Hazardous Materials/Gas Leak

The following steps are the basic response guidelines when any type of potentially hazardous gas or liquid appears to be leaking or posing a danger to persons:

1.) If the spill or leak is appears to be serious, the fire alarm system should be sounded in order to evacuate building occupants. Evacuate to a safe area at least 500 feet away from the building.

2.) Confine the fumes or fire by shutting the room door.

3.) From a safe location, immediately call the Wittenberg Police and Security Department at (937) 327-6363 or call 911.

Minimally, you should supply the following information, as best as possible:

1. The nature of the incident (leak, spill, fire, or explosion)
2. Identity of the material
3. Location (name of building, including street address)
4. Area affected (area of the building, the entire building, surrounding properties)
5. Injuries, property damage, or threat to the environment

4.) If possible, the following additional information should be determined:

• Quantity of the substance released
• Hazards of the substance
• Name of the material(s) released
• Material Safety Data Sheet information
• Shipper/placard/label information

5.) Do not return to the building until instructed that it is safe to do so by Springfield Fire Division personnel or a police officer.

The Wittenberg University Chemical Hygiene Plan Manual details the appropriate emergency response for those responsible for those responsible for handling chemicals.  The University’s Emergency Response Plan details the responsibilities of the university emergency response team.  

NOTE: The university safety manager (Mr. John Paulsen or designee- Wittenberg Physical Plant Director) will assume responsibility for notifying the appropriate local, state, and federal authorities of all hazardous materials emergencies that require such notification.