৩১) Chemical Handling Policy and Procedure

Objective: Establishing and maintaining a system for Identification, Control, Usage, Storage and Disposal of Chemicals and other Hazardous Substances.
Responsible person/Department: Environment Management & Sustainability/Compliance.
Policy update correction date:	Next correction date:

Plan for proper Chemical Handling, Use, Storage and Final of Chemicals and Hazardous Chemicals according to ZHDC, MRSL and MSDS.

1.0 Introduction

Chemicals, all basic chemicals, dyes & auxiliaries in the working environment are common to place and necessary for making our jobs easier through proper arrangement of the chemical storage according to chemicals compatibility chart for smooth and more productive. But these benefits are also accompanied by many hazardous and non hazardous chemicals. Failure to understand the hazards of products can lead to their casual use and often leads to employee injuries, costly clean-up, or property losses. Used properly, most products can be both safe and effective. So, proper instruction, rules & laws, legislation and monitoring & implementation of laws can protect workers, products and in case of handling and use of chemicals as a part of their daily work. This policy is the central key bible for handling and use of chemicals by workers and related persons as a part of regular works.

 2.0 Chemical handling

2.1.0 OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this procedure is to establish and maintain a system for identification, control, Usage, storage and disposal of chemicals and other hazardous substances used by ------------------------------------------

 2.2.0 SCOPE

This procedure is applicable to all types of chemicals and hazardous substances used by ---------------------------------------------in conformance with its integrated management system and  the requirements of the ISO 9001, ISO 14001and OHSAS 18001 standards.

 3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.    Hazardous substance – substances which have the potential to harm the health of people. The effects are generally over long term use.

2.      Product identification –the name by which the substance is known, e.g. trade name, product name or chemical name.

3.      Signal words –indicating the severity of the hazard, e.g. “HAZARDOUS”, “POISON” etc.

4.      Pictograms- GHS pictograms for all chemicals if hazardous ingredients in found in the supplied “MSDS/SDS”.

5.      Risk phrases –conveying a more general description of the hazard e.g. “Toxic If Swallowed”.

6.      Safety phrases –providing details on the storage, handling and personal protection e.g. “Keep Away From Heat”.

7.      Firs aid phrases –for exposures requiring immediate treatment e.g. “If eye contact occurs, wash eye immediately”.

8.      IMS –refers to the “Integrated Management System”, which is a type of management system that addresses the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 standards.

9.      MR –Management representative: a person appointed to manage-environment Management and sustainability for regular monitoring and implementation of the organization’s IMS to the whole area of chemical handling like as chemicals store, dyeing, dyeing and R&D laboratory, Printing section, ETP, WTP, Boiler and generator and ETP laboratory area.

 

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES & AUTHORITIES

1.     The Corporate HSEQ manager is responsible for ensuring proper handling of chemicals    and other hazardous substances as specified in this procedure.

2.     The warehouse personnel and other concerned personnel are responsible for properly handling all chemicals.

 5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 Purchasing of Chemicals & MSDS

 5.1.1 The corporate HSEQ manager shall ensure that the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of each type of chemical are consulted before the material is purchased.

 5.1.2 The purchased of chemicals and other hazardous substances shall be accompanied by the MSDS. As a general rule, all chemicals and any hazardous/non-hazardous substances shall not be used without the relevant MSDS.

 5.1.3 The MSDS of each chemical and other hazardous substance shall be kept and maintained by the division.

5.2 Registration of Chemicals

 

Each chemical used by ---------------------------------  shall be registered using the chemical substance register form” (Appendix A). The corporate HSEQ manager shall ensure that this register is maintained and updated. Only chemicals specified on the register shall be allowed to be used.

 Contractors who are using chemicals and other hazardous substances shall be required to maintain a copy of their own chemical substance register in projects or areas where it is being stored and used.

 The MSDS of each chemical and other hazardous substance shall be included in the chemical substance register”. This shall be readily accessible and available in the immediate vicinity at all times. (Note: in case an electronic system for maintaining the MSDS is preferred and used, such information must also be accessible. The Corporate HSEQ manager must have a back-up plan in the event of a computer or server failure).

