On-Campus Chemical Spill

If you feel that a spill may be hazardous, take the following actions immediately:

• NEVER attempt to contain or clean up a hazardous material spill unless you are trained to do so.
• Alert personnel in the vicinity and evacuate the area.
• Close all doors, and turn off air conditioners and heaters, if safe to do so.
• Activate the fire alarm pull station as you exit the building.
• Call 911 to report the spill when you reach a safe location.
• Be prepared to provide the following information to the dispatcher:
  • Your name, location and call back number.
  • Identity of the spilled chemical (if known) and the amount spilled.
  • Location of the spill (building, room number, etc.).
  • Known or suspected hazards associated with the spill.
• If personnel have been exposed to the spill, give details on the extent of exposure and any injuries or symptoms the victim(s) may be experiencing.
• Remain at the location to meet responders when they arrive and warn others from entering the area.
• If anyone had contact with the hazardous material, they should be isolated and await treatment by emergency personnel.
• Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency personnel.

In addition, the following actions may be taken as appropriate:

• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
• Provide first aid if necessary and if you trained to do so.

Campus Evacuation:

• All individuals (faculty, students, staff and visitors) are to evacuate campus immediately and move away from the threat by moving upwind (in case of a major chemical spill/train derailment with hazmat). Try not to inhale gases, fumes or smoke.
• Move away from campus quickly and as far away as you can. Be aware of wind direction, and try to move in the direction of the wind, if possible.
• Vehicles should close windows and turn off car heater/air conditioner fan that could allow hazardous fumes to vent into the vehicle.
• Vehicles should take as many passengers (staff, students, visitors) with them as possible to avoid potential traffic jams.
• Evacuees on foot should exit campus by using the shortest route. Evacuees (in vehicles or on foot) should move well away from campus before stopping to determine ways of getting to a safe location.
• Once in a safe location, evacuees on foot should make contact with family and friends to let them know they are safe. They should not call MGCCC Police unless they have important information to relay.
• Only essential personnel will be permitted to remain on campus. Facilities Services will determine which buildings can be occupied based on ventilation controls.

Train Derailment/Accident with HazMat Release

MGCCC campuses and centers are near railroad tracks or major traffic arteries, so hazmat incidents and train derailments should be prepared for by knowing your campus’ emergency plan and having a personnel plan, as well.

In the event of a train derailment/accident with a subsequent hazardous materials release into the atmosphere, MGCCC officials will determine the emergency level and appropriate response and will advise the community via an emergency alert message to email, text, social media and the college website.

• Level One: Minor derailment with no, or small, release of nonhazardous material. No or minor risk to the college and surrounding community. No campus evacuation necessary.
• Level Two: A derailment that causes a major explosion, fire or chemical release affecting the campus and surrounding community. Campus evacuation will be initiated.