All employees are responsible for reporting all accidents. Supervisors are responsible for investigating the incident and initiating corrective actions. The facility's Safety and Fire Protection Officer shall be contacted any time there is an accident. A VA Form 2162, Report of Accident, must be filled out for specific incidents. See chapter 3 of MP-3, part III for requirements.
Prompt action is necessary to minimize damage and exposure.
Other personnel in the area should be alerted along with professional help such as firefighters. An emergency team should be established with specific responsibilities. The latter responsibility is carried out by appointment of a Research Safety Subcommittee which functions as part of the facility Occupational Safety and Health Committee. Each facility is required by MP-3, part III to have a Safety and Fire Protection Officer and an Occupational Safety and Health Committee. The Research Safety Subcommittee shall be responsible for coordinating all safety activities in the research laboratories.