Other Incidents

Earthquake 

In the event of an earthquake the following procedure must be followed: 

  • If indoors, stay there.  Get under a desk or table or stand in the corner of the room. 
  • If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. 
  • If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines.  Stay inside until the shaking is over. 
  • If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. 
  • If in a crowded public place, do not rush the doors.  Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. 
  • After the shock subsides, get out of doors, well clear of buildings and trees. 
  • Do not use elevators.  
  • Follow the procedures for fire escape. 
  • Identify and assist the injured. 
  • Notify the Health & Safety Officer and/or Head of Facilities of any serious hazards or injuries. 
  • Do not return to the evacuated building unless directed to do so by public safety personnel. 

Letter Bombs 

If a suspicious letter or small package is received: 

  • Handle it with care and place it in a locked, unoccupied room or locked drawer. 
  • Do not attempt to open it and do not immerse it in water. 
  • Keep people away. 
  • Notify the EH&S Officer and/or the Head of Facilities. 

Gas Leaks 

  • Persons with an ordinary sense of smell can detect it. 
  • If you smell gas or have any reason to believe that gas is leaking from an appliance, turn off all gas appliances, naked flames and electrical appliances, etc. 
  • Evacuate the area concerned, leave open any windows already open, close all internal doors and, if possible, put up temporary (handwritten) notices to warn others. 
  • Inform the occupants of adjacent rooms and ensure that they, too, evacuate the area. 
  • Immediately inform the Main Reception at 11 (internally) or 22841501. 
  • If you cannot get a reply from the telephones listed above, inform the Environment, Health and Safety Office (22 841 779) and report your suspicions. 
  • Do not attempt to trace the leak or do any repairs. If the supply has been turned off do not turn it on again. 

Emergency Showers 

Personal contamination with chemicals requires immediate irrigation with large quantities of water.  

Emergency showers are available for this purpose in the Biology Lab, room A117. 

Emergency Procedures for Accidents Involving Chemicals 

Emergency procedures for accidents involving chemicals must be detailed on an accident/incident report forms and should be made known to the staff members who are responsible for the area where the reagents are being used.