6.1 On-Site Emergencies
All emergency responders should implement control and recovery procedures with the goals of preserving life, minimizing environmental contamination, and minimizing property damage. Considerations should include:
The first priority of all on-scene actions is to protect the personal safety of all personnel and the public.
Response personnel should not enter the immediate vicinity of a hazardous materials incident until positive identification of the material has been made. Response personnel should initially assume the material to be highly dangerous.
If necessary to preserve life, emergency actions to assist the accident victim may be necessary prior to initiating actions to control the incident. Such actions should be taken only if they do not endanger emergency responders.
The on-scene emergency response staff should take actions to account for all emergency response personnel at the scene.
If a fire has not erupted, but the potential for ignition exists, all sources of ignition should be
extinguished or eliminated in the affected area.
If the incident involves a toxic spill or release, actions should be taken to minimize personnel exposure and minimize spread of the contamination by exposed personnel. Prior to departing an incident scene, all equipment and personnel must be decontaminated.
Containment methods for spills may include the use of dikes, pits, absorbent materials, foam
materials, and neutralizing agents such as lime or potash. The containment effort should be directed toward limiting the potential for contamination, environmental impact, and injury.
Control of a large-scale incident may involve stopping the release by methods such as closing valves, plugging holes or transferring a material from one container to another. The use of water spray to minimize exposures and protect personnel may be necessary.
6.1.1 Fire
ALL fires must be reported IMMEDIATELY to UT Police (4-3114) and the 911 Emergency Operations Center. Give the exact location and nature of the fire.
Small Fire:
The person who discovers smoke or a small fire that can be controlled without endangering himself or other persons may attempt to control or extinguish the fire with the nearest fire extinguisher. Even fires that have been successfully extinguished must be reported immediately to the Safety Office at (865) 974-1153 or the Director of Services at (865) 974-7159.
Large or Rapidly Spreading Fire:
If the fire is spreading rapidly or is too large or intense to be controlled with a fire extinguisher, the person must IMMEDIATELY:
- While evacuating the building or area, pull the nearest fire alarm pull box.
- Dial 911 and give the exact location and nature of the fire.
Upon notification from the E-911 Dispatcher, the UT Police dispatcher will notify the Agricultural Campus Zone Coordinator, and other officials as appropriate.
All personnel must exit the building and go to their department’s designated meeting area. Close doors on the way out to slow the spread of smoke and fire in the building. Personnel may be allowed to re-enter the building only when told to do so by the Police, Fire Department, or Zone Coordinator.
6.1.2 Explosion
The person who witnesses or discovers an explosion will IMMEDIATELY:
- Evacuate the building or area.
- Call 911. Give the exact location and nature of the incident.
6.1.3 Chemical Spill Response
Despite the best effort of researchers to practice safe science, accidents resulting in the release of chemicals will occur. For this reason, it is essential that laboratory personnel have a spill response plan that includes appropriate procedures and materials to adequately contain and cleanup a spill. The following procedures should be used as a guide to help personnel design an effective spill control plan for their area of responsibility.
The person responsible for the activity, facility, equipment or vehicle from which a release of
hazardous material occurs is responsible for the cleanup, removal and disposal of the hazardous material. All cleanup and disposal will comply with state and federal regulations. Additionally, the responsible person may be liable for the expenses incurred by the emergency responders, including the cost of materials used by emergency responders in the containment, treatment and/or disposal of the hazardous materials.
6.1.3.1 Spill Response – Major Spill
The person who discovers a spill that: 1) involves the release of a type or quantity of chemical that poses an immediate risk to health and cannot be readily contained; 2) involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion; or 3) poses serious personal injury will immediately:
- Call the 911 Emergency Operations Center. Give the exact location and nature of the spill, leak, or runoff of hazardous material.
- Evacuate the area and implement other measures as required to eliminate fire, explosion, and health hazards.
- Follow the instructions of the Zone Coordinator or hazardous materials specialist responding to the emergency call.
The dispatcher will contact the Knoxville Fire Department, the UT Police, the Agricultural Campus Zone Coordinator, the KCEMA, and other officials as appropriate.
If a reportable quantity of any, “extremely hazardous substance,” (Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 355) or CERCLA hazardous substance is released and results in exposure to persons outside the University property boundaries, the Zone Coordinator will report the information, without delay, to the Knox County Emergency Management Agency.
6.1.3.2 Spill Response – Intermediate Spill
The person who discovers a spill that involves the release of a type or quantity of chemical that poses an immediate risk to health; or that involves serious personal injury will immediately:
- Call the UT Police (4-3114). Give the exact location and nature of the spill, leak, or hazard.
- Evacuate the area and implement other measures as required to eliminate fire, explosion, and health hazards.
- Follow the instructions of the Zone Coordinator or hazardous materials specialist responding to the emergency call.
The dispatcher will contact the Knoxville Fire Department, the Agricultural Campus Zone Coordinator, the KCEMA, and other officials as appropriate.
6.1.3.3 Spill Response – Minor Spill
In the event of a spill involving the release of a type or quantity of chemical which does not pose an immediate risk to health:
- Notify other laboratory personnel of the accident.
- Isolate the area. Close laboratory doors and evacuate the immediate area if necessary.
- Remove all ignition sources and establish exhaust ventilation. Vent vapors to outside of building only (open windows and turn on the fume hood.)
- Choose appropriate personal protective equipment (goggles, face shield, impervious gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, boots, respirator, etc.) All laboratory personnel must be properly fit tested before using a respirator.
- Confine and contain the spill. Cover with appropriate absorbent material. Sweep solid material into a dust pan and place in a sealed plastic container. Decontaminate the area with soap and water (or other appropriate method) after cleanup and place residue in a plastic bag or another sealed plastic container. Bring the containers to the next Hazardous Waste Pickup.
6.2 Emergencies that Spread Off Site
If an incident occurs which is beyond the capabilities of on-site personnel to manage, spreads beyond University property boundaries or threatens the environment, the UT Police dispatcher will notify the Knox County Emergency Management Agency.
Upon arrival the KCEMA Director (or representative) becomes the Incident Commander.
Lead personnel from all other emergency response units will report to the Incident Commander for assignment of responsibilities according to Emergency Management Standard Operating Procedures.
6.3 Notification of Emergencies Which Originate Off Site
If an emergency originates outside Agricultural Campus, the University Police dispatcher will notify the agricultural Campus Zone Coordinator and advise of the nature of the situation and recommended course of action. If evacuation is recommended, the procedures outlined in Section 7 of this Plan will be implemented immediately.