Safety

In the event of a medical emergency, fire, or hazardous chemical spill: DIAL 911

Non-emergency phone numbers

• Virginia Tech Police Non-emergency line: 540-231-6411
• Poison: 1-800-222-1222 (Blue Ridge Poison Center)
• Non-Emergency Medical Care (Schiffert Health Center)
• Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety: 540-231-3600
• Department of Chemistry Main Office: 540-231-5391
• Kenny Smith, Facilities Manager: 540-231-6111

Procedure for Building System Failure

1. In the event a building system fails and needs immediate attention when the Main Office is closed, call the Virginia Tech Police Dispatcher at 540-231-6411. 
2. Tell the dispatcher the nature and location of the problem. 
3. After you have called the campus police dispatcher, leave a message for Kenny Smith at 540-231-6111 or by email at kesmith7@vt.edu

Resources

Department Safety Resource Archive

The Department of Chemistry maintains a shared drive of safety resources, including past presentations, sample log sheets and signage, minutes from Safety Committee meetings, and templates for hazard assessments and lab-specific chemical hygiene plans. All department personnel have access through their VT email and affiliates from other departments will receive access if they are added to department mailing lists. Please notify the Safety Coordinator if you are unable to access the drive.

Chem_Safety Shared Drive (Chemistry personnel only)

Emergency Action Plans

The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines the actions you should take and the resources available to you in the event of an emergency, including medical emergencies, weather emergencies, fires, hazardous material release, and other threats to campus. All department workers should be provided with access to the department’s EAP. You can find the most updated version of the department’s EAP on the Chem_Safety Shared Drive at this link (Chemistry personnel only).

Safety Minutes

A Safety Minute is a concise overview of a relevant safety topic often shared at the start of a meeting or presentation. The Department of Chemistry incorporates a Safety Minute into each Faculty meeting and makes these presentations available to share with the department. You can find the latest Safety Minutes on the Chem_Safety Shared Drive and linked below (Chemistry personnel only):

04/30/2026 – Neutralizing Acids

03/26/2026 – Class D Fire Extinguishers

Past Safety Minutes