Environmental Management Systems Alan Lucas, MS, CHMM Safety Manager, Environmental Protection Program

Environmental Health & Safety – Environmental Protection Program The Environmental Protection Program (EPP) is a component of the Office of Environmental Health & Safety that comprehensively evaluates, monitors, and controls environmental releases in the form of air, water, hazardous waste, and assets, and ensures releases to the environment are safe, compliant, and cost effective. The Environmental Protection Program utilizes a systematic approach to manage hazardous materials and environmental affairs and strives to raise awareness of environmental impacts throughout the UTHSC-H community.

What’s an EMS (Environmental Management System) An EMS is simply a collection of activities undertaken to ensure that environmental issues are managed....An EMS is important for: Consistently complying with environmental laws Improving overall environmental performance Addressing environmental liability from current or past practices Maximizing investment in environmental affairs Integration of environmental objectives into overall mission and business objectives Providing an environmentally safe workplace

Environmental Management System Programs Battery Recycling All used batteries that are rechargeable are recyclable (lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and lithium-ion) Household non rechargeable batteries are not recyclable (alkaline & zinc carbon) Departments are encouraged to purchase rechargeable batteries. NiMH & Lithium- ion batteries can be reused up to 500 times EHS has set up collection boxes at each building for recycling. For larger batteries, call for collection

Surplus Equipment Please ensure laboratory equipment is cleaned, disinfected, and drained of any liquids. Keep in mind chemicals, sharps, and precursor glassware are generally not accepted by the surplus warehouse and can be disposed of through EHS Fill out and submit the electronic surplus transfer form available on the EHS website EHS will inspect potentially hazardous laboratory equipment within 3 days of receiving the request and forward the surplus request to Capital Assets Management. Surplus request for items that do not require inspection (computers, tables, chairs) will be forwarded immediately to Capital Assets Management. Environmental Management System Programs

Typical Items addressed by EHS’s EMS include: Management of all hazardous wastes Oversight of storm water permits Inspection of potentially hazardous equipment Evaluation of air emission sources Recycling of potential hazardous wastes – lead, silver, used fluorescent lamps and ballasts Items not under the control of EHS include: Cardboard and paper recycling Aluminum and plastic recycling Ink and toner cartridge recycling Moving capital assets to surplus warehouse Sustainability, roof top gardens, solar panels

A Final Note: Hazardous Wastes at Home… Hazardous waste (paint, pesticide, oil, antifreeze, rechargeable batteries) City of Houston residents can take household hazardous wastes to the North or South Environmental Service Centers North Neches, Building C South South Post Oak Harris County Residents – call and request the date & location for the next Household hazardous waste event (outside of Harris County call local government) Sharps (needles & syringes) Place into a puncture resistant container with a secure lid Secure lid in place with heavy duty tape place in your regular trash