at 617-252-1212 (x100 from a campus phone) as soon as it is safe to do so
• Be prepared to provide information about the name and quantity of the material, the location of the incident, the number of people who have been injured or exposed, and if fire or explosion has occurred
• Follow all instructions that you are given

If you believe that the area is unsafe, or are told to do so by emergency responders, evacuate the area immediately

• If it is safe to do so, alert others of the incident and encourage them to leave the area
• Assist others who need help evacuating
• Request that exposed individuals remain nearby until emergency responders arrive
• Isolate the area and wait for responders to arrive. Do not return to the area until you are told by responders that it is safe

If you are trained and can do so without risking exposing yourself to the hazard:

• Turn off any sources of ignition, if it is safe to do so
• If it is safe to do so, prevent further chemical release
• Attempt to prevent chemicals from entering drains by using absorbent material or by blocking drains
• Locate the Material Safety Data Sheet for the released chemical and provide it to responders

If the incident occurs outdoors, close doors and windows to isolate the area if possible

• If you are outdoors during the emergency, you may be directed to go or stay indoors and shelter in place
• See “SHELTER IN PLACE” page for further instruction

*DO NOT RISK EXPOSING YOURSELF TO THE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP A SPILL OR RELEASE UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED AND HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT.*

Minor Hazardous Materials Release or Spill

If the release or spill is minor and there is no immediate threat to personal safety, health, or the environment:

• If capable and you have the proper equipment, you can clean the spill yourself
• If assistance is needed:
  • Weekdays – call the EHS Office at 617-452-3477
  • Nights/Weekends – call Facilities Operations Center at 617-253-4948
• Visit this page to request a hazardous waste pick up

Hazardous Materials Exposure

If you or someone else has been exposed to a hazardous material and if it is safe to do so:

• Brush dry chemical or material off of yourself or others
• Rinse the affected area with water for 15 minutes or until responders arrive
• Utilize an emergency shower and/or eye wash station if available
• If illness or injury is present, provide care for the injuries if you are comfortable doing so 
• Notify emergency responders of the exposure immediately