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Spill Response and Clean-up ProceduresIn the event of a chemical spill, the individual(s) who caused the spill is responsible for prompt and proper clean-up. It is also their responsibility to have spill control and personal protective equipment appropriate for the chemicals being handled readily available. See Developing a Spill Response Plan for more information. All spill kits come with a Chemical Spill Response Protocol visual guide. Click on the image below to view the guide, or download as a PDF here.  The following are general guidelines to be followed for a chemical spill. More detailed procedures may be available in your Departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan or Spill Response Plan. Emergency Actions
Immediate Spill Response
Developing a Spill Response Plan (top)An effective spill response procedure should consider all of the items listed below. The complexity and detail of the plan will, of course depend upon the physical characteristics and volume of materials being handled, their potential toxicity, and the potential for releases to the environment.
Recommended Spill Control Material Inventory (top)Spill kits are located in major hallways, stairwells and near elevators. Note: For spills greater than 4 liters, call Public Safety at 609-258-3333. Chemical Spill KitsEach Chemical Spill Kit contains one Toolbox/ PPE Spill Kit and two Universal Spill Absorbent Kits. Part 1: Toolbox/ PPE Spill KitToolbox
PPE
Warm Zone Bag
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| Voice | Speech | Manner | Telephone | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| man | fast | calm | local | man |
| woman | slow | angry | std | talk |
| child | distinct/cultured | emotional | trunk | typing |
| unknown | impeded | loud | public | children |
| stutter | soft | private | traffic | |
| nasal | pleasant | mobile | machine | |
| hesitant | raspy | airport | ||
| uneducated | intoxicated | trains | ||
| other | other | other |
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Medical Emergency - minor
- Contact the nearest First Aid Officer within the building.
- Send the injured person to Campus Medical Centre if necessary (business hours only).
- Inform supervisor.
- Complete a confidential incident /injury report form.
Medical Emergency – major
- Care for injured person(s) – call for assistance.
- Send someone to phone Security (call 2222).
- For life threatening emergencies call external 000 then phone Security (6488) 2222.
Provide all information
- Name;
- Location (building, level, room number);
- Nature and type of injury;
- State of consciousness of the injured person(s);
- Age and gender of the injured person(s);
- If possible, the names of the injured person(s); and
- Any relevant information – breathing/not breathing, chest pains, bleeding.
- Ensure the area is clear for emergency personnel.
- Inform your supervisor.
- Complete a confidential incident/injury report form.
Familiarise yourself with the current First Aid Officers and location of first aid kits in your area. This information is also available from your Safety Officer, Safety and Health Representative or Building Warden.
If assaulted
- Phone Security (call 6488 2222) and provide details of the assault as soon as possible.
- Do not wash, shower, change clothes or clean up in any way until after obtaining medical assistance and talking to the Police. You could destroy vital evidence.
- Do not drink alcohol or take tranquilisers or other drugs as you will have to give a clear account of what has happened. Try to remember everything you can about your attacker.
- Remember, you are the victim. You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. Police Officers are aware that a person who has been assaulted is likely to be suffering from emotional shock. They will do all they can to make things as easy as possible for you.
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Violent / threatening person
- If safe to do so, note and report such persons – phone Security (call 2222) or your Supervisor or Area Warden.
- If confronted, obey instructions if safe to do so:
- Do not argue or provoke the person.
- Do not attempt to physically subdue the person.
- Back away and alert others to move away also.
- Make it easy for the person to leave the building/area.
- Try and create a calm, non-threatening atmosphere. Reduce distractions, turn off noisy equipment and computer monitors.
- Talk slowly, quietly, firmly and simply.
- Avoid direct eye contract, do not get too close.
- If you can get the person to calm down, try and get them to sit down with you.
- Do not try to reason with acute psychosis. They may be acting this way because hallucinations and voices that they are hearing are very real to them.
- Express empathy for the person’s emotional distress, but do not pretend that the delusions or voices are real for you.
- Comply with reasonable requests.
- Observe carefully:
- Any articles touched by the person.
- Physical details and attire.
- Points which may aid description (including mannerisms).
- Direction that the person took when they left the area.