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:

5.3 Labeling

All containers of chemicals and other hazardous substances supplied to, used in, or handled in the workplace shall be appropriately labeled to identify the substance and allow it to be used properly. Manufacturers and suppliers shall have the primary responsibility for labeling all chemicals and hazardous substances supplied for use at work. Each chemical and hazardous substance shall be properly labeled in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

a)      Product identification

b)     Signal words & symbols (e.g. flammable)

c)      Chemical name (in full, no abbreviations)

d)     Risk and safety phrases

e)      First aid phrases

f)      Manufacturer’s contact details

g)      Emergency and first aid information

h)     Chemicals must normally be stored in their original packaging. If you need smaller amounts of a chemical, the new packaging must be suitable for the substance.

i)       Labeling must be in accordance with the original packaging. It must always be possible to know what substance the packaging contains and what risks there may be.

Chemicals or hazardous substances contained in an enclosed system (e.g. pipe or piping systems, or a process or reactor vessel) need to be identified and labeled.  Suitable means of labeling may include the use of color-coding or labels according to a set standard.

5.5 CHEMICAL SPILLS AND LEAKS

As part of the company’s emergency preparedness  and  response,  an  emergency spill  kit  shall  be  made  available  and  deployed  in  locations  where  chemicals  and other  substances  are  stored. In addition, appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and clothing shall be readily available for use.

In the event of spills and leaks, only qualified and trained personnel shall carry out immediate clean-up in accordance with the emergency preparedness and response procedure”.

6.0 Rules for safe handling of chemicals:

ü  Keep track of which chemicals are being used in the business. Keep a list of the substances, the amounts being used and the risks associated with them. You can read more in Taking Chemical Inventory.

ü  This also applies to gathering information and distributing it to those who need it. Current safety data sheets are one condition. Read more in Safety Data Sheets. There may be a need for special instructions and training to assure safe handling. Read more in Responsibility and Training. To understand the risks it is often necessary to carry out an overall risk analysis. In the introduction Risk Analysis there is more to read about this.

ü  Storing and using chemicals in a safe way is a further foundation for working with chemicals. This introduction deals with this.

ü  In continuing risk reduction work it is necessary to decide whether a particular chemical is really needed. In many cases there can be another substance that is less hazardous to health and the environment, or perhaps a different method, see more under substitution. Purchasing of chemical substances therefore requires special procedures, read more in Purchasing.

6.1 Remember when storing, labeling, handling and personal hygiene.

Handling of chemicals

• Always read the safety data sheet and the text on the packaging carefully when you are about to use a product with which you are not completely familiar with the risks. Contact the environmental co-coordinator if you are unsure about handling methods.
• Use personal protection equipment (e.g. gloves, face mask) where necessary.
• Surplus chemicals and hazardous waste must be dealt with in accordance with the information in the safety data sheet.
• First Aid equipment must be available.
• Workplaces must be cleaned regularly. There must not be chemical spills on the floor.

Personal hygiene

• Smoking is forbidden in the factory area outside specially assigned smoking areas. If you smoke, remember to wash your hands before lighting up a cigarette. Otherwise chemical substances can be transferred by skin contact or breathed in.
• Immediately wash off chemical traces from the skin. Read the safety data sheet or ask your immediate superior if you are not sure what needs to be done.
• Food products must not be stored or eaten in premises where chemicals are handled.
• Work clothes must be kept clean. If you have been in contact with chemicals, take a shower before you go home.

Some rules concerning handling chemicals

• In accordance with the product choice or substitution principle such chemicals that can be replaced by those that are less hazardous should be avoided (The Environmental Code part 2 section 4§).
• Chemical products that are hazardous to health or are inflammable must be listed. (The National Swedish Board of Occupational Safety and Health regulations (2000:4) concerning Chemical risks to the working environment).
• There must be a safety data sheet for every chemical product that is hazardous to health or environment or is inflammable. (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), article 31.)
• The risks associated with the use of chemicals must be continuously examined, assessed and minimized, in accordance with the Ordinance (1998:901) on operator's control. Refer also to operator's control in the Environmental Code (part 26 section 19 §). The results must be documented. The regulations apply to permit and notification requirements in the case of environmentally hazardous activities.

