Hazardous Waste & Emergency Procedures for Laboratories Adapted from:

Satellite Accumulation Points areas where hazardous wastes are collected or stored: Located at or site of generation (lab). Allowed to accumulate up to 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste (P wastes).

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste Ignitability Flashpoint <60 C Solid at STP capable of causing fire through friction, moisture changes or spontaneous chemical changes Oxidizer Corrosivity pH 12.5 Reactivity – Unstable – Reactive with water – Generates toxic fumes – Contains sulfide or cyanide groups – Capable of detonation Toxicity – EPA definition

What is Hazardous Waste? Spent organic solvents Most “wash” solutions Most metals and solutions of metal salts Any mixture of non-hazardous waste with a hazardous waste Any waste which meets the characteristics of a haz waste

Waste Collection Instructions 3 golden rules þ PROPERLY TAG AND LABEL WASTE AS SOON AS A NEW CONTAINER IS BEGUN. þ KEEP WASTE CONTAINERS CLOSED WHEN NOT ADDING WASTE TO THEM. þ STORE LIQUID WASTE CONTAINERS IN SECONDARY CONTAINERS AT ALL TIMES!

Segregate Waste Properly Liquid waste should be separated into the following categories: – Acids – Bases – Halogenated organic solvents – Non-halogenated organic solvents – Trans. & heavy metals (aqueous solutions of Hg +, Ag +, etc.) – Air reactives – Water reactives – Cyanides and sulfides

Chemical Waste Storage Use the proper containers: 5 gallon plastic carboys (from EH&S) triple-rinsed used chemical bottles Use secondary containment: plastic bins capable of capturing spills

Keep containers closed except when adding waste!

What’s wrong here?

What’s Missing Here?

Hazardous Chemical Waste Tags Waste tag # allows each container to be tracked. Do not separate copies. When requesting a pick-up, you must include the Tag #.

Waste Labeling Instructions ATTACH TAG and write information when first waste is added to container. Write clearly in ballpoint pen – not marker. Write COMPLETE NAMES of all chemicals. this includes water (not H 2 0)

Waste tags must be clear & legible! Replace or write over tags if it is too difficult to read the contents.

Proper Labeling

Sinks are NOT secondary containers!

Make sure chemicals all are stored and maintained safely.

Watch condition of containers, their contents and their labels Unknown chemicals must be identified before disposal.

Special or “problem” chemicals Peroxidizables: ethers, dioxanes, tetrahydrofuran absorb & react with O 2 to form potentially explosive compounds over time. – label w/ date received & opened – use up or dispose by expiration date Picric Acid: explosive when dry, must be kept in solution

Only uncontaminated or decontaminated glass & plastic can go into boxes. Boxes should be sturdy and in good condition. Uncontaminated Waste Glass & Plastic Disposal

Minor Chemical Spills Use your discretion: A minor spill… – does not spread rapidly – does not endanger people or property except by direct contact – does not endanger the environment Consider: – amount spilled – hazards of chemical – if you have proper materials to clean up

Cleaning up a minor spill... Wear gloves, eye protection, lab coat Prevent spread of liquid / vapors Neutralize acids and bases Absorb liquids w/ spill pads, kitty litter... Clean spill area with soap & water Decontaminate area & equipment Collect all contaminated materials in plastic bag lined garbage can Label and call EH&S for disposal

Prevent Chemical Spills Reduce clutter, eliminate trip hazards/obstructions Store chemicals on sturdy shelves, away from edge, on shelves w/ lips Transport chemicals in secondary containers or in carts with sides

Keep Hoods Clean & Orderly!

Mercury Spills ALWAYS Report mercury spills to EH&S. Do not clean up or dispose of mercury on your own. Prevent spreading contamination. Isolate the area and call for assistance

Mercury Collection If spill is contained, collect mercury and glass in sealed impermeable container or heavy duty plastic. Wrap thermometer in parafilm or tape, contact OEH&S for pick-up & disposal.

Researcher Responsibilities Know the hazards of chemicals you use Ensure spills are reported/cleaned up in a timely manner Properly prepare waste for disposal Follow the law…you are a haz waste generator: Your lab is your responsibility!

Emergency Evacuations ALWAYS LEAVE THE BUILDING WHEN FIRE ALARM IS GOING OFF!! TAKE THE STAIRS! Confine area: close doors / isolate spill Call Campus Security from external/cellular phone or campus Blue Light phone. Give your name, location, details of spill and secure area until responders arrive.