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Hazardous Waste Management Guide

Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Indiana University

  1. PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL
  2. INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
  3. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  4. MANAGING WASTE AND UNWANTED CHEMICALS
  5. WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?
  6. MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC WASTE TYPES
  7. HAZARDOUS WASTE PACKAGING AND LABELING
  8. CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES
  9. Appendices

  1. PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL

    2. This manual has been designed to assist the students, staff and faculty of Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) in the safe and economical management of hazardous waste. The University Office of Environmental, Health, and Safety Management (UOEHSM) coordinates all facets of hazardous waste management in accordance with state and federal regulations, including the identification of hazardous wastes, hazardous waste storage and disposal, and hazardous waste minimization.

    The university community plays a vital role in the management of hazardous wastes on the Bloomington campus. Proper waste management is dependent upon your day-to-day handling of these wastes in your lab or worksite. Please read the Guide carefully and feel free to call UOEHSM at 855-6311 if you have any questions.

    This manual does not address radioactive waste disposal. For further information on this issue, please see the Radiation Safety Manual, also available from UOEHSM. For information on biologically contaminated wastes, see Appendix A of this guide.

  2. INTRODUCTION TO THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

    3. The role of the University Office of Environmental, Health, and Safety Management (UOEHSM) is to advise and consult in matters relating to the health, safety and the environment of Indiana University. UOEHSM maintains reference materials from local, state and federal agencies, particularly in regard to rules and regulations affecting campus operations, and will assist in technical interpretation of these materials.

    UOEHSM staff function as advisors and consultants to deans, directors, heads of academic units, other staff members and students in all areas of environmental health, safety and radiological health. In addition, UOEHSM will conduct health and risk assessments or investigations when necessary or requested, will assist departmental safety committees in the development of departmental safety programs, and participate in health and safety training and education programs.

    The UOEHSM Customer Service Team is responsible for a wide range of operations for IUB, including the following:

    • hazardous waste management;
    • spill response;
    • community right to know program (SARA);
    • water quality management;
    • air quality management;
    • underground storage tanks; and,
    • safety issues.

    2.1. Hazardous Waste Management

    IUB generates a wide variety of hazardous wastes. An institution as large as IUB has a diverse set of operations ranging from academics to the maintenance of buildings. Nearly all facets of the university community generate some form of hazardous waste.

    The following is a sample of the types of hazardous wastes generated at IUB.

    • toxic, reactive, explosive and ignitable laboratory wastes;
    • waste solvents from vehicle maintenance, printing and painting operations;
    • corrosive wastes from cleaning operations;
    • waste photographic fixer from darkrooms;
    • other miscellaneous wastes from across campus.

    2.2. Hazardous Waste Contacts

    Helpful contacts include:

    Dan Derheimer, Environmental Health & Safety Manager

    Rex Howard, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

    Susan Howard, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

    Michael Dorsett, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

    Chris Kohler, Laboratory Safety Specialist

    		 5-3234
    dderheim@indiana.edu

    5-7907
    rehoward@indiana.edu

    6-2351
    suhoward@indiana.edu

    5-0857
    mjdorset@indiana.edu

    5-5454
    cekohler@indiana.edu

    To request a waste pickup:

    Visit our web page at www.ehs.indiana.edu and select the “Waste Disposal Request Form” under the Chemical Waste Management program area. If you have problems with the form, you can request assistance from one of the contacts above or call the main EHS line at 5-6311.

     

  3. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

    The success of the hazardous waste management program depends on the conscientious efforts of you and your coworkers. When hazardous materials are mismanaged, they have the potential to pollute the environment and threaten human health. Because you are handling hazardous waste on a day-to-day basis, it is essential that you follow this document's guidelines. You are expected to:

    • package, label and store hazardous waste and unwanted chemical products according to the procedures listed in Sections 4.0 - 8.0 until UOEHSM can take possession of them for subsequent storage and off-campus disposal;

    • identify and label all chemical wastes properly so unknowns are not generated;

    • whenever you are in doubt, seek the advice of UOEHSM for procedures on how to handle and dispose of any chemical product; and,

    • make every effort to reduce the amount of hazardous waste you generate.