- Phone Security (call 2222) and provide details of the incident as soon as possible, advise of any unusual behaviour – seek advice on next action.
- Record information for Police
- Be prepared to evacuate or secure the building/area – await further instructions from Security.
Lecture theatre/laboratories. It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to maintain controlover their class during an emergency until released by the ECO.
Civil disorder/illegal occupancy
- Phone Security (call 2222) and request assistance.
- Notify the Building Warden.
- If safe to do so – initiate action to:
- Restrict entry to the building
- Confine presence to the ground floor
- Restrict contact between demonstrators and building occupants
- Notify nominated managers and/or supervisors
- Be prepared to evacuate – await further instructions from Security.
Lecture theatres/laboratories. It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to maintain control over their class during an emergency until released by the ECO.
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Suspicious mail or package
If suspicious mail or package has not been opened
- Place item in a plastic bag and seal it. Place all items in a second plastic bag and seal that bag.
- Stay in your office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the area and becoming potentially contaminated. It is unlikely you will be in immediate danger.
- Phone Security (call 2222) and Mail Room (call 3035 or 3021).
Advise:
- Exact location of incident – building, level, room number
- Number of people potentially exposed
- Description of the package/device
- Action taken (e.g. package sealed or covered, area isolated).
- Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If possible (without leaving your work area) wash your hands.
- Wait for help to arrive.
If suspicious mail or package has been opened
- Do not disturb the item any further. Do not pass it around. If any material has spilt from the item, and if feasible to do so, do not attempt to clean it up, or brush it from your clothing.
- If possible place an object over the package without disturbing it (such as a large waste bin).
- Follow steps 2 to 7 above.
- If possible, have the building ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans or equipment that is circulating air around your workplace.
- Wait for help to arrive.
If it is suspected that the item is an explosive device
- Phone Security (call 2222) and Mail Room (call 3035 or 3021).
- Evacuate the area.
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Radioisotope or biohazard spill
Raise the alarm
- Ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity of the spill.
- Evacuate the immediate area around the spill.
- Report the spill to your supervisor and Safety Officer or Safety, Health and Wellbeing (call 3938)and Security (call 2222).
Isolate the hazard
- Anyone who has been exposed must, if safe to do so, be moved to a safe decontamination area. The treatment of serious injury must take precedence over decontamination and containment.
If unsure of the hazards presented and associated risks to safety and health, consult your supervisor, or Safety Officer, or Safety, Health and Wellbeing prior to taking any action.
- Restrict unnecessary movement into and through the area to avoid spreading contamination. Isolate the affected area at a safe distance by erecting a temporary barricade and placing radioactive or biohazard warning signs.
Clean-up
- Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated by personnel trained specifically in radiation or biological safety, as appropriate. For any clean-up activities there must be a minimum of two people.
Evacuate
- Evacuate the building as instructed to do so by the emergency personnel.
- Walk quickly and calmly to the assembly area or as advised by the emergency personnel.
- Remain in the assembly area in groups.
In the case of a fire every effort must be made to prevent undue spreading of contamination. However, fire fighting must take precedence over the control of contamination.
Lecture theatres / laboratories. It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to ensure that their class is evacuated and to maintain control of the students during the emergency until released by the ECO.
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Chemical hazard/ spill / gas leak
Raise the alarm
- Ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity of the spill.
DO NOT ENTER AN AREA WHERE THERE IS A SUSPECTED TOXIC OR NON-BREATHABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ANY REASON
- Evacuate the immediate area around the spill.
- Report the spill to your supervisor and Safety Officer or Safety, Health and Wellbeing (call 3938) and Security (call 2222).
Isolate the hazard
- Anyone who has been exposed must, if safe to do so, be moved to a safe decontamination area. The treatment of serious injury must take precedence over decontamination and containment.
If unsure of the hazards presented and associated risks to safety and health, consult your supervisor, or Safety Officer, or Safety, Health and Wellbeing prior to taking any action.
- Restrict unnecessary movement into and through the area to avoid spreading contamination. Isolate the affected area at a safe distance by erecting a temporary barricade and placing suitable warning signs.
