Spill Response

Download or view the Emergency Instructions for Labs (PDF)

Major Spills or Exposures

In the event of a fire, serious injury, or other life-threatening situation, call 911 FIRST.

It is important to report any injury or personal exposure.

  • Call 512-471-3511 M-F, 8:00am-5pm:  
  • After-hours dial 911 to contact UT Police.

A major spill is defined as:

  • Spills greater than 10 mL (BSL-2, toxic chemicals) outside primary containment,
  • Spills that result in an exposure,
  • Spills that highly volatile or may be aerosolized,
  • Spills that cannot be easily cleaned, or
  • Spills outside the laboratory that endanger people or the environment.

Minor Spills

It is important to follow your internal procedures for minor spills.

  1. PROTECT YOURSELF
  2. Assess the scene
  3. Alert your coworkers
  4. Prepare
  5. Contain and absorb
  6. Collected
  7. Clean
  8. Dispose

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT THE PROPER PROCEDURES OR NEED ASSISTANCE

  • Call 512-471-3511 M-F, 8:00am-5pm:  
  • After-hours dial 911 to contact UT Police.

Environmental Spills

If you see pollution problems, immediately contact EHS at:

  • Call 512-471-3511 M-F, 8:00am-5pm:  

  • After-hours dial 911 to contact UT Police.

Do you know what causes pollution on our campus and in our creeks and rivers?

  • Creek spills
  • Paint dumping
  • Construction site discharges
  • Vehicles leaking fuel and antifreeze

Pollutants that are dumped or washed into storm drains end up in the Colorado River, which we depend on for our drinking water.