Chemical emergency

Damage to individuals or the environment can be caused by any sudden or slow release of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials can potentially encompass a wide variety of chemicals as well as human waste and other contaminates.

  1. Assume all unidentified substances or vapors are toxic and hazardous.
  2. Immediately evacuate the area where the contamination has occurred. If safe to do so, seal off the area to prevent further spread of contaminate.
  3. Call Campus Police (campus phones ext. 5100 or 911; other phones 413.662.5100 or 911). Be specific when reporting the nature, amount, and exact location of the involved material.
  4. Wait in a safe location for further direction and limit exposing others to the contaminate.
  5. Never enter or re-enter a space where a contaminate has been released.