Helping campus units manage their hazardous materials by providing assistance with shipping, waste pick-up and disposal, and chemical inventory needs.Resources
Hazardous Material Spills
If it's a life-threatening situation, evacuate the area and call 911.
- During business hours: Contact EH&S at (510) 642-3073 and press "1" when prompted to talk to a live person.
When a spill occurs:
- Isolate the area of the spill.
- Alert people in the immediate area.
- If spilled material is an imminent hazard, call 911 or (510) 642-3333 with a cellular phone.
- If spilled material is flammable, turn off nearby ignition or heat sources if it is safe to do so.
- If spilled material is volatile or an airborne powder, leave the area.
- If possible to do so safely, confine the area of the spill with absorbent materials.
- If possible, prevent the spilled material from going down drains.
- Close doors to affected areas.
- Post danger or warning signs.
- Keep people from entering the spill area.
- Clean spills only if they are minor and you have the training and protective equipment.
- Alert Building Management during business hours.
- During off-hours or weekends, call the Campus Police dispatch at 911 (510-642-3333 with a cellular phone) for an emergency or (510) 642-6760 for a non-emergency.
- If spilled chemicals enter a sink or drain, call EH&S at (510) 642-3073. Report the location and estimated amount of material to enter the drain.
Needles and Syringes
If you are working in a research facility, there should be specific containers labeled for the disposal of sharps. Please contact your laboratory safety contact if you are unsure about where to locate these containers. Reference the Sharps Fact Sheet for questions about handling and disposal.
If you find sharps on campus and are unsure what to do with them, please contact Facilities Services at (510) 642-1032 to request pickup.
Note: Do not touch needles are sharps if you are unsure of what may be on them.
Print Door Sign
See the Printing Door Hazards Signs section of the Chemicals User Guide.
Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program
UC Berkeley has a Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program that specifies minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric gases on campus. EH&S coordinates this program by performing evaluations of toxic, corrosive and pyrophoric gas usage and offering technical advice on the requirements of the program.
For more information, see: Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program.