SCHOOL SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR ART AND INDUSTRIAL ART PROGRAMS CHAPTER 4. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency procedures are a major, neglected area in many schools. However, they are essential. If written emergency procedures are not developed beforehand, then someone is going to have to develop them on the spot in an emergency, a situation not to be recommended. Most schools have emergency plans in case of fire because of the grave threat to both occupants and property. However there are many other types of emergencies which can require evacuation or other emergency procedures. These include natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, electrical failure, sprinkler leakage, bomb threats, chemical contamination, medical emergencies, etc. In addition, art and industrial art classrooms can have emergencies such as toxic chemical spills, fires and explosions, and personal injuries from accidents involving machinery. Whether the emergency emanates from an art or industrial art classroom or from an unrelated section of the school, the teacher must be able to safely shut-down any process at any point and prepare to evacuate the building. Failure to have pre-planned emergency abort procedures for such processes as kiln firing, for example, could result in a more serious emergency than the original one. GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES OSHA requires that all employers have written emergency action plans. According to 29 CFR 1910.38(a)(2), the emergency action plan must, at a minimum, contain the following elements: * emergency escape procedures and escape route assignments; * procedures to be followed by employees who remain to perform (or shut down) critical processes before they evacuate; * procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed; * rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them; * preferred means for reporting fires and other emergencies; and * names or regular job titles of persons or departments to be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan. The plan developed must cover the school as a whole, as required by OSHA regulations. The art or industrial arts department, however, because of the special hazards found there, needs to develop its own emergency procedures which should be incorporated into the overall school emergency plan. There are three main steps involved in the preparation and implementation of an emergency plan: 1) planning and documentation of such, 2) training, and 3) periodic drills. All three of these are crucial if the emergency plan is going to work as intended. Planning The effectiveness of the emergency plan will depend primarily on the amount of planning. The first step of the planning stage involves identifying all the potential emergencies that could develop. Next, procedures must be developed which will be followed in case of an emergency. In particular, this involves establishing a chain of command, and assigning particular roles to employees, and developing the following procedures: * an adequate emergency communications system of alarms and notifications; * a detailed evacuation procedure; * shutdown procedures; and * procedures for meeting other types of emergencies. It is important to involve all employees in this planning process in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of the final emergency plan. Role of Staff The emergency plan, when formulated, will rely on various staff members to form Emergency Teams and carry out the various emergency procedures developed. An Emergency Coordinator should be appointed to coordinate the work of the Emergency Teams. The duties of this coordinator include: * assessing possible emergencies to determine the response needed; * directing the emergency response effort; * calling in outside emergency services such as the fire department and medical aid as needed; * directing shutdown of the school when necessary; and * determining and directing safe re-entry or other post-emergency procedures. Since the role of the Emergency Coordinator is so crucial, it is essential that a back-up coordinator be appointed. In addition there must be adequate trained personnel for the Emergency Teams themselves so that trained teams are always available. Most schools are not going to have Emergency Teams for such operations as spill clean-up, search and emergency rescue procedures, use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), etc. because of the cost for training and maintenance of these teams. Instead most schools will rely on the Fire Department, HazMat Teams, and other external emergency services. Schools, usually, however, have personnel trained for first aid and emergency evacuation. These procedures are usually assigned to security staff since they are well-acquainted with the buildings and all their exits. In addition they are usually readily available in case of emergency. In some instances, security guards might also be trained in emergency search and rescue procedures, although this is often left to police or fire-fighters. Of course, if security guards are going to have expanded roles beyond their original guard duties, then the increased responsibility must be accompanied by more careful recruiting, more training, and even higher pay scales. In all these situations, it is important that members of Emergency Teams be able to determine when not to intervene. They must be trained to recognize when a fire or other emergency is beyond their capability to handle. If there is a chance that team members might receive fatal or disabling injuries, they should wait for professional fire-fighters or emergency response teams. Communications There are three groups of people who need alerting in case of an emergency: employees and others in the school; Emergency Teams; and special groups of people outside the school. Alarm system: An alarm system is needed to alert people inside the building as to the emergency and the need for evacuation. OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.165) requires that alarm boxes be available within a travel distance of 200 feet. Recommended alarm systems include supervised