7.0 CHEMCIAL HANDLING TRAINING

Handling Hazardous and Non-hazardous Chemicals

For employers and employees with responsibilities for managing the safe use of chemicals at work and implementing the requirements of current legislation, chemical handling training is very important for initial chemical storing to final disposal.

 

Course Content

The course content will include.

• Legislation, duties of employees in chemical handling;
• Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents)
• Routes of entry and risks to health; (identification of participants' most significant routes of entry)
• Types of Hazardous Substances - General
• Substances in use at participants' workplaces (production; lab; stores etc)
• Requirements for Labels and Signs
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Hazardous material storage
• Exposure Control
• Risk assessment of handling activities at participants' workplaces and identification of the most hazardous.

Notes: the training will be held monthly basis as a continual program for the whole NCL premise.

8.0 Chemical Store Management:

Storage

• All chemical products must be stored and labeled in accordance with the instructions on the safety data sheet and following the chemical compatibility chart.
• Chemicals must not be stored together with inflammable material and gas cylinders.
• Do not store acids and alkalis together.
• Do not store strong acids and organic substances together.
• Do not store strongly oxidizing substances together with oxidisable substances.
• Ethers and other peroxide-building substances must be stored in the dark and cool, in tightly sealed containers.
• Chemical containers must be stored with closed lids when they are not being used.
• Refrigerators and freezers for storage of chemicals must be of such a type that is specially made for this purpose. Chemicals and similar items must not be stored in refrigerators or freezers that are intended to store food.
• Chemical stores must not have open floor drains. If there is a floor drain, it must be equipped with protection to prevent leakage. This means for example tight fitting lids, a manual opening and closing function in the drain or other comparable arrangement.
• Equipment for handling and cleaning up spillage must be in readiness and suitable for the chemicals that are stored. It is suitable to have equipment placed outside the chemical store.
• It is important for the fire classification of storage lockers and rooms to match the types and amounts of chemicals stored therein.
• Combustible material must be stored in fireproof cupboards or in separate spaces

8.1 Handling & Storage:

·        Only the corporate HSEQ manager, warehouse staff and other authorized personnel shall be allowed to access the storage area for chemicals and other hazardous substances.

·        All boxes and packages of chemicals and other hazardous substances shall be kept closed during storage and/or when not in use.

·        In case of liquid chemicals or other substance which are not stored or put in a storage cabinet or shelves, these shall be put in a secondary spill tray or catch basin

·        Copies  of  MSDS  shall  be  made  readily  available  in  locations  where  chemicals  and these   substances  are   stored.   These   documents   shall   be   easily   accessible   for reference.

Caution!!

·        Eating  and  bringing  of  food  inside  the  storage  area  for  chemicals  and  other  hazardous substances area are strongly prohibited.

·9.0 Hazardous chemicals Management

Using smaller quantities of hazardous chemicals or substituting a less hazardous chemical reduces the risk of serious exposure or spill. When planning your work, consider the following possibilities:

1. Substituting less hazardous chemicals;
2. Using less;
3. Ordering only what is needed; and
4. Sharing chemicals when possible.

Use the safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended in or listed on container labels or MSDSs for a particular material or procedure.

9.1 Housekeeping

·        Keep all work areas, including work benches and floors, clean, dry and uncluttered;

·        Access to emergency equipment, utility controls, showers, eyewash stations and labor atory exits must never be blocked;

·        Label all chemical containers with the full chemical name(s) of the contents and hazards;

·        Return all chemicals to their assigned storage areas at the end of each workday;

·        Properly label all waste containers;

·        Promptly clean up all chemical spills; properly dispose of the spilled chemical, cleanup materials;

·        Chemicals must be stored in FDNY -permitted laboratories and storage rooms only, in proper secondary containment, in cabinets with closeable doors, or chemical shelving (storage rooms).\