  4. MANAGING WASTE AND UNWANTED CHEMICALS

    5. 4.1. Our Management System

    The success of our hazardous waste management program depends on your cooperation. You should use this management guide to identify hazardous wastes and determine their appropriate route of disposal.

    There are three routes of disposal for waste chemicals:

    • Management by UOEHSM – You may deliver chemicals to a UOEHSM Open House or request a pickup depending upon your location. An “Open House" allows you to bring your waste to us in Chemistry A027 during predetermined hours. See the current Waste Collection Schedule online for your location’s pickup or Open House times.

    • Disposal of non-hazardous materials into the normal trash or sanitary sewer; and

    • Chemical treatment, such as neutralization, followed by disposal into the sanitary sewer system. Note: Any treatment method other than neutralization must be incorporated into an experimental procedure to be considered legal.

    When your surplus chemicals are given to UOEHSM, we first determine whether the chemical is indeed a waste, or whether it can be reused or recycled. If it is a waste, we determine the degree of hazard and the appropriate disposal route. Throughout this process, the university is required to keep records that account for hazardous wastes "from cradle to grave."

    Most of your waste will likely need to be handled by UOEHSM. Waste that can go to the sanitary sewer or be placed in the normal trash is limited due to safety, environmental and legal considerations. If in doubt, it is prudent to have UOEHSM characterize your waste and determine how it should be managed.

    4.2. Hazardous Waste Minimization

    The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) outlines proper hazardous waste management, placing special emphasis on waste reduction and recycling. Through waste minimization, you can help reduce unnecessary expenditure of university funds (and ultimately your department's funds) on waste disposal and material procurement by following the guidelines below.

    • Inventory your chemicals: The most important step you can take toward waste minimization is to maintain a running inventory of chemicals present in your lab. An inventory will prevent you from ordering more of what you already have. It also helps you to store chemicals properly and can be an invaluable tool in emergency situations.


    • Order only what you need: Don’t buy a kilogram of material when you plan to use only a few grams. The economy of larger sizes may be offset by the cost of disposing of your excess. Before ordering chemicals, check your current stock; and it may be possible to borrow small amounts of chemicals from other labs. Please take the time to check.

    • Use recycled chemicals whenever possible: We have an ongoing secondhand chemical program for usable but unwanted chemicals. All secondhand chemicals are in their original containers and many still have their factory seals. Before you call UOEHSM for disposal of your unwanted but usable chemicals, please check to see whether other labs in your building can use the material. You may contact UOEHSM for our secondhand chemical inventory before ordering, as well.

    • Substitute non-hazardous or less hazardous materials: There are many non hazardous substitutes for commonly used chemicals, such as chromic acid (see Appendix C of this guide). Other alternatives may be much less toxic. These substitutions can be done with satisfactory results in most cases.

    • Do not mix hazardous and non-hazardous waste: Non-hazardous waste, when mixed with hazardous waste, will become hazardous itself. Do not mix small quantities of hazardous waste with non hazardous waste because it will increase the volume of hazardous waste produced. Likewise, high concentration waste should not be mixed with low concentration waste.
     

  5. WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE?

    6. This section will help you determine which of your chemical wastes are hazardous. For practical purposes, consider all waste hazardous unless it is listed in Appendix D. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) consider a waste to be hazardous if it:

    • is a listed hazardous waste, or
    • exhibits certain hazardous characteristics (see Section 5.1 below).

    In addition, UOEHSM considers numerous other toxic substances to be hazardous.
    This waste is considered “toxic” if:

    • it has an oral LD50 for a rat of less than 500 mg/kg;
    • the container that the chemical came in identifies it as a toxic or poisonous material; or,
    • the chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen, mutagen or teratogen.

