Hazardous Materials

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Must be readily available at the work site.
• Always refer to SDS prior to handling any hazardous material.
• Hazardous products must be properly labeled.
• See “Resources” section for SDS resources.

	CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.
	CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL This class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions.
	CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.
	CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide
	CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTS These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts.
	CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious MATERIAL These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada.
	CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
	CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL These products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water.

Explosion or Fire

1. Immediately activate the closest fire pull alarm.
2. Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you are confident and it is safe to do so.  (Refer to Fire Safety Section, “Using a Fire Extinguisher”).
3. Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
4. To help contain the fire, close windows and doors that are near you on your way out, ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
5. Use the stairway to evacuate, do NOT use the elevators.
6. Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to an area that is at a safe distance outside the main entrance of the building and wait for emergency personnel.  Provide emergency personnel with information on hazardous materials involved (e.g. SDS
7. Call 911
   1. State you name.
   2. Give the address where the fire is and the nearest intersection.
   3. Provide information about the fire:  what floor, how fast the fire is spreading, people trapped.
8. Call Campus Security at 250.807.8111.
9. Inform supervisor or department head.
10. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel have notified you that it is safe to do so.

Gas Leak

1. Immediately leave the area making for the nearest exit.
2. Activate the fire alarm from a remote area.
3. Do NOT call 911 from inside the building; this can cause an explosion.
4. Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
5. Close doors on your way out, but ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
6. Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to the Pre-Designated Meeting Area and wait for further instructions from emergency personnel.
7. When you are OUTSIDE, call 911
   1. State your name.
   2. Give the address where the gas leak is and the nearest intersection.
   3. Provide information about the gas leak:  what floor, intensity of gas leak, people trapped, etc.
8. Call Campus Security at 250.807.8111.
9. Inform supervisor or department head.
10. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel and the Emergency Director give permission.

Chemical, Biohazard, or Radiation Spills

Any uncontrolled release of hazardous materials is considered a spill and these procedures must be followed:

1. Evacuate immediate area. If time permits, shut down equipment.
2. Isolate area and notify others in the area to prevent re-entry.
3. Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
4. Close doors on your way out, but ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
5. Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to an area that is at a safe distance outside the main entrance of the building and wait for emergency personnel.  Provide emergency personnel with information on hazardous materials involved (e.g. SDS).
6. Call 911
   1. State your name.
   2. Give address where the spill is and the nearest intersection.
   3. Provide information about the spill
      1. Injuries
      2. Chemical Name
      3. Quantitiy
      4. Hazards (Information on (Material) Safety Data Sheets (SDS))
7. Call Campus Security at 250-807-8111.
8. Inform Supervisor or Department Head.
9. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel have notified you that it is safe to do so.