- It may be necessary to turn off the air conditioning to restrict the spread of gases and vapours.
Clean-up
- Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated by personnel trained and equipped specifically in chemical safety. For any clean-up activities there must be a minimum of two people.
Evacuate
- Evacuate the buildings as instructed to do so by the emergency personnel.
- Walk quickly and calmly to the assembly area or as advised by the emergency personnel.
- Remain in the assembly area in groups
In the case of a fire every effort must be made to prevent undue spreading of contamination. However, fire fighting must take precedence over the control of contamination.
Do not switch any electrical equipment (including light switches) ON or OFF, as these may spark and become an ignition source
Lecture theatres / laboratories. It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to ensure that their class is evacuated and to maintain control of the students during the emergency until released by the ECO.
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Extreme / Hazardous weather event:
- Take shelter away from windows. And caution others.
- Monitor BOM weather warnings to see when event may pass.
- Ensure your supervisor knows where you are and what your immediate safety plan is (including when next to report in).
- Where Supervisor can’t be contacted notify Head of School and report to Security 6488 2222.
- For cyclones follow your local cyclone emergency plan, consult with supervisor and ensure your plans are known. Where Supervisor can’t be contacted inform Head of School and UWA security 6488 2222.
In the event of an earthquake:
- Take shelter under tables, desks or in doorways.
- Stay away from windows, shelving and large free-standing furniture.
- After the earthquake, look for injured persons in your area and assist, provided it is safe to do so.
- Leave the building as soon as you are able to.
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DON'T PANIC
Social Distancing Requirements during the Pandemic
- When evacuating a building due to fire alarm or otherwise persons should to the best of their capability maintain 1.5m separation during this time. Remember a smooth consistent flow of persons from a building is more efficient than a crammed rush.
- Once outside wardens should direct persons at the assembly areas to maintain appropriate distancing.
- Wardens should also consider alternative assembly areas and divide persons among them to prevent crowding.
If the building contains persons currently under mandatory isolation (student accommodation) due to COVID-19 concerns, these persons must evacuate wearing an appropriate face mask and gloves. They must remain separate from the primary assembly area and maintain social distancing at all times.
At all times during an emergency follow the instructions of the Building and Area Wardens.
- On hearing the evacuation alarm, immediately prepare to leave the building – secure confidential materials and valuables, collect personal belongings, shut down experiments, switch off computers, electrical appliances, equipment and machinery.
- If the evacuation alarm sounds, or if instructed to do so by a Warden, leave the building by the nearest and safest exit route. All doors should be closed (but not locked) on leaving.
- If possible take hand held personal belongings (such as handbags and briefcases) with you when you leave. Do not return to collect belongings.
- Assist any person with a disability to leave the building, or to the nearest fire isolated or firesafe haven for multi-storey buildings. Do not attempt to carry people down stairs. See the People with Specific Needs section.
- Walk quickly and calmly to the designated assembly area for your building or as advised by a Warden or Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
DO NOT USE THE LIFTS
- Remain at the assembly area (in groups) until instructed to leave by a Warden or Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
- Do not re-enter the building until informed that it is safe to do so by a Warden or Fire and Emergency Services personnel. Do not enter a building in alarm.
In the event of an earthquake
- Take shelter under tables, desks or in doorways.
- Stay away from windows, shelving and large free-standing furniture.
- After the earthquake, look for injured persons in your area and assist, provided it is safe to do so.
- Leave the building as soon as your are able to.
It is the responsibility of the lecturer/tutor to ensure that their class is evacuated and to maintain control of the students during an emergency until released by the ECO.
Cafes/public theatres/public venues
University staff will arrange for and provide information to patrons during emergency situations and evacuations.
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COVID-19 Considerations
- If you are a person with a medical condition that places you in a high risk category for COVID-19 then you should raise this with your relevant supervisor/lecturers and discuss accommodations which will allow you to continue to work/study in a safe environment. This may include but is not limited to:
People’s needs may vary in emergency situations. There may be people who are frail; have a visual or hearing impairment; have mobility problems and use walking aids or wheelchairs; have limited walking or standing ability; are pregnant; have heart conditions or asthma or are prone to panic attacks; or they may get claustrophobic.