    A chemical waste exhibiting any of these five criteria is hazardous and must be managed accordingly. (When in doubt, have UOEHSM determine if your waste is hazardous by bringing it to an Open House or by contacting us.) This section provides a detailed discussion of the definition of hazardous waste; Sections 6.0 and 7.0 detail the proper management procedures for chemical wastes.

    5.1. Hazardous Waste Characteristics

    EPA and IDEM regulate waste materials that meet one or more of the following physical characteristics as hazardous waste.

    5.1.1. Ignitability

    Ignitable wastes are capable of causing or intensifying a fire during routine handling. A waste is characteristic for ignitability if it has any one of the following properties:

    • a liquid with a flash point less than 140o F (60o C);
    • a solid, capable under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes, and when ignited, burns vigorously and persistently;
    • an ignitable compressed gas; or,
    • an oxidizer.

    Examples include, but are not limited to, most organic solvents such as:
     

    Acetone Ethyl ether Pentane
    Benzene Heptane Petroleum Ether
    Ethanol Hexane Toluene
    Ethyl acetate Methanol Xylene

    5.1.2. Corrosivity

    Corrosive wastes include highly acidic or highly alkaline chemicals and those that are capable of corroding metal. A waste has the characteristic of corrosivity if it has one of the following properties:

    • an aqueous waste with pH 2 or less, OR pH 12.5 or greater; or,
    • a liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 6.35mm (0.25 inches) per year.

    If a waste exhibits ONLY the characteristic of corrosivity and is NOT a listed waste, it may be neutralized before disposal to the sanitary sewer (see Section 6.1.1). When in doubt, or if neutralization is not feasible, UOEHSM should manage the waste.

    5.1.3. Reactivity

    A waste has the characteristic of reactivity if it:

    • is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating;
    • reacts violently with water;
    • forms potentially explosive mixtures with water;
    • mixes with water to generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment;
    • is a cyanide or sulfide bearing waste which, when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment;
    • is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if subjected to a strong initiating source or heated under confinement;
    • is readily capable of detonation or explosive; or,
    • is a forbidden explosive or a Class A or Class B explosive.

    5.1.4. Toxicity

    Toxicity is determined by the "Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure" (TCLP), a laboratory test that measures the concentration of the toxic material that could leach into ground water if improperly managed. The TCLP must be conducted on any waste that contains any of the specified TCLP contaminants. These contaminants include toxic metals such as lead and mercury, organics such as benzene and chloroform, and pesticides such as endrin (see Appendix E).

    Note: UOEHSM assumes any chemical waste with any of the specified TCLP contaminants to be hazardous.

  6. MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC WASTE TYPES

    7. The following are the techniques and requirements for the management of specific types of hazardous waste. Please adhere to these guidelines. If you have any questions, contact UOEHSM immediately.

    6.1 Acids or Bases, Concentrated Solutions

    This section explains the disposal of concentrated solutions of acids, such as hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric acid, and bases such as ammonium hydroxide.

    It is best to bring concentrated solutions of acids or bases to an Open House due to the work involved in neutralization. Use only disposable containers for waste with a pH less than 3 or greater than 12 because these containers will not be returned.

    Any waste that exhibits ONLY the characteristic of corrosivity and is NOT a listed waste can be neutralized to within a pH range of 5 to 9 before disposal in the sanitary sewer. Flush waste with at least 20 parts water. When in doubt or if neutralization is not feasible, dispose of the waste through UOEHSM.

    6.1.1 Neutralization procedures

    Caution: vapors and heat are generated during neutralization.

    You are not required to neutralize any wastes yourself. You may always choose to dispose of these materials in disposable containers through UOEHSM. If you choose to neutralize and subsequently dispose of these materials yourself, please adhere to the handling guidelines in the Laboratory Chemical Safety Plan.

    • Do not neutralize strongly oxidizing acids such as perchloric acid and chromic acid.

    • Perform all steps slowly.

    • Keep containers cool while neutralizing.

