Hazardous Material Spill
Leaking, damaged, or suspicious packages with unknown contents.
Call First
911 (if fumes, fire, or injury)
What To Do
STOP — Do not touch or handle the package
If a package is leaking, emitting fumes, or has an unusual odor, do NOT pick it up, open it, or attempt to clean it. Back away immediately.
Evacuate the immediate area
Move at least 50 feet away from the spill. If in the vehicle, stop the vehicle safely and exit. If at the hub, move all personnel away from the affected area. Move upwind if outdoors.
Call 911 if there are fumes, fire, or injury
If anyone is showing symptoms (difficulty breathing, burning eyes, nausea, dizziness), call 911 immediately. Describe the situation and that it may involve hazardous materials.
Contact your supervisor
Notify your Operations Manager immediately. Provide the location, a description of the package, and what you observed (leaking, odor, powder, etc.).
Do NOT attempt to clean up
Do not wipe, absorb, or contain the spill yourself. Wait for trained hazmat responders. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the area.
Isolate the area
If possible, prevent others from entering the area. If in the vehicle, lock the doors and keep others away. If at the hub, use barriers or verbal warnings.
Wash exposed skin
If any substance contacted your skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash the area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use bleach or other chemicals.
Report to Ohio EPA if required
Your supervisor or Senior Management will determine if the spill requires reporting to the Ohio EPA Emergency Response Hotline.
✅ DO
- •Back away immediately — at least 50 feet
- •Move upwind from the spill
- •Call 911 if anyone has symptoms
- •Wash exposed skin with soap and water
- •Note what the package looks like and any labels
- •Keep others away from the area
❌ DON'T
- •Touch, move, or open the leaking package
- •Attempt to clean up the spill
- •Eat, drink, or smoke near the area
- •Use personal vehicles to transport hazmat
- •Ignore small leaks — report everything
- •Re-enter the area until cleared by responders
Key Contacts
All haz-mat incidents must be reported regardless of size. FedEx has specific protocols for hazardous materials — your supervisor will coordinate with FedEx as needed. Post-incident drug testing may apply.