telephone, manual fire alarm, or pull box stations with paging systems to transmit messages throughout the building. Special alarm systems connected to smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, ventilation systems or the like can also be part of the overall alarm system. In addition, special alarms to alert visually or hearing impaired individuals should be considered. Note that these alarm systems should have an independent power supply in case the emergency affects the electrical system. The alarm system must be distinctive so that employees will easily recognize it and respond quickly. In addition, each employee should be informed as to the proper procedures for reporting emergencies. Emergency communications system: This is needed for the Emergency Teams. Portable radio units are the best for this. The office of the Emergency Coordinator should serve as the headquarters for coordinating emergency efforts. In case of evacuations, the reporting area for evacuees might be the best location for an alternate headquarters for quickness of communications. Outside notification: There are a number of people outside the school who should be notified in case of emergencies. In some instances, schools choose to connect alarm systems to a central facility such as the central office and whoever is on duty there has the responsibility to notify the appropriate outside people. An up-to-date, written list of key personnel to be notified in order of priority must be easily accessible. One such group consists of local authorities such as the fire department, police department, Health Department, OSHA, and other emergency services. Where appropriate, alarm systems should be directly connected to appropriate authorities. The other group that might need notifying would include top school administration officials, staff physician, and other off-duty essential personnel. Evacuation Procedures Emergency evacuations should be considered even as the building is planned and built. At this time, the proper number of exits and routes should be incorporated into the building. The Life Safety Code and OSHA regulations specify building construction, numbers, locations and sizes of exits, access to exits, marking of exits, etc. (29 CFR 1910.36 and 1910.37). (See Chapter 9.) The essence of the regulations are that repetitive and well-marked exit routes be provided for each and every building occupant. While OSHA regulations do not cover students or visitors, they must be considered an additional dimension to the evacuation problem. Evacuation routes should be clearly identified for each working location. Floor plans showing evacuation routes and any safe areas should be included in the plan and also located in visible spots throughout the building. The crucial factor in planning evacuation routes and procedures is getting everyone out of the building in the shortest time possible. The plan should include descriptions of particular duties assigned to employees including those needed to: * maintain essential services; * assist evacuation; * count staff; * check for total evacuation; and * attend to any first aid needs. Special attention has to be given to the problem of evacuating persons with disabilities. This not only includes the obvious examples of disabilities such as people in wheelchairs, and visually and hearing impaired persons, but also people with less obvious mobility impairments such as severe emphysema, heart problems, or advanced age. Such people might not be able to move fast enough on their own to leave the building in a short enough period of time. Procedures for evacuation of persons with disabilities might include training of security guards in moving people in wheelchairs, provision of safe areas to wait for evacuation assistance, etc. The emergency coordinator should have knowledge of the locations of disabled employees and students. Training Without proper training of all employees about emergency procedures, the emergency plan remains just a piece of paper. There are several levels of training required. All employees and students should receive training in how to report an emergency, how to recognize emergency communications, and how to escape. Depending upon the nature of the emergency plan, all, some or no employees will receive training in how to use fire extinguishers and how to give emergency first aid. Emergency Teams will receive specialized training depending upon the nature of their assignment. In particular, personnel responsible for responding to chemical spill and leak emergencies will require specialized training in the proper selection and use of such personal protective equipment as face and eye protection, gloves, whole body suits, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Insufficient training in the use of personal protective equipment could result in severe injuries or even fatalities to Emergency Team personnel in actual emergencies. Training needs to be done at the following times: * when the emergency plan is first developed; * when it is updated; * when new equipment, materials or processes are introduced; * for all new employees, or if an employee gets new duties; * if drills indicate the need for further training; and * at least annually. While some of the above mentioned training can be provided by supervisory staff (e.g. drill procedures), certain areas require outside personnel to properly and effectively carry out training programs (e.g. use of SCBA gear). The above discussion indicates why most schools do not try to have internal Emergency Teams for most emergencies that would require extensive training. Drills Rather than wait for an actual emergency to test the effectiveness of an emergency plan, regular drills should be instituted. Fire drills are the classic and proven form of emergency drill. These should be carried out semi-annually and only a few crucial individuals such as the Emergency Coordinator, the chief of Security and the school Principal should know about the drill in advance. The fire drill should also be held in conjunction with your local fire department. It is essential that all staff and students participate in the drill and this should be