    • Acid neutralization: While stirring, add acids to large amounts of an ice water and base (sodium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, or 8 M sodium hydroxide) solution.

    • Base neutralization: First add the base to a large vessel containing water. Slowly add a 1 M solution of HCl.

    • Neutralize concentrated acid and base solutions to within a pH range of 5 to 9, and then flush them into the sanitary sewer with at least 20 parts of water.

    • Allow the contents to react for at least twenty-four hours to obtain a legitimate pH and to dissipate the any heat associated with the neutralization reaction before offering the waste to UOEHSM for disposal. The container should not be hot and the contents should not be smoking.

    6.1.2 Chromic acid

    Chromic acid is a powerful oxidizing agent. It is both toxic and corrosive and can explode on contact with organic materials. Users of chromic acid cleaning solutions have suffered burns to skin and clothing. Hexavalent chromium is also classified as a carcinogen.

    Chromic acid cleaning solutions leave a residue of hexavalent chromium on the glass surface that is almost impossible to remove. This residue has been known to interfere with certain research procedures, since the material can leach into solution.

    We urge you to consider the chromic acid alternatives listed in Appendix C of this guide.

    6.2 Air and Water Reactives

    Bring all air and water reactives, such as those listed below, to an Open House or call UOEHSM for pick-up. Package any liquids separately from solids and note any special hazard and/or handling precautions on the waste tag. Examples of these chemicals include:

    Acetyl chloride
    Bromine
    Calcium metal
    Lithium metal
    Phosphorus (yellow)       		 Potassium metal
    Sodium metal
    Thionyl chloride
    Trichlorosilane

    6.3 Aqueous Solutions of Toxic Metals

    All solutions containing toxic metals must be disposed of by UOEHSM. These include:

    Aluminum
    Arsenic
    Barium
    Cadmium        		 Chromium   
    Copper
    Lead
    Mercury*    		 Nickel
    Selenium
    Silver
    Zinc

    * For any solutions containing mercury, please indicate on the waste tag whether the mercury concentration is less than or greater than 260ppm.

    6.4 Aqueous Solutions of Toxic Organic Chemicals

    Try to keep organic wastes separate from aqueous waste so that unnecessary aqueous organic waste streams are not generated.

    6.5 Chemically Contaminated Items (CCIs)

    Chemically contaminated items (CCIs) can only be put into the normal trash if they are nonreactive, nonignitable, noninfectious, nonradioactive, and the contaminant is not highly toxic. This category includes such disposable lab ware as gloves, bench top coverings, pipets, test tubes, aprons, etc.

    If you feel that the normal trash is not an appropriate disposal route for your CCIs, package them in a 5-gallon plastic bag (obtained through the Chemistry or Biology stores), which can be placed conveniently inside a 5-gallon plastic bucket. Label the Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag as "Chemically Contaminated Items" or "CCIs" and list chemical contaminants. Call UOEHSM if you have any questions.

    Radioactive or biologically contaminated CCIs must be handled separately. Refer to the Radiation Safety Manual or Appendix A of this guide, as appropriate.

    Note: All PCB contaminated lab ware at ≥ 50 ppm must be packaged separately and given to UOEHSM for disposal.

    6.6 Empty Containers

    Bottles are considered “empty” when you have removed all contents possible by normal means (pouring, scooping, etc.). These may be placed in the normal trash. However, some buildings provide a glass dumpster for disposal. Consult building policies or your safety officer.

    Note: The Chemistry department requires triple rinsing of empty reactives containers.

    Punch a hole in 5-gallon metal containers or safety cans that are no longer needed, and place directly in the normal trash dumpster. This will prevent their reuse. A non-sparking pick is available in Chemistry A027.