Responsibility of the person with a disability
Whether your disability is of a temporary or permanent nature, wherever possible it is important that you know what your needs are and plan ahead for emergency situations and/or evacuation.
- If you are an occupant of a University building or regular visitor and have specific needs, take the initiative to seek out the relevant Wardens or speak to your Supervisor / School Manager and consult them regarding your needs.
- Consider who you might ask for help and communicate your needs.
- Know the Exit routes in the buildings that you frequent, and check these for suitability, even if they are not your normal route of travel.
- Remember, you are encouraged to specify what assistance (if any) you may require from other people during an emergency. Do not assume that people around you will know what to do. If you are confident in giving instructions it can prevent being hindered by others offering inappropriate assistance.
Assisting people with physical disabilities
- Do not provide physical guidance, hold, lift or carry a conscious person without their permission. This includes pushing someone in a wheelchair, or ‘hurrying a person along’ by pushing them.
- Ask what assistance the person requires (such as clearing the path before them, walking alongside or behind on steps). Try to avoid offering advice or pre-empting what the person needs if you do not know the person.
- If a person is reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and there is no access available to get down stairs, another person should wait with them in a fire isolated stairwell until emergency services arrive, as it is the safest place. Ensure that the Building Warden is advised.
- If someone needs to be transferred or assisted from the floor, requiring a full body lift, it is best to get Fire and Emergency Services involved. Try providing a chair for the person to climb up on to. Do not try to lift them up unless you are trained to do so.
- Do not carry a person in their wheelchair down stairs. Either wait for their advice on how to proceed (minimum of two people required) or wait for emergency personnel.
People who may be disoriented or having a panic attack
- Reassure the person by talking calmly to them. Tell them that you will stay with them.
- Get the person to control their breathing. Breathe in and breathe out in unison to the count of three. Use your hands in an up and down motion to signal the tempo. Maintain eye contact.
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Additional information:
Evacuation of lecture theatres, libraries, classrooms and teaching laboratories
These areas require explicit organisation because of the potential for large numbers of people to be congregated in a small area. The person in charge of the class shall act as the Warden and is responsible for evacuation. Upon hearing an alert or when notified of an emergency the person in charge should direct students to:
- Stand fast and push chairs, large bags, etc. under desks or benches
- Turn off electrical devices and laboratory operations that are not safe to be left unattended
- In controlled sequence, move along gangways to main aisles and exit in an orderly manner through the nearest appropriate exit
- Move to the building assembly area.
These procedures need to be orderly to minimise crowding in aisles and doorways.
The University has a policy on Overcrowding in Venues and Teaching Spaces.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The objective of these procedures is to ensure, as far as practicable, the safety, health and well being of staff, students, contractors and visitors during emergencies at The University of Western Australia.
To comply with relevant Western Australian legislation, codes and guidance materials, emergency procedures are prepared and distributed, emergency warning systems installed in most buildings and an Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is organised and trained for each workplace.
Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)
The ECO consists of Building Wardens, Area Wardens and First Aid Officers, as well as outside agencies such as Fire and Rescue Services.
The role of the ECO is to ensure the safety of the building’s occupants in any emergency.
During emergencies, instructions from ECO personnel (i.e. Wardens and Fire and Emergency Services personnel) overrule the normal management structure.
Relevant web links
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Useful Contacts
| Area | Phone Numbers | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (UWA Security) | 6488 2222 (24 hours) | Serious emergencies |
| Emergency (public phone) | 1800 655 222 | Will link to the UWA emergency number |
| UWA Security | 6488 3020 | General non-life threatening incidents |
| Safety and Health | 6488 3938 | General safety enquiries |
| Injury Management and Wellbeing | 6488 4683 | Injury Management and Support |
| Counselling and Psychological Services | 6488 2423 | Mental health issues |
| Employee Assistance Program Provider (PeopleSense) | 1300 307 912 | Employee assistance (Wellbeing) |
| University Medical Centre | 6488 2118 | General medical attention |
| Campus Management Help Desk | 6488 2025 | All maintenance issues |
| Mail Room | 6488 3035 | Mail issues |