enforced by school officials. If the school has certain activities that go on that should not be disrupted except in an actual emergency, then possibly advance warning could be given that an emergency drill will be held during a certain period (e.g. a week). During this period, no crucial activities should take place that could not be interrupted so as to ensure that all personnel participate in the drill. Note that special drills might be necessary to practice shutting down these special activities in case of an actual emergency. A fire drill is the most common type of emergency practice. However drills for other types of emergencies, such as a medical emergency, chemical spill or leak of toxic gas should also be instituted. In many cases these would not involve evacuation so that there would be minimal disruption of school activities. Evaluation Once the drill is completed, an evaluation of its effectiveness must be carried out. Critical areas for evaluation include number of people evacuated, number of people left inside the building and unaware of the drill, and people "late" in leaving the building (i.e. past the evacuation time goal). Comparisons of average and slow evacuation times are useful for re-planning evacuation routes. FIRE EMERGENCIES Fire prevention plans shall contain the following minimum elements, according to 29 CFR 1910.38(b): * a list of major workplace fire hazards and their proper handling and storage procedures, ignition sources, and control procedures; and * names of job titles of personnel responsible for maintaining fire control procedures and equipment The fire control plan shall also cover housekeeping procedures, training and maintenance. Fire safety is discussed in detail in Chapter 8. REGULATIONS FOR SPILLS AND LEAKS Spills and leaks of chemicals can create significant fire and health risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under its Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR 1910.120), requires schools, colleges and other employers to develop procedures for emergency response to spills and leaks. Employers who do not operate an EPA or state-permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility must comply only with paragraph (q) of this standard. Section 304 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) has emergency notification of various emergency authorities in cases of releases of toxic chemicals into the environment in excess of reportable quantities. In addition, RCRA requires large and small quantity generators to appoint an emergency coordinator who is present or on call, and the development of an emergency/contingency plan in case of spills or leaks of hazardous waste that could expose the public or contaminate the environment (40 CFR 262.34). The emergency plans developed in this section could fulfill this requirement. OSHA Definition of Emergency Response According to paragraph (a)(3) of the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.120), an "Emergency Response" means "a response effort by employees from outside the immediate release area or by other designated responders (e.g., mutual-aid groups, local fire departments, etc.) to an occurrence which results, or is likely to result, in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance. Responses to incidental releases of hazardous substances where the substance can be absorbed, neutralized, or otherwise controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area, or by maintenance personnel are not considered to be emergency responses within the scope of this standard. Responses to releases of hazardous substances where there is no potential safety or health hazard (i.e., fire, explosion, or chemical exposure) are not considered to be emergency responses." Procedures for non-emergency spills and leaks, as defined above, are discussed in a later section. Emergency Response Plan Paragraph (q) of this standard requires employers to develop a written emergency response plan. This plan shall address the following points, unless already covered in the Emergency Action Plan (29 CFR 1910.38): * pre-emergency planning and coordination with outside parties; * personnel roles, lines of authority, training, and communication; * emergency recognition and prevention; * safe distances and places of refuge; * site security and control; * evacuation routes and procedures; * decontamination; * emergency medical treatment and first aid; * emergency alerting and response procedures; * critique of response and follow-up; and * personal protective equipment and emergency equipment. If the employer has a policy of immediate evacuation of their employees from the danger area when an emergency occurs, and does not permit any of their employees to assist in handling the emergency, then they are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (q), provided they have an emergency action plan in accordance with CFR 1910.38(a). This emergency action plan should include procedures for small spills that can be cleaned up quickly, how to recognize and report spill emergencies, and immediate evacuation of all employees for larger, dangerous spills. Employees who might discover or witness a spill or leak should have first responder awareness training (see below). Emergency Notification Under SARA If a spill or leak into the environment has the potential to expose the public, and if the size of the spill is in excess of SARA reportable quantities for the chemical, then section 304 of SARA requires emergency notification of appropriate authorities. If there is a toxic release of a chemical on the CERCLA list in excess of the reportable quantity for that chemical, then the National Response Center must be notified (Telephone 800-424-8802). The National Response Center must also be notified if the spill involves hazardous waste. If the chemical is listed by SARA as an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS), then local emergency authorities (the local emergency planning committee and the state emergency planning committee) must also be notified. Arts and industrial arts classes are not likely to have enough chemicals on hand that are in excess of the reportable quantities