    6.7 Potentially Explosive Chemicals

    Package each container of potentially explosive chemicals separately from other chemicals. Follow the packaging instructions in Section 7.0 and be sure to note on the Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag the waste's characteristics and any special handling precautions. If you do not feel comfortable handling the chemical, or are unsure of its shock sensitivity, call UOEHSM for assistance. Potentially explosive chemicals include:

    Ammonium nitrate
    Diazo compounds
    Hydrazine compounds       		 Peroxide forming agents (See 6.10)
    Dry picric acid
    Nitrocellulose

    6.8 Metallic Mercury

    UOEHSM collects and recycles free flowing metallic mercury. Package it in a tightly sealed and leak free container. Place broken mercury thermometers in a one-gallon overpack (obtainable from UOEHSM) or a secured plastic bag and bring to an Open House.

    Note: There are alternatives to mercury thermometers, and they should be used whenever possible. In addition, if you use mercury it is imperative that you have a mercury spill kit available.

    6.9 Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste

    Most liquid chemical waste will need to be handled by UOEHSM. However, you might have some non-hazardous waste (listed in Appendix B of this guide) that can be flushed to the sewer after 20X dilution with water. These non-toxic chemicals can be flushed to the sanitary sewer because they are:
    • water soluble;
    • degradable in the sanitary sewer system; and
    • non-hazardous.

    Non-hazardous, water-soluble solid chemicals can also be dissolved in water and disposed in this manner. All chemicals poured into the sewer must be followed by at least 20 parts water.

    NOTE: If you intend to dispose of more than one liter of any of these materials, or if you are unsure whether or not you should dispose of a certain material, please contact UOEHSM prior to disposal.
     

    6.10 Non-Hazardous Solid Waste

    Most waste chemicals will need to be handled by UOEHSM, but you might have some non-hazardous waste listed in Appendix B of this guide that can be disposed of in the normal trash. These are solid chemicals that have very low toxicity and no positive determination of carcinogenicity. Assume all other chemicals are hazardous waste.

    If you plan to dispose of any one of these non-hazardous chemicals, please make sure that it is placed in a tightly sealed container.

    NOTE: If you are unsure whether or not you should dispose of a certain material in this manner, please contact UOEHSM. Only non-hazardous solid materials can be placed in the trash.

    6.11 Peroxide-Forming Agents

    Peroxides are low power explosives and are very sensitive to shock and heat. A variety of organic compounds react with oxygen from the air to form unstable peroxides. Common examples include:

    Aldehydes
    Compounds with benzylic hydrogens   
    Compounds with allyl groups
    Diethyl ether
    Dioxane     		Miscellaneous ethers
    Isopropyl ether
    Tetrahydrofuran
    Vinyls

    One of the following conditions must be met before peroxide formers may be accepted by UOEHSM for disposal. These are requirements enforced by our disposal contractor, as well as good laboratory safety practices.

    • The material must be less than twelve months old. This information must be marked clearly on the Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag.

    • If the material is greater than twelve months old but less than two years old, check for peroxide formation by using peroxide paper stocked at Chemistry Stores. If peroxide formation is less than 100 ppm, add 1 tsp. of hydroquinone per pint of material to prevent the formation of additional peroxides. Mark this information on your waste tag (e.g., "<100 ppm, hydroquinone added") and bring it to an Open House. If peroxide formation is greater than 100 ppm, CALL UOEHSM for technical assistance.

    • If the material is greater than 2 years old but less than 5 years old, it should be assessed for other factors such as: duration of exposure to sunlight, volume of container (i.e., "Is it full?"), security of the seal, exposure to changes in temperature, etc. If you do not know the answer to any of these questions, find someone who does. Do not open the container to check for peroxide formation, as the material could be shock-sensitive.

    • If the container is more than five years old, do not move the container at all. Post a sign reading "DANGER: possible shock-sensitive chemical" and call UOEHSM for technical assistance.

    6.11.1 Safety Tips for Peroxide Formers

    Date new containers when opened and bring to an Open House within 3 months of this date for Category I compounds and within 12 months for category II and III compounds. Refer to Appendix F for these lists and the National Safety Council's recommendations for labeling of peroxidizable liquids.

