Strange Odor in the Workplace?Know what to do and don’t spend time looking for the
source of a strange odor - report it by dialing 911 on a NIH phone
(301-496-9911 on a cell phone) or 9-911 if off campus and, if necessary,
evacuate the area.
Construction In or Near Your Work Area
Familiar Burning Odor
Many times individuals will recognize an odor that is
frequently encountered, for example an electrical odor, and a short time later,
find that the odor has dissipated. At the end of the day they leave work only
to return the next morning to find that a fire occurred overnight. Remember -
never assume – dial 911 on a NIH phone (301-496-9911 on a cell phone) or 9-911
if off campus for assistance. Burning Odor with No Sign of Smoke Often individuals will smell a burning odor and, because
they do not see smoke, do not call the fire department for assistance. Small
office appliances such as shredders can overheat, produce a burning odor and
ultimately catch on fire if not emptied frequently and maintained properly.
Also, many times employees think "someone else has called the fire
department." As a result, the fire department does not receive
notification of the fire emergency until it has developed into a major
incident. Remember - never assume - dial 911 on a NIH phone (301-496-9911 on a
cell phone) or 9-911 if off campus for assistance. Odor Causing Physical Effects Our bodies have a built-in monitoring system. If we are
exposed to a chemical that may be harmful, in many cases our body will let us
know by watery and/or burning eyes, coughing, nausea, etc. If you find yourself
in a situation where you are being physically affected, you should advise the
people in the area of the problem, notify the fire department and evacuate the
area. Note: many hazardous chemicals do not cause immediate physical effects.
Remember - never assume - dial 911 on a NIH phone (301-496-9911 on a cell
phone) or 9-911 if off campus for assistance. Even if you KNOW the cause of a chemical or burning odor
- call the Fire Department by dialing 911 from a NIH phone (301-496-9911 on a
cell phone) or 9-911 if off campus, so that the fire department can investigate
the odor to confirm no one is in danger. If you have questions regarding strange odors in the
workplace, please contact the Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research
Services at 301-496-0487.
