A Chemical or Hazardous material is defined as any substance or material could adversely affect the safety of the public, handlers or carriers during transportation. It may be explosive, gaseous, flammable, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, combustive or leachable.

• Keep people away from the spill.
• If you know what the substance is, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for hazards and clean-up instructions. If the release is small enough and can be cleaned up easily and isolated safely, handle it as a part of your normal job duties.
• If the MSDS is not available or the substance is unknown and the severity of the hazard cannot be determined, please contact:
  • Your immediate supervisor (if unable to reach supervisor)
  • Department of Public Safety at (479)968-0222
  • If you determine an imminent hazard (i.e. serious fire or major injury) exists contact the Department of Public Safety at (479)968-0222 and evacuate the area. Next, notify your supervisor.

Do not call 911 unless an immediate medical emergency exists.

Note: Whenever handling chemicals or hazardous waste, employees have the right and are required to have the appropriate MSDS available for immediate consultation. Also, it is good practice to consult the MSDS prior to handling any chemical or hazardous waste.