    • Exposure of any peroxide-forming agent to light or air increases the rate of peroxide formation. Store these agents in full, light resistant containers.

    • Refrigeration does not prevent peroxide formation.

    • As is the case with all hazardous chemicals, order only those amounts that you need in order to decrease storage time.

    • Be particularly cautious with materials of unknown age! Do not attempt to remove caps from containers that may cause shock or sparks. Call UOEHSM for advice or assistance when such containers are found.

    • Never distill peroxide forming solvents unless they are known to be free of peroxides. Peroxides concentrated in still residue can be a serious explosive hazard.

    6.12 Sharps

    Several categories of sharps are generated on campus, such as needles, razors, and sharp glassware. Although most are not considered hazardous waste, they do require special handling for safety reasons. Regardless of contamination, sharps should be placed in puncture-resistant, cardboard or plastic containers and labeled as “sharps.”

    • Chemically contaminated sharps (CCIs): Metal and glass sharps that are grossly contaminated with hazardous chemicals should be collected in puncture-proof containers, marked as “sharps” and “CCI,” and sealed tightly (see Section 6.5 for additional requirements). CCI sharps should then be delivered to UOEHSM for disposal.

    • Biohazardous sharps: Contaminated metal and glass sharps should be placed in red, biohazardous sharps containers, labeled as “sharps” and affixed with a biohazard waste tag. Consult the Biohazardous Waste Disposal policy (Appendix A of this guide) for further instructions.

    • Radioactive sharps: Consult the Radiation Safety Manual for further instructions.

    • Uncontaminated metal sharps: Containers should be labeled as “sharps” and “solid waste” and sealed tightly. They may then be disposed of through UOEHSM or in a biohazard collection drum.

    • Uncontaminated glass sharps: At some buildings, these may be placed directly in glass dumpsters with no special labeling or container requirements. If no glass dumpster is available, package in a puncture proof container, label as “glass sharps” and “solid waste,” seal tightly, and place in the normal trash.

    Note: Sharps containers are sold in chemistry stores, the biology stock room and lab supply catalogues. Red biohazard sharps containers are to be used ONLY for biohazardous waste because regulatory requirements prohibit disposal by the same means as chemically contaminated sharps.
     

    Labeling and Handling of Shapes
    Type Package Labeling Disposal
    Biohazardous metal and glass puncture proof biohazard container (red) "sharps" and use a biohazard waste tag See Appendix A for instructions for disposal through UOEHSM or LAR
    Radioactive puncture proof container See the Radiation Safety Manual for labeling procedures UOEHSM Radiation Safety
    Chemically contaminated "sharps" and "CCIs" UOEHSM
    Uncontaminated metal sharps "sharps" and "solid waste" UOEHSM or a biohazardous waste container
    Uncontaminated glass * "glass sharps" and "solid waste" normal trash
    * No labeling or special container is required if disposed of directly in a glass dumpster

    6.13 Silica Gel

    Accumulate silica gel in 5-gallon plastic buckets (or 1 gallon plastic overpacks for small generators) that can be obtained at an Open House. Store all containers closed and label "Waste Silica Gel." Only gel should be accumulated in these containers – no plastic wrap or instruments.

    6.14 Solid Chemicals

    Package tightly capped containers of hazardous solid chemicals, precipitates, semisolids, or gels according to the general instructions given in Section 7.0. Decant off free liquids and pack in separate containers. Assume all solids are hazardous unless they are listed in Appendix B of this guide or have been verified non-hazardous by UOEHSM.

    6.15 Organic Solvents

    Place your organic solvents in a safety can. (Very small generators can use other containers if a safety can is not practical.) Label your safety can or containers as contents are added so that you will be able to account for 100% of the chemical composition of the can. Do not depend on your memory when it is time to fill out your Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag! Waste must have a pH between 3 and 11 or it will be rejected.

    Note: All safety cans should be labeled with the words “hazardous waste.”

