Hazardous Materials

Placards or signs are posted outside all rooms containing hazardous materials.

Chemical Spills

Detailed safety procedures are in place in all campus laboratories where dangerous materials are used and stored. If you encounter a chemical spill and no trained individuals are in the area:

• Call 911.
• Do not walk into or touch any spilled material.
• Avoid inhaling fumes, smoke and vapors, even if no hazardous materials are involved. Most chemicals are odorless so remember just because you can't smell it doesn't mean it's not harming you.
• Isolate the area by sealing off or closing doors, if safe to do so.
• Notify people in neighboring offices and classrooms.
• Turn off space heaters and extinguish open flames in the area, if safe to do so.
• Evacuate the affected area or building and do not reenter the area until told to do so by authorized emergency personnel.

Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials are utilized in some campus laboratories. Those that might be encountered are considered low-level sources of radiation and pose a minimal threat when properly stored or handled. If you encounter what you believe to be radioactive material:

• Call 911.
• Do not touch the material.
• Isolate the area by sealing it off or closing doors, if safe to do so.
• Notify people in neighboring offices and classrooms.
• Evacuate the area and notify NIU PD. Do not reenter the area until given the "all clear" signal.

Radiation Emergency

NIU is located in a region with several nuclear power plants. In case of a radiation leak that affects NIU, listen to Emergency Alert System (EAS) announcements which will be broadcast via radio and television (previously known as the national Emergency Broadcast System).