under Section 304 of SARA. These include more than ten pounds of lead compounds, and one pound of many cyanide salts, and mercury compounds. Note that some states or municipalities might have more stringent reporting requirements. In cases of such a reportable release of a toxic substance into the environment, the emergency notification must include: * the name of the chemical; * an indication of its hazardous quality; * an estimate of the amount released into the environment; * the time and duration of the release; * an estimate of the quantity released; * the medium into which the release occurred; * health hazard information on the chemical; * evacuation procedures; * name and telephone number of a contact person; and * a written follow-up notice including response action, anticipated health hazard data, and medical advice for exposed individuals. Emergency Response Procedures The senior emergency response official responding to the emergency shall become the individual in charge of the site-specific Incident Command System (ICS). As more senior officials arrive, this command position is passed up the line of authority. All emergency responders and their communications shall be coordinated and controlled through this individual in charge of the ICS, assisted by the senior official present for the employer. The individual in charge of the ICS shall do the following: * Identify the hazards. * Implement appropriate emergency operations. * Ensure that appropriate personal equipment is worn. For actual or potential inhalation hazards, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) shall be worn, as long as an inhalation hazard exists. * Limit the number of emergency personnel at the emergency site to those actively performing emergency operations. A buddy system shall be used in hazardous areas. * Provide for back-up personnel standing by for assistance or rescue, including advanced first aid personnel. * Designate a safety official with knowledge of the situation to identify and evaluate hazards and provide direction for the safety of operations. This safety official shall have the authority to alter or suspend activities in case of immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) or imminent danger situations. * Implement decontamination procedures after emergency operations have terminated. The standard also has procedures for medical surveillance and consultation [CFR 1910.120(q)(9)], chemical protective clothing [CFR 1910.120(q)(10)], removal of hazardous substances and contaminated materials [CFR 1910.120(q)(11)], and personal protective equipment test methods (Appendix A). Training The OSHA Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Response Standard defines the amount of training needed for different levels of emergency response personnel. In order of the amount of training required and competence, the types of emergency response personnel are: 1) first responder awareness level; 2) first responder operations level; 3) hazardous materials technician; and 4) hazardous materials specialist. In addition, there are training requirements for an on-scene incident commander, and skilled support personnel. Except for first responder awareness training, the employer shall certify all competencies and provide a certificate to the employee. All emergency response employees shall receive annual refresher courses of sufficient content and duration to maintain and demonstrate their competencies. As discussed earlier, most schools will have an emergency action plan that only requires training at the First Responder Awareness Level. This requires that all employees who might discover or witness a spill or leak should receive basic training in initiating the proper emergency procedures, even if the school policy is for evacuation of all employees in an emergency. These requirements are similar to and can be incorporated into OSHA Hazard Communication training requirements (see Chapter 3). First responders at the awareness level shall have training or sufficient experience to demonstrate competence in the following areas: * understanding the types of hazardous substances, and possible risks (e.g. fire, explosion, toxic effects, etc.); * understanding the potential outcomes of an emergency when hazardous substances are present; * the ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency; * the ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible; * an understanding of the role of first responder awareness individuals in the employer's emergency response plan, including site security and control and the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook; and * the ability to realize the need for help and to notify the proper officials. Basically, an individual with first responder awareness training identifies the existence and nature of an emergency, if possible, and initiates the emergency response plan by calling for help. The individual takes no further action and immediately leaves the danger area, unless he or she has had more advanced emergency response training. CLEANING UP SPILLS AND LEAKS Many of the basic steps involved in cleaning up emergency and non-emergency spills and leaks are similar. The primary difference is the degree of hazard, the level of training, and the types of personal protective equipment necessary to clean up the spill safely. Even non-emergency spills and leaks take knowledge and training to know how to clean up safely. This can be done in standard Right-To-Know training given in compliance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Preparing for Spills and Leaks To prepare for hazardous spills, even non-emergency ones, certain supplies are needed. These can include: * Proper personal protective equipment, including chemical resistant overalls, gloves, goggles and face shields, boots, full protective suits, and appropriate respirators. Some of this equipment (SCBA, in particular) would only be worn by trained HAZMAT personnel, but anyone cleaning up even minor spills should know what to wear for the type of spills that could occur. * Clean-up equipment and supplies, including spill control materials, absorption materials and pillows, spark-proof tools, fire extinguishers, leak patches, etc. You should have appropriate spill control materials available for the types of spills likely to occur. Spill control kits are available from safety equipment suppliers. * First aid supplies (see the next section). Standard Spill Control Procedures The following procedures should be used in evaluating how to clean up spills and leaks. 