9.1.1 Working with Toxic Chemicals

Laboratory personnel usually are aware of the physical properties (reactivity, corrosively, flammability) of the chemicals they use. They are often not aware of the toxicology of these same chemicals. MSDSs (and SDSs) will state several exposure limits (if established) for a specific chemical, such as Threshold  Limit Values (TLV, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, ACGIH), Permissible  Exposure Limits (PEL, OSHA), and Action Levels (1/2 of the PEL). When such limits are stated, they will be used to assist the CHO in determining the safety precautions, control measures, and PPE that apply when working with toxic chemicals. Chemicals must be used in a properly -operating fume hood, glove box, vacuum line, or similar device, which is equipped with appropriate traps and/or scrubbers if:

·        the TLV or PEL < 50 ppm or 50 mg/m3;

·        the Lethal Concentration (LC50) < 200ppm or 200mg/m3 (when administered continuously for one hour or less);

·        the chemical is highly volatile and likely to exceed maximum air concentration limits.

Deposit chemical waste in their appropriate, labeled, receptacles and follow all other disposal procedures described in Chapter 5 of the CHP. Be particularly cautious about releasing hazardous substances into designated cold rooms or warm rooms, since these facilities have circulated atmospheres.

Minimize the release of toxic vapors into the laboratory by venting apparatus such as vacuum pumps and distillation columns into local exhaust t system (i.e. chemical fume hoods). When especially toxic or corrosive vapors are involved, they should pass through scrubbers prior to being discharged from the local exhaust system.

9.2 Working with Flammable Chemicals

In general, the flammability of a chemical is determined by its flash point, the lowest temperature at which an ignition source can cause the chemical to ignite momentarily under certain controlled conditions.

•        Chemicals with a flash point below 200OF (93.3OC) will be considered "fire-hazard chemicals" (flammable or combustible);

•        In all work with fire-hazard chemicals, follow the requirements of 29 CFR, Subparts H and L; NFPA Manual 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; and NFPA Manual 45, Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals;

•        Fire-hazard chemicals must be stored in a flammable storage rooms or in flammable storage cabinets;

•        Fire-hazard chemicals must be used only in chemical hoods, away from sources of ignition.

Professional handling of flammable goods requires a license, and the terms of this and all applicable legislation should be taken into consideration. The University has a central license for handling  flammable goods. Each department that accommodates more than 5 liters of flammable liquid or flammable gas should have at least one manager trained in flammable materials. The technical department’s safety engineer coordinates training for these.

9.3 Working with Reactive Chemicals

A reactive chemical is one that:

•        is described as such in the MSDS;

•        is ranked by the NFPA as 3 or 4 for reactivity;

•        is identified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as an oxidizer, an organic peroxide, or an explosive, Class A, B, or C;

•        meets the EPA definition of reactive in 40 CFR261.23;

•        meets the OSHA definition of unstable in 29 CFR 1910.1450;

•        is known or found to be reactive with other substances.

Handle reactive chemicals with all proper safety precautions: segregation in storage, prohibition on mixing even small quantities with other chemicals without prior approval; appropriate PPE, precautions and work practices.

Working with Corrosive and Contact Hazard Chemicals Corrosively, allergenic, and sensitizer information is sometimes provided on manufacturers' MSDSs and labels. Also, guidelines on corrosive chemicals can be found in other OSHA standards and in regulations promulgated by DOT in 49 CFR and the EPA in 40 CFR.

A corrosive chemical is one that:

•        meets the OSHA definition of corrosive in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.1200;

•        has a pH greater than 12.5 or less than 2.0;

•        is known or found to be corrosive to living tissue.

A contact-hazard chemical is an allergen or sensitizer that:

·        is so identified or described in the MSDS or on the label;

·        is so identified or described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature;

·        Is known or found to be an allergen or sensitizer.

