Skip to Content Find it Fast

This browser does not support Cascading Style Sheets.

emergencysearch emergencymenu

PREPAREDNESS MEASURESred arrow


A. Fire Prevention and Preparedness

Be aware that the most frequently violated fire codes are:

  1. Obstructed aisles, corridors and egress routes. Remove illegal storage in these areas.

  2. Use of extension cords, ungrounded plugs and multiple outlet adapters for small appliances. Small appliances left on while unattended (heaters, coffee pots, toasters).
  3. Illegal storage in corridors, mechanical rooms, equipment rooms, lavatories, and under stairways.
  4. Improper storage and handling of chemicals and flammable liquids.
  5. Leaving fire resistive doors open. They must be closed at all times unless equipped with electromagnetic holds.
  6. Smoking in buildings.
  7. Obstruction of fire extinguishers, fixed sprinkler connections, sprinkler heads, or fire hydrants.


Be prepared for fire emergencies:

  1. Know the exit routes from your office, floor, and building. It is easy to become disorientated during an actual emergency. Count the doorways to the exit in case of blinding smoke or lack of illumination.
  2. Know the location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers. Know how to use these appliances.
  3. Keep a flashlight and emergency supplies in your desk. Keep a Department emergency kit.
  4. Report unsafe conditions to EHS 862-4041. Call this extension for fire safety information and training.
  5. Keep an updated list of persons with disabilities located within reach.

B. Hazardous Spill Prevention

  1. Make sure that all lab and maintenance workers are trained in lab safety procedures. Post lab safety guidelines.
  2. Segregate chemicals. For example, separate:
    • • flammable solvents from acids and oxidizers
    • • inorganic acids from inorganic bases
    • • nitric acid from organic acids
    • • inorganic acids from cyanide

  3. Label peroxide-forming chemicals with the date received and the date opened.
  4. Do not purchase excess quantities of chemicals. Do not store over ten (10) gallons of flammable liquids in a lab unless they are in an approved flammable storage cabinet.
  5. Never keep flammables in refrigerators or freezers that are not listed as nonflammable or explosion proof.
  6. Dispose of needles and sharps in a rigid plastic container.
  7. Secure compressed gas cylinders with welded link chains to the wall. Cylinders should be individually secured.
  8. Know the location of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals being used in the area. Become familiar with the NFPA diamond symbol posted on doors of all chemical locations.
  9. Avoid high storage of large or heavy items, anchor all shelves and storage cabinets. Install seismic anchoring bars on all chemical shelving.
  10. Maintain a clean, well-kept work environment.
  11. Additional reference information is available in the UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Call the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 862-3526, for information regarding waste disposal.


C. Radioactivity Spill Prevention Radioactive Material Handling:

Radioactive materials must not be left unsecured in unoccupied laboratories.
If the authorized user or a trained radiation worker is not physically present in a lab, the radioactive material will be secured, radioactive waste will be deposited in designated receptacles, and the area decontaminated.

All radioactive materials will be disposed of through the Radiation Safety Officer.

Good housekeeping is required where radionuclides are used. Work areas must be clearly defined and uncluttered.

Work surfaces shall be covered to facilitate easy decontamination. Bench coverings shall be changed frequently, i.e., no less than weekly or whenever the covering is noticeably soiled, torn, or contaminated.

Locate work areas away from heavy traffic or doorways.

Labeling of Radioactive Materials:
Containers of radioactive materials for storage, processing, or use, shall be individually and conspicuously labeled "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL". In addition, the label must specify the identity of the radioisotope, the estimated activity (amount), and the date.

Warning labels bearing the radiation symbol and/or words such as "radiation area", "radioactive", or "radioactive materials" should not be removed or effaced without specific release from the Radiation Safety Officer.

Transport of Radioactive Materials:
No radioactive materials or sources of radiation are to be transported on campus without the direct supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer or by anyone other than authorized users and their trained assistants.

Wherever possible, cartons, drums, and other containers used for transport of radioactive materials shall be re-used. All such containers shall be returned to the Radiation Safety Officer, who shall survey and wipe test the container and retain records of the results.

When moving radioactive solutions between approved locations, place the material within covered secondary containers.

When moving radioactive materials between non-connecting rooms, fluids must be in closed containers to prevent spills and solids must be completely enclosed. The exterior container must be free of contamination. The transfer must be made directly such that radioactive materials are not carried about more than necessary and are never left unattended. Hard beta and gamma sources must be adequately shielded.