Chemical Spill with Injury or Contamination
In any medical emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
For work-related injuries, follow the Injury/Medical Assistance guidance and refer to the Human Resources Workers’ Compensation page:
- In the event that hazardous materials (chemical, radioactive, or biological) are splashed in the eye,
- Immediately flush the affected eye(s) with gently flowing potable water for at least 15 minutes.
- Have the injured worker move eye(s) side-to-side and up-and-down during rinsing.
- Report the incident to the relevant supervisor and seek medical attention (Student Health Care Clinic or Shands Emergency Room).
- If chemicals are spilled on other parts of the body,
- Do not attempt to wipe chemicals off.
- Immediately go to a safety shower or other water source, initiate water flow, and remove contaminated clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. while rinsing.
- Flood exposed areas with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Place contaminated clothing in a plastic bag for decontamination.
- Report the incident to the relevant supervisor and seek medical attention as required or if there is any evidence of a chemical burn (reddening of skin, pain or discomfort, burning or tingling sensations, etc.).
- For any chemical exposure to personnel,
- Review MSDS or call the Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to determine if any delayed or systemic effects should be expected.
- Contact the EH&S Lab Safety group at 392-1591 any time an individual is injured or exposed to a hazardous chemical in a UF laboratory.