Handle corrosive and contact -hazard chemicals with all proper safety precautions including wearing both safety goggles and face shield, gloves tested for absence of pin holes and known to be resistant to permeation or penetration, and a laboratory apron or lab coat,

 

9.4 Use Recommended Engineering Controls

If the release of a hazardous vapor, mist, gas, or dust is possible, perform the work using the appropriate engineering control, such as a chemical fume hood, glove box, or vented bio-safety cabinet. Take the time to label temporary containers and inspect manufacturers' labels for thoroughness and accuracy..

9.4.1 Know the Hazard

Review the hazards of the chemicals before using them. Review the Material Safety Data Sheet and this chapter for safe handling procedures and PPE recommendations. Be prepared for a spill or an exposure involving the hazardous chemical. Know the location of the nearest eyewash and emergency shower.

9.4.2 Keep walkway Clear

Keep hallways outside the lab and routes of egress within the lab clear of furniture and equipment. Make sure access to the fire extinguisher and emergency eyewash and shower are unobstructed.

9.4 .3Unattended Operations

Experiments involving heat generating devices must never be left unattended. For other experiments left unattended, plan for interruption in utility services, such as electricity, cooling water, and gas. Place a sign near operations warning others of potential hazards and list emergency procedures to follow. Whenever possible, have someone check operations periodically.

9.5 Plan Carefully and Anticipate New Hazards

At the beginning of an extended project, formally analyze the procedures for possible hazards and consider the consequences. Ask a colleague to review the hazard analysis.

9.6 Do Not Work Alone

Do not work alone if your work requires the use of hazardous materials or hazardous processes. At a minimum, a second person should be aware of an individual working alone in the lab and arrangements should be made for periodic checks. Excessively long work hours increase the likelihood of mistakes and accidents due to fatigue.

9.7 Report Spills to EH&S

Report all spills, accidents and injuries to EH&S and complete an Accident/Illness Report for details on accident and illness reporting. After hours contact EH&S through Security.

Follow good housekeeping practices. Maintain work areas in an orderly fashion. Avoid accumulation of combustible materials. Cluttered areas increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

9.8 Do Not Rely on Odor as an Indicator of Exposure

The absence of odor is not a reliable guide to a safe concentration of airborne chemical in the lab. Concentrations detectable by odor vary according to the chemical and the ability of the individual to smell the chemical. Never rely on odor to determine exposure hazard.

9.9 Exposure Monitoring

If you are concerned about your chemical exposure or are experiencing symptoms associated with exposure to a chemical, contact EH&S for an exposure evaluation.

9.10 Food and Drink Policy

Never smell or taste chemicals to identify them. Wash your hands immediately after using any hazardous material and before leaving the lab. Never pipette or siphon liquids by mouth.

Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the lab. Do not store food or drinks in a lab refrigerator or in a cold room.

9.11 Prevent Chemical Releases in Cold Rooms

Do not store chemicals in cold rooms. Take all precautions to prevent material releases in cold rooms. Most cold rooms do not have ventilation; some have very little. Therefore, chemical vapors or fumes will not be diluted, which could cause an exposure hazard. Do not place dry ice in cold rooms because, as a simple asphyxiant, it displaces oxygen. Avoid storage of cellulose materials such as paper and cardboard to prevent fungal growth. For example, use plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes.

9.12 Explosion Shielding

Use an explosion shield or other protective enclosure if there is a possibility of a violent reaction. Do not overlook the possibility that scaling up or heating a process will change the safety parameters.

9.13 Vent Apparatus

Vent equipment or containers which discharge vapors (vacuum pumps, distillation columns) into chemical fume hoods or through appropriate filters

10.0 Emergency Procedures

For spills of infectious materials transmitted by inhalation:

1. If a spill has occurred in the centrifuge outside of a bio-safety cabinet, hold your breath, close the centrifuge lid, turn centrifuge off, and immediately leave the lab, inform supervisor and call EH&S.
2. Notify others to evacuate the lab, close the door, and post a biohazard spill sign at the lab door.
3. Remove any contaminated protective clothing and place in a biohazard bag. Wash hands and any exposed skin surfaces with soap and water. Seek medical attention as necessary.
4. Report spills to EH&S.

