Re: Spills and Emergency Response

["Wilson, Bob" <bmw.hsafety@mhs.unc.edu>]

Dear Vas,

We have both work and after hours coverage plans for emergency and 
"questions" response.  An emergency response kit (contents on request) is 
maintained in our lab and one on our Emergency Response van.  The kits 
are checked monthly, and anyone who uses something from a kit is 
responsible for promptly replacing it.  I always carry basic items with 
me, including a pocket style GM.  The van, and most labs, has plenty of 
backup as far as absorbents, plastic, signs, gloves, booties, tyvecs, 
etc.  The van has a phone and radio.  We all carry radios, which have 
proven to be a terrific tool.  We are currently looking at expanding our 
communications system with more pagers and cell phones.  Campus police 
also serves as an essential emergency response element, serving as 
incident command, if an incident is that big.   I have seen a commercial 
kit, I think from Nuc. Associates.  One can do as well or better with a 
personal design.  We often respond as a team, depending on the prospects, 
but probably more often as an individual.  We are looking at a more 
formal, all calls, team response plan at this time.  Our AUs are expected 
to be able and willing to take care of most events themselves.  We 
basicly provide giudance and moral support.  However, we also promptly 
step in and handle it all when circumstances so indicate.  We have a 
short, written, response plan, one for the hospital and one for campus, 
with periodic training and drills.  We get annual physicals, 
inoculations, and training in SCBA, BBP, TB, HAZWOPER, etc. 


Bob Wilson, RSO (Bob_Wilson@unc.edu)
Univ. of North Carolina
Health and Safety Office
212 Finley Golf Course Road
Chapel Hill, NC  27514
(919) 962-5725
FAX: (919) 962-0227