1. Get away. The first person to notice the spill or leak, should get away from the immediate area of the spill in order to evaluate the situation but without exposing him or herself. Obviously, this might not be needed if the nature of the spill is known and is minor (e.g. 1/4 cup of a known solvent). 2. Identify the spill to the extent possible. Do so without being at risk. This includes identifying: * the type of material spilled (e.g., from the label); * the size of the spill and whether the leak has stopped; * whether two chemicals are involved in the leak and could react with each other; and * any unusual features such as foaming, odor, fire, etc. 3. Is this an emergency? Leaks that can be cleaned up by personnel on the spot or by maintenance personnel are not emergencies. If this is not clear, consider it an emergency. Table 4-1 gives examples of spills and leaks that should be considered emergencies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Table 4-1. Emergency Spill and Leak Amounts Type of spill Amount Examples extremely flammable liquids > 1 pint acetone, rubber cement flammable liquids > 1 quart toluene, ethyl alcohol combustible liquids > 1 quart mineral spirits toxic, volatile liquids > 1 quart acetic acid, methylene chloride, ammonia concentrated acids > 1 gallon sulfuric acid concentrated alkalis > 1 gallon lye solution poisonous, reactive any cyanides and materials sulfides oxidizing agents > 1 pound conc. nitric acid, nitrates, dichromates, chlorates leaks from gas cylinders uncontrolled oxygen, acetylene ------------------------------------------------------------------- If there is an emergency situation, initiate the emergency procedures defined in the Emergency Response Plan. The following steps might be part of the Emergency Response Plan. If the plan involves immediate evacuation, then do not proceed any further. Rather sound the alarm and assist evacuation. Any fires involving hazardous substances (e.g. solvents, oxidizers, corrosive chemicals), or any spill or leak that causes any injury such as unconsciousness should be considered emergencies. 4. Get help for all but very minor spills. In emergency situations, the amount of training determines the degree of participation in the cleanup. 5. Identify the material spilled. Is it flammable, combustible, toxic and volatile, toxic or corrosive and nonvolatile, or an oxidizing agent? The label and Material Safety Data Sheet on the product should give information on safe cleanup procedures. 6. Plan how to clean up the spill or leak. Procedures for common types of spills and leaks are discussed below. 7. Obtain the proper spill control materials. This would include spill control materials, leak patches, etc., as discussed under Preparing for Spills and Leaks. 8. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment. This can include respirators, gloves, goggles, etc., as needed. For example, use wide range chemical-resistant gloves (e.g. North Silvershield(TM) gloves). 9. Stop the source of the spill or leak. This can include turning off the valve of a leaking gas cylinder, patching a leaky hose, or uprighting a knocked over container of liquid. 10. Stop the spill from spreading. This can include use of appropriate spill control pillows or other spill control materials for spilled liquids to build a dike, shutting down ventilation systems to keep gases and vapors from spreading, and plugging drains to prevent contamination of the water supply. Flammable liquids in the sewer system, for example, can be an extreme explosion hazard. Allowing hazardous chemicals to enter the sewer system may also be a violation of EPA, state, or local disposal regulations. 11. Clean up the spill. Use the appropriate adsorbing materials and equipment. In general, paper towels or rags should not be used for liquids that evaporate quickly since they will not prevent further evaporation. For very small spills, you can use paper towels if they are immediately placed in a proper oily waste can. 12. Dispose of contaminated materials properly. Contaminated spill control materials and disposable personal protective clothing must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Contaminated tools and non-disposable personal protective equipment should be safely decontaminated. 13. File an incident report. The incident report should be filed with the health and safety program director for every spill, including non-emergency spills, detailing the nature of the spill, how it occurred, how it was cleaned up, any problems, and recommendations for preventing further spills of the type. The spill might also have to be reported to local, state or federal authorities (see section on Emergency Notification Under SARA). Specific Recommendations The following section gives the hazards and specific recommendations for cleaning up a variety of common spills and leaks that could occur in an art department. When a spill is large enough for cleanup to be considered an emergency response, then the Emergency Response Plan should be followed. The recommendations below should be incorporated into the emergency response procedures. Flammable Liquid Spills Spills of flammable liquids are among the most dangerous types of spills because they are potentially hazardous to health as well as a fire hazard at room temperature and below. A spill of a flammable liquid will spread out and evaporate very quickly to reach high vapor concentrations. The lower explosive limit (LEL), the lowest concentration of the flammable vapor in air which can burn, can be achieved very easily, and then all it takes is a spark, flame or other source of ignition to cause a fire or explosion. Spills of more than a one pint of an extremely flammable liquid or one quart of a flammable liquid should be considered emergency response situations. The following are procedures to be followed for flammable liquid spills: 1. Immediately shut off any flames. For large, emergency spills, shut off power to any electrical equipment, lights, etc. in the spill area using a control outside the spill area (e.g fuse box) to prevent sparks setting off a fire or explosion. 