    6.15.1 Substances which should NOT be put into safety cans

    Safety cans are to be used for solvents, only. The following substances are inappropriate for solvent consolidation and should NOT be placed in your safety cans in any concentration:

    • Acid and base solutions (If you have large volumes of solvents with low or high pH, you may use safety cans and neutralize the waste before offering to UOEHSM according to the neutralization procedures outlined in section 6.1.1 of this guide. Be aware, however, that if the pH of the waste is not greater than 3 or less than 11 at the time it is presented for disposal, it may be rejected. Also, be sure to allow 24 hours after neutralization before disposal to insure that the pH has stabilized and the heat of reaction has dissipated.)
    • Aqueous solutions of toxic organic chemicals (If your procedures are such that water is mixed with solvents during the course of a reaction, it is okay to put in a safety can with other solvents. Just don’t add primarily aqueous solutions to the solvents in the safety cans.)
    • Metals (e.g., Sb, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Ag)
    • Vacuum pump oil
    • Sulfides or inorganic cyanides
    • Strong oxidizers or reducers
    • Water reactive substances
    • Unknowns
    • Stench compounds
    • Any materials which react with organic solvents

    6.16 Strong Oxidizers and Reducers

    Bring all oxidizers and reducers, such as those listed below, to an Open House or call UOEHSM for pickup.

    Strong oxidizers:
    Chromic acid (fresh)
    Metallic chlorates
    Metallic nitrates
    Metallic perchlorates
    Metallic permanganates     
    Perchloric acid     		Strong reducers:
    n-Butyl lithium
    Calcium hydride
    Metallic sulfides
    Sodium hydride
    Stannous chloride

    6.17 Unknown Chemicals

    You must make every effort to provide an accurate description of all chemicals that you give us. Unknown chemicals present serious legal and safety problems for the university. Without an accurate description, it is difficult to handle and dispose of the chemical safely. Disposal companies will not accept chemical waste without an analysis, and an analysis of one sample could cost $1000.

    Often you can deduce the contents of an unknown container by locating the original generator, even if they are in another part of the country. If this is not successful, a fellow researcher may be familiar with the kinds of chemicals used in a particular research lab.

    You can reduce the occurrence of unknown chemicals by being thorough in maintaining chemical container labels. Make periodic reviews of chemical stock and be sure to label all waste containers as they are filled.

    6.17.1 Moving? CALL US!

    We often receive unknown and unwanted chemicals when new personnel enter a laboratory. To alleviate this problem, it is your responsibility to sort through your chemical inventory, exchange what you can with other researchers, and bring the rest to an Open House. Give us a call if special pick up arrangements are needed.

    6.18 Vacuum Pump Oil

    Uncontaminated vacuum pump oil can be recycled and should be brought to an Open House for consolidation and management as used oil.

  7. HAZARDOUS WASTE PACKAGING AND LABELING

    8. Good packaging increases safety in handling and transporting chemicals. Proper identification of the materials is also important. Because of hazardous waste regulations, we must know 100% of the composition of all waste materials. Please follow these rules when giving materials to UOEHSM.

    NOTE: These directions are also summarized on the back of the Hazardous Chemical Waste Tags (Appendix G of this guide).

    7.1 Container Storage

    • Federal and state regulations require that all waste containers be closed while not in use. Storing an open waste container in a hood or anywhere in your work area is a violation.

    • Label containers as “hazardous waste” and list contents of the container on the Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag during accumulation. Alternatively, a “hazardous waste” sticker with general contents listed may be used until the waste is delivered to UOEHSM for disposal.

    • As a general rule, different wastes (solids vs. liquid, solvents vs. aqueous) should be accumulated in separate waste containers. This simplifies cataloging of waste constituents in a particular container, reduces the risk of reaction between incompatible wastes and avoids the costly disposal of complex mixtures. This guideline does not preclude the mixing of wastes that could obviously be mixed together, such as compatible solvent waste.

    • Do not put liquid waste in plastic containers, as the containers tend to degrade and leak.

