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Strange Odor in the Workplace?

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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

At times, work being performed in a construction site may generate odors not normally encountered in your work area. Don’t assume that the odor is from the construction site or is a non-threatening material. The odor could be from a fire or a chemical odor from a hazardous materials spill in a nearby lab or in the hallway outside of your office. Remember - never assume - dial 911 on a NIH phone (301-496-9911 on a cell phone) or 9-911 if off campus for assistance. 

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.