2. Open the windows and turn on any explosion-proof fans exhausting to the outside (they should be on separate circuits from the rest of the room). Air conditioning and ventilation systems should be turned off to prevent vapors from spreading throughout the building. 3. Evacuate the area as a precaution because of the fire risk. In emergency response situations, trained emergency personnel would determine the degree of evacuation needed, unless the school has an immediate evacuation plan. 4. Wear gloves, goggles and air-purifying respirators for small spills (although minor spills might not require a respirator). Cleaning up large spills or unknown spills requires positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) because of high vapor concentrations that could be present. The fire department might be able to do this if no one in-house is qualified and trained with SCBA. Other protective clothing and equipment that might be needed for large spills includes gloves, goggles and face shield, impermeable clothing, and boots. 5. Control the spread of large spills by diking with spill control pillows or similar materials. Make sure the flammable liquid does not enter drains. 6. Use appropriate spill control materials to clean up the spill. Dry clay or vermiculite will work if proper spill control materials are not available. Paper towels should not be used for more than tiny amounts of volatile liquids because the paper will aid evaporation. 7. Pick up contaminated spill control materials using sparkproof tools (e.g. plastic, aluminum), and place in garbage bags. This material must be treated as hazardous waste under EPA regulations. Flush the affected area with water afterwards. Combustible Liquid Spills Combustible liquids are not a fire hazard at room temperature since their flash point is above 100ø F. In general, handle combustible liquid spills (e.g. mineral spirits) as a volatile liquid spill. However, if a spilled combustible liquid contacts hot surfaces, then heating of the liquid could result in a fire hazard and the spill should be handled as a flammable liquid spill. Volatile Liquid Spills Inhalation of vapors and possible skin absorption of the liquid are the major hazards associated with volatile liquid spills such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride, acetic acid and combustible liquids. Spills of solutions of gases dissolved in water such as ammonia, and bleach are also discussed here. Flammable liquids are treated separately. Spills of more than one quart should be considered emergency response situations. The following are procedures for cleaning up spills of volatile liquids: 1. Open windows and turn on any fans exhausting to the outside. Ventilation systems should be turned off to prevent vapors from spreading throughout the building. 2. Evacuate the immediate area as a precaution because of the health risk. In emergency response situations, trained emergency personnel would determine the degree of evacuation needed, unless the school has an immediate evacuation plan. 3. Wear gloves, goggles and air-purifying respirators for small spills (although minor spills might not require a respirator). Cleaning up large spills or unknown spills requires positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) because of high vapor concentrations that could be present. The fire department might be able to do this if no one in-house is qualified and trained with SCBA. Other protective clothing and equipment that might be needed for large spills includes gloves, goggles and face shield, impermeable clothing, and boots. 4. Control the spread of large spills by diking with spill control pillows or similar materials. 5. Use appropriate spill control materials to clean up the spill. Dry clay or vermiculite will also work if proper spill control materials are not available. Paper towels should not be used for more than tiny amounts of volatile liquids because the paper will quicken evaporation of the liquid. 6. Pick up contaminated spill control materials and place in approved waste disposal containers. This material must be treated as hazardous waste under EPA regulations. Flush affected area with water afterwards. Acid and Alkali Spills With acids and alkaline solutions, the concern is mostly skin contact due to the corrosive properties of concentrated acids and alkalis, and irritation from dilute solutions. Note that many concentrated acids react violently with water. Spills of more than a gallon of concentrated acids or alkalis should be considered an emergency response situation. All concentrated hydrofluoric acid spills should be considered an emergency and need special procedures. The following are recommended procedures: 1. Do not touch spilled material. 2. Wear acid-resistant protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and boots in order to avoid skin contact. For concentrated acids and alkalis, a face shield is needed in addition to goggles. For volatile concentrated acids, SCBA may be needed. The MSDS should be checked. 3. Control the spread of large spills of concentrated acids by diking with spill control pillows or similar materials for later disposal as hazardous waste. 4. Small acid spills can be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate and alkali spills with sodium bisulfate or citric acid. Commercial adsorbent spill control materials can also be used. 5. Neutralized acids and alkalis can then be mopped up, wringing out the mop in the sink or a pail with a wringer. Cyanide and Sulfide Spills Reactive materials such as cyanide and sulfide powders and solutions are potentially very hazardous because of the risk of producing extremely toxic hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide gases, especially if the spill also involves acids. Cyanide solutions may also be absorbed through the skin. All spills of cyanide, sulfide and other reactive materials should be considered emergency response situations. The following are recommended procedures: 1. Do not touch spilled material. 