 

For malfunction, rotor failure, or tube breakage of materials not transmitted by inhalation:

1. If a centrifuge malfunctions while in operation, turn it off immediately and unplug.
2. If tube breakage occurs, turn centrifuge off immediately. Leave for 30 minutes to reduce the risk of aerosols. The operator should wear proper gloves, remove debris, clean and disinfect centrifuge interior, rotors, and safety cups or buckets following the manufacturer's instructions.

10.1 Emergency Equipment Checklist

The following emergency equipment must be located within or near the lab. Know the location and operation of the following:

1. Dry chemical fire extinguisher;
2. Eyewash;
3. Emergency shower;
4. Stocked first aid kit;
5. Evacuation route map (posted); and
6. Emergency response instructions (Fred Hutch Emergency Guide).Contact EH&S if any of these items is missing.

10.2 Risks and emergencies

All personnel who work in working with chemical handling with hazardous and non hazardous chemical products and biotechnical organisms are handled should be aware of what to do in case of an emergency. Environmental risk assessments should be available. A list of persons to contact in case of emergency should be easily available. The use of safety equipment should be practiced continuously. Appointed persons in charge should have general knowledge of the chemicals stored in the chemical store and laboratory. For further instructions, see the documents “Procedure for Environmental Risk Assessment” and “Environmental Risks in Emergencies and Accidents”.

11.0 Chemical Disposal and Storage

11.1 Chemical Disposal

Waste

It is important that everyone contributes in order to reduce environmental impact from the discharge of hazardous substances from activities. Liquid chemical residues may only be discharged into drains if they are listed in the “Procedure for the Discharge of Liquid Chemical Residues in Sewage”. Other chemical residues should be disposed of as hazardous waste to the waste disposal contractor.

All chemicals should be handled in such a way that emissions into the air are minimized. In some cases, evaporation may be used as a means to reduce the water content of a solution, for example, inorganic substances in aqueous solutions. In the event of water evaporation from organic solutions, it should be completely assured that nothing dangerous evaporates together with water. Do not mix hazardous wastes. Waste streams must be segregated for safe and cost-effective disposal.

These guidelines are provided to help ensure safe, efficient, and legally compliant handling and disposal of hazardous waste. These guidelines have been prepared to assist employees in packaging chemical waste materials only. Other requirements must be met whenever radioactive or bio-hazardous materials are handled.
Never dispose of any solid or liquid chemical or other hazardous materials in the general trash or down the drain. All chemical hazardous waste must be disposed through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at extension.
Waste disposal requests may be made through the EH&S guideline. Be sure to supply all requested information and clearly describe the waste to be picked up. This will help prevent delays in picking up your waste.

11.2 Source Reduction and Waste Minimization

Many laboratory waste streams can be minimized by properly managing chemical inventories:

• Develop a centralized chemical purchasing, inventory, tracking, and storage system.
• Purchase and use the smallest quantity of chemicals suitable to your needs and rotate chemical stock to prevent chemicals from becoming too old to use. A good rule is to order chemicals in quantities that will be used in about a year.
• Label and store all chemical containers properly to prevent chemical contamination or degradation.
• Practice good housekeeping in your laboratory or facility.
• Develop and implement laboratory procedures to reduce chemical use and properly manage generated wastes.
• Downscale chemical volumes and increase the use of instrumentation.
• Examine laboratory or facilities procedures and substitute less hazardous or recyclable chemicals whenever possible.
• Incorporate processes for waste minimization into existing experimental protocols to reduce final volumes of chemical wastes. Neutralize or detoxify intermediates and byproducts during the experimental process. Treat or destroy hazardous materials as the last step in experiments.
• Reuse and/or recycle spent solvents and recover metal from spent catalyst.
• (Contact EH&S) Investigate other options for waste minimization. 

11.2.1 Storage of Waste in the Lab

Each laboratory should have a designated location in which to store hazardous wastes. This space should be properly labeled and should be out of the way of normal laboratory activities, but easily accessible and recognizable. Do not keep radioactive waste and chemical waste in the same place. All waste materials must be kept in secondary containers and segregated by hazard class. Secondary containers can be laboratory trays, bins, tubs, buckets, or totes that will contain 110% of the volume of the largest container.

