USM Laboratory Emergency Plan

Emergency Action Plan from the Office of Safety Management

Laboratory Emergencies

• In the event of a hazardous chemical or biological spill: If the person responsible for the spillage deems that there is a danger to building occupants, etc., confine the fumes or fire by closing the doors and windows.

  1. 1. 1. 1. Pull fire alarm so that evacuation can begin.

           2. Call USM Police. State your name, the location, and nature of the emergency and that you have activated the fire alarm.

           3. USM Police will notify the local evacuation/response team for professional assistance. 

• In the event of hazardous gas leak (flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxygen):

  1. 1. 1. 1.  Departmental staff should attempt to shut off the main gas source if possible.

              • With flammable gas, one should refrain from turning electrical switches on or off.

           2. If the situation has the potential to be of danger to building occupants, the fire alarm should be activated from a nearby pull station so that evacuation of the building can occur.

           3. Report the leak/spill to USM Police by dialing 911.

           4. Notify FM and your department chairperson as soon as possible.

           5. EXIT the building and wait for the Fire Department to arrive.

           6. Advise the arriving personnel what has occurred that led to the evacuation.

• How to control and extinguish a laboratory fire:

  1. 1. 1. 1. Confine the fire – close lab hoods, doors and windows.

           2. Pull alarm.

           3. If trained to do so, extinguish the fire using the P.A.S.S. method.

              • Pull safety pin

              • Aim nozzle at base of fire

              • Squeeze lever to activate extinguisher

              • Sweep from side to side.

           4. If you are not trained, evacuate the building immediately.