2. Wear protective apron, goggles, gloves, and respiratory protection (positive-pressure SCBA). For small powder spills, air-purifying respirators with a HEPA filter would suffice. 3. Scoop up powder with clean shovel or other tool, and place in a dry, container approved by the Department of Transportation. 4. Liquid spills should be adsorbed with spill control materials. Do not allow spill to enter drains or sewer system. 5. Flush spill area with water. 6. Dispose of as reactive hazardous waste. Oxidizing Agent Spills Oxidizers such as dichromates, nitrates, chlorates, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, and concentrated nitric acid are strong oxidizing agents which can ignite solvents and other combustible materials. They are also skin and respiratory irritants and may have other health hazards. See Material Safety Data Sheets on individual materials for specific instructions on cleaning up spills. Spills of more than one pound of an oxidizing agent should be considered an emergency response situation. The following are general procedures for oxidizer spills: 1. Do not touch the spilled material. Keep away from combustible materials (wood, paper towels, oil, etc.) 2. Wear appropriate protective equipment (e.g. apron, goggles, gloves, respirators, etc.) For small powder spills, air-purifying respirators with a HEPA filter would suffice; for larger spills, SCBA is required. 3. Scoop up powder with clean shovel or other noncombustible tool, and place in a dry container approved by the Department of Transportation. 4. Liquid spills should be adsorbed with spill control materials. Do not allow spill to enter drains or sewer system. 5. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide spills are not emergencies. The solution should be diluted with water, and then allowed to decompose to ordinary oxygen. The residue can be poured down the drain. 6. Flush spill area with water. 7. Dispose of the adsorbed material as flammable hazardous waste. Organic Peroxide Spills Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and benzoyl peroxide are hardeners used with various plastics resins and can be ignited by sparks, flames and heat. They are normally dissolved in solvents to make them less reactive. Spills of organic peroxides should be handled as flammable liquid spills. Water-Based Paint Spills Latex paints and other water-based paints are not an inhalation hazard even though they may contain small amounts of organic solvents. Even large spills of water-based paints are not considered emergency response situations. The following are basic procedures for clean-up: 1. Gloves and goggles should be worn for cleanup. 2. Wet mopping is the best method of cleanup. 3. The diluted paint can be flushed down the sewer if it does not contain lead, chromates, cadmium, or other toxic metals. If toxic metals are present, dispose of as hazardous waste. Compressed Gas Cylinders Leaking compressed gas cylinders can be an emergency if the cylinder gas is oxygen (an oxidizer), a flammable gas such as acetylene or propane, or a toxic gas such as ammonia, and if the leak cannot be turned off by closing the cylinder valve. In this situation, follow prescribed emergency response procedure. The following are recommended procedures: 1. If a leak is suspected, test with nonfat (detergent) soap or other leak detection solution. Do not use a flame. 2. If the leak cannot be stopped by turning off the cylinder valve, take the leaking cylinder outside well away from sources of ignition if the gas is oxygen or is flammable. (If the gas is toxic, wear positive-pressure SCBA.) 3. Try and temporarily stop the leak through the cylinder valve by attaching a regulator which is closed. 4. Reopen the cylinder valve slightly to allow gas to escape slowly. 5. Clearly tag and secure the cylinder. Post a sign warning people not to approach within 20 feet with cigarettes or other sources of ignition. If necessary, post a security guard. 6. Contact the supplier or manufacturer, and follow their further instructions. FIRST AID First aid is not medical treatment. The purpose of first aid is to provide emergency supportive treatment until the injured person can get medical treatment from a physician. First aid can also be used to attend to minor cuts, bruises, etc. where medical treatment is not necessary. OSHA's section on medical services and first aid (29 CFR 1910.151) requires that employers ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of workers' health. In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, there should be personnel adequately trained to render first aid. First aid supplies approved by the consulting physician shall be readily available. Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. First Aid Kit First aid kits should be available in all studios where injuries could occur requiring their use. Prepackaged first aid kits are available from safety equipment suppliers. They should be regularly checked to ensure they are kept stocked. First Aid Training Various courses in first aid are regularly given by the American Red Cross. These can be useful for teachers, guards, etc. However, if emergency facilities are not readily available, the school should ensure that state-certified first aid practitioners are available. There are a variety of state-certified levels for first aid practitioners. The lowest level is certified first aid responder with 40 hours of training. In increasing order of training are basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), EMT intermediate, EMT critical care technician, and EMT paramedic. EMT intermediate and higher levels must work under a physician's supervision. This can be by radio or telephone, and most hospital emergency departments maintain facilities for such supervision. EMT basic and certified first responders can immobilize a patient for transportation, bandage wounds, do CPR and similar classic first aid measures. They cannot administer oxygen or medications, give intravenous solutions, read