11.2.2 Labeling

To avoid delays in having laboratory waste picked up, each container must have a Hazardous Waste label. In order to comply with hazardous waste labeling regulations, all hazardous waste must be labeling with the following information:

• The words "Hazardous Waste".
• Name and address of generator.
• Accumulation start date (the date the first drop of waste goes into the container).
• Composition and physical state of the waste.
• Waste accumulation starts date.
• Hazardous properties of the waste.  

Chemical names must be specific. Nonspecific labels such as "organic waste," "waste solvents," and "acid waste" are not sufficient, and these items will not be picked up until properly labeled.
Chemical formulas or abbreviated chemical names are also not acceptable.

11.3 Containers

Containers must be leak-proof. Liquids must be in a screw-capped container that will not leak if tipped over. Containers sealed with corks, paraffin, or laboratory beakers that will not stand up are not acceptable. If the material is not in an appropriate container, transfer the material. The size of the container should correspond to the quantity of materials being discarded. For example, it is not cost effective to ship 50 mL of material in a 4 L container.

Contaminated lab trash such as glassware, gloves, paper towels, etc., must not have free liquid in them. They must be placed in clear, double plastic bags and properly labeled with a Hazardous Waste Label. No waste will be picked up in bags with the biohazard symbol.

Glass or plastic tubing, pipettes, and stir bars must not be placed in liquid waste containers. Most liquids are transferred to drums after receipt by EH&S, and must be poured or pumped. Solid items clog the funnels and pumps and are not accepted by the vendors that receive these wastes. If the waste contains these items, the bottle will not be picked up or it will be returned to you for separation.

The material must be compatible with the container; i.e., acids or bases cannot be transported in metal containers; hydrofluoric acid cannot be transported in glass.

11.4 Waste Segregation

EH&S strives to provide the most cost-effective and environmentally sound hazardous waste management possible. This includes seeking waste disposition options such as recycling and reuse. Proper segregation of waste chemicals in the laboratory can greatly facilitate this goal. Moreover, it can provide cost savings to the University.
Examples of responsible and cost-effective segregation include:

• Separating halogenated solvents from non-halogenated solvents
• Excluding metals from solvent waste streams
• Keeping acetone and dichloromethane separate from other solvents
• Call EH&S for further information on waste segregation.

 11.5 Accumulation Times

Under no circumstances can hazardous waste be accumulated anywhere on campus for more than one year. Since this one-year period includes 60-90 days that EH&S may have to store it at the Environmental Services Facility prior to shipment, hazardous wastes cannot be accumulated in laboratories for more than nine months.

There is one major exception to the maximum accumulation period of one year. Extremely hazardous wastes such as hydrofluoric acid, arsenic or cyanide-containing wastes may not be accumulated for more than 90 days if certain volume limits are exceeded. For this reason, EH&S advises removal of all hazardous waste as soon as containers are full or at least every 90 days.

If your laboratory generates waste in small quantities, or at low accumulation rates, and you wish to accumulate your waste for up to nine months, please contact EH&S to make sure that your waste is not extremely hazardous.

11.6 Empty Containers

EH&S will pick up empty chemical bottles or other containers for disposal. However, laboratory personnel may triple-rinse each container, allow it to air dry, deface the labels, remove the cap, and dispose of the empty container in the ordinary trash. Custodians are instructed not to dispose any chemical bottles into the trash unless the bottles have been properly cleaned. Empty extremely hazardous materials containers should not be triple-rinsed. EH&S must pick these up and dispose as hazardous waste. The Extremely Hazardous materials list is provided at the end of this section. At no time should full, partially full containers be thrown in the regular trash.

12.0 Reporting documents

Documentation should be provided at each department that handles hazardous chemicals products in accordance with:

 

12.1. Delegated areas of responsibility

12.2 Chemical registers in register book and software

12.3 Risk assessments

12.4 Environmental risk assessment of activities

12.5 Near accidents and non-conformity reports

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared By                                               Co-ordinate By                                                     Approved By