Hazardous Waste & Emergency Procedures

for Laboratories

05-27-10www.oehs.wayne.edu

Adapted from:

Satellite Accumulation Pointsareas 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

IgnitabilityFlashpoint <60 C

Solid at STP capable of causing fire

through friction, moisture changes or

spontaneous chemical changes

Oxidizer

CorrosivitypH < 2 or > 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 Instructions3 golden rules

PROPERLY TAG AND LABEL WASTE AS SOON AS A NEW CONTAINER IS BEGUN.

KEEP WASTE CONTAINERS CLOSED WHEN NOT ADDING WASTE TO THEM.

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 H20)

Waste tags must be clear & legible!Replace or write over tags if it is too

difficult to read the contents.

ProperLabeling

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 O2 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, eliminatetrip hazards/obstructions

• Store chemicals on sturdyshelves, 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 disposeof mercury on your own.

• Prevent spreadingcontamination.

• Isolate the area andcall 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.