electrocardiograms, use a defibrillator, or use most other resuscitation equipment. Exposure to Blood Employees who are trained in first aid and designated by their employer as first aid responders are covered by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (CFR 1910.1030). This standard applies to all occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. This standard requires offering first aid responders Hepatitis B vaccination, written procedures for cleaning up blood exposures, medical follow-up for exposed workers, personal protective equipment, training and proper disposal of infected materials. OSHA policy, however, is to allow employers to delay Hepatitis B vaccination for first aid responders until after they have actually provided treatment where there was exposure to blood or other infectious material. This, however, only applies to employees for whom first aid response is only an incidental duty. In classroom situations, teachers might also be voluntarily involved in situations where blood is present due to cuts and other accidents, but would not come under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard. To reduce the risk of transmission of infection when controlling bleeding, always follow the Centers for Disease Control's "Universal Precautions", which assume that the victim's blood may be infected. * Do not touch the victim's blood directly. Use the victim's hand, plastic or disposable gloves, a layer of plastic, etc. * Wash your hands carefully with soap and water immediately after giving first aid, even if you wore protection. * Excess blood should be mopped up with heavy compresses and placed in a sealable, red plastic bag. If saturated or dripping, these blood-soaked materials should be disposed of as hazardous medical waste. This cleanup and disposal should be done by trained personnel in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. * Contaminated surfaces, tools, etc. can be disinfected by chlorine bleach that has been diluted 1:10 or by isopropyl alcohol. Eyewash Fountains and Emergency Showers In case of splashes of irritating chemicals in the eye(s), it is crucial to begin rinsing the eyes within the first 15 seconds since damage begins immediately. Rinsing of the eyes should continue for at least 15 minutes. Eyewash Fountains: Plumbed eyewash or plumbed eye/face wash fountains should be in every studio where chemicals can be splashed in the eyes. All eyewash fountains should meet the requirements of the American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (ANSI Z358.1-1990). Laboratory faucet adapters are generally not recommended because they share their water with the sink faucets, are difficult to reach easily, and it is difficult to adjust the temperature of the water quickly and properly. Hand-held hoses are not recommended because they require holding and a person needs both hands to hold eyes open for rinsing. Small, portable eyewash bottles are not recommended because of danger of contamination, and lack of adequate water to rinse eyes for 15-20 minutes. If plumbed water is not available, ANSI-approved self-contained eyewash fountains should be used and regularly checked for contamination. Emergency Showers: Emergency showers should be present wherever concentrated acids, alkalis or other corrosive materials are mixed and used since spills of corrosive chemicals can cause severe damage. If splashed with a corrosive chemical, stand under the shower and start the water flowing (about 30 gallons/minute); then remove contaminated clothing. Emergency showers should be ANSI-approved. Combination eyewash fountains/emergency showers are also available. Eyewash fountains and emergency showers should meet the following criteria: * They should be ANSI-approved. * They should be accessible within 10 seconds and not be more than 100 feet away. An individual should not have to go through a door or be separated by a wall. Note that some local regulations may require closer locations. * They should be conspicuously located with a visible sign. The area around the shower or eyewash fountain must be kept clear. * They should be located a safe distance from electrical equipment and outlets because of splashing. * They should have an instant on, stay-open ball valve. This allows people to hold both eyes open, for example, while rinsing, and to remove clothing. * Spray heads should be protected by dust covers when not in use. * Potable water should be supplied. For comfort and to prevent shock or other injury, water temperatures between 60ø F and 95ø F are suggested. * The flow of water from eyewash fountains should be gentle so as not to injure soft eye tissue. * All personnel should be trained in their use. * They should be tested weekly (according to the ANSI standard). * Adequate floor drains should be provided for emergency showers. REFERENCES 1. American National Standards Institute. (1990). American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (ANSI Z358.1-1990). ANSI, New York, NY. 2. 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division. (1989). Hazardous Spill Clean-Up. 3M Company, St. Paul, MN. 3. National Fire Protection Association. (1985). NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 1985. NFPA, Quincy, MA. 4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1990). Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (OSHA 3114). U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. 5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1985) How To Prepare for Workplace Emergencies (OSHA 3088 Rev.), U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. 6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Safety and Health Standards 29 CFR 1910. U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. 7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1910.38 Employee emergency plans and fire prevention plans 1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response 1910.151 Medical services and first aid 1910.165 Employee alarm systems 1910.1030 Bloodborne pathogens 8. Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation. (1987). 1987 Emergency Response Guidebook. U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.