What chemical or oil spills can I clean up and which spills require professional assistance?
If the spilled material cannot be contained, is unknown, or is highly volatile or toxic, or may impact human health or the environment, please report the spill to University Police immediately (911 from a university phone or (703) 993-2810). DO NOT attempt to clean up the spill. You can respond to small incidental spills of a known material (less than one gallon of a hazardous chemical and less than five gallons of oil) in your work area. At a minimum, you should have completed either Hazard Communication Training or Chemical Safety Training. Refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) before responding to a chemical spill to ensure that you understand the hazards presented by the spill and are equipped with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies.
