Chemical / Hazardous Materials Release Incident
Definition: Accidents may occur during use, processing or transporting of chemical and other hazardous materials, exposing people to the dangers of contaminants. In other instances, individuals or groups may cause the intentional release of chemicals or other hazardous materials.
Alert Signal: Warning of hazardous materials is usually received from response agencies or noted on the scene by indicators. In a rare situation, the incident may occur close to or on facility property, and personnel at the facility must spot the indicators of an incident and relay the warning to appropriate agencies. If dangerous or there is not time to evacuate, then announcement— "Shelter for Hazmat! Seal the room."
Teacher Response:
Food or Beverage Contamination Incident
Definition: A situation in which multiple students and/or staff members become ill due to the consumption of contaminated food or beverage. This could involve accidental contamination or intentional contamination that could involve biological organisms, toxins, chemicals or radiological contaminants.
Alert Signal: Verbal notification of staff.
Teacher Response:
Definition: Accidents may occur during use, processing or transporting of chemical and other hazardous materials, exposing people to the dangers of contaminants. In other instances, individuals or groups may cause the intentional release of chemicals or other hazardous materials.
Alert Signal: Warning of hazardous materials is usually received from response agencies or noted on the scene by indicators. In a rare situation, the incident may occur close to or on facility property, and personnel at the facility must spot the indicators of an incident and relay the warning to appropriate agencies. If dangerous or there is not time to evacuate, then announcement— "Shelter for Hazmat! Seal the room."
Teacher Response:
- If the substance released is inside a room or building, you may be instructed to Evacuate. If so, evacuate students and staff to a safe location at right angles to and upwind of the agent.
- If it is too dangerous to evacuate the facility, implement "Shelter for Hazmat! Seal the Room" protocol.
- Secure the building, including closing all windows and doors.
- Shut off all heating, cooling, and /or ventilation systems. Cut "OFF" all motors, fans, and appliances.
- Place wet towels in door cracks and/or tape around the doors and windows to block air from the outside.
- Listen to emergency alert broadcasts on all available media, and follow their instructions.
- After evacuation, persons who have come into direct contact with hazmat substances should be taken to a decontamination area.
- Be prepared to render first aid, if necessary.
Food or Beverage Contamination Incident
Definition: A situation in which multiple students and/or staff members become ill due to the consumption of contaminated food or beverage. This could involve accidental contamination or intentional contamination that could involve biological organisms, toxins, chemicals or radiological contaminants.
Alert Signal: Verbal notification of staff.
Teacher Response:
- Staff members may be the first to realize that a contamination incident has occurred. In this situation, notify the administrator immediately.
- Take immediate action to prevent others from consuming food or beverages until the actual source of contamination can be determined.
- Follow the directions of the administrator.