    • Do not put acid waste in metal containers, as the containers will corrode and leak as well as evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

    • Separate and protect ignitable waste from ignition sources.

    • Sign the Tag, fill in an accumulation date when the container is “full” and bring it to the next Open House or call for pickup. Note: “full” is 90% of container capacity, to allow for expansion.

    * See the Satellite Accumulation Area posting in Appendix D of this guide for a quick reference of storage guidelines.

    7.2 General Waste Packaging Instructions

    • Containers must be free of contamination on the outside, securely closed and capable of containing the waste inside. Container size should fit the amount of waste inside as nearly as possible to reduce disposal cost.

    • Do not use biohazard bags for the storage of chemical wastes.


    • Containers must be labeled with a Hazardous Chemical Waste Tag (Appendix G of this guide). Directions are printed on the backs of the tags. If you conduct an inventory and dispose of large quantities of unused chemicals, UOEHSM will waive the tagging requirement when the original label is intact. Call for details.

    • Tags must state each chemical constituent present in the waste container and corresponding percentages. Toxic chemicals, other than mercury and PCBs, that constitute less than 1% may be listed as “trace.” Please write legibly.

    • Waste constituents must be spelled out completely — no abbreviations, formulas or structures.

    • Additional tags may be used if necessary. Be sure to fill in information on the top two lines of the continuation tag, and sign and date both.

    • A pH is required on the tag for aqueous solutions. Please allow time for reactions to end before reading pH. If bottles are to be returned, pH must be greater than 3 and less than 11.

    • Affix tags to containers with a rubber band.

    • Hazardous Chemical Waste Tags are available at Open Houses, from UOEHSM and from the Chemistry and Jordan Hall stockrooms.

    7.3 Additional Waste Packaging Instructions for Solvents

    • Waste solvents should be cleared from labs on a weekly basis. In no circumstance should solvents be allowed to accumulate for over two weeks.

    • Safety cans are mandatory for ignitable solvents and advised for halogenated solvents. Safety can springs must be in good working order (i.e. able to spring closed and stay tightly sealed) or the can must be replaced. Glass bottles are discouraged, but will be accepted from very small generators.

    • A safety can does not have to be full to bring it to an Open House or for collection by UOEHSM.

    • Accumulate other waste streams (acids, metals, etc) in separate containers. Solvents should be free of all other wastes, including aqueous wastes and water not mixed during the same procedure.
     

  8. CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES

    9. Accidents resulting in the release of chemicals will occur despite the best effort to work safely. It is essential that personnel have a spill response plan that includes appropriate procedures and materials to adequately contain and cleanup a spill. The following procedures should be used as a guide to help design an effective spill control plan for your work area. (Refer to the Laboratory Chemical Safety Plan for information on spill kit contents, and the Chemical Spill Response Guide for detailed information on spills.)

    8.1 Major Spills

    In the event of a spill which:

    • involves the release of a type or quantity of chemical which poses an immediate risk to health;
    • involves an uncontrolled fire or explosion; or,
    • involves serious personal injury;

    1. Evacuate as necessary and keep others from entering the affected area until assistance arrives.

    2. Dial 9-911 for assistance and be prepared to provide details of the situation.

    3. Stay onsite until assistance arrives.

    8.2 Minor Spills

    In the event of a spill involving the release of a type or quantity of chemical that does not pose an immediate risk to health, and does not have the potential to become an emergency within a short time period:

    1. Notify other laboratory personnel of the accident.

    2. Isolate the area. Close laboratory doors and evacuate the immediate area if necessary.

    3. Remove all ignition sources and establish exhaust ventilation. Vent vapors to the outside of the building only (open windows and turn on fume hood).

    4. Choose appropriate personal protective equipment (goggles, face shield, impervious gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, boots, respirator, etc.) Note: All personnel must have medical approval and be fit tested before using a respirator. Contact UOEHSM for more information.


    5. Confine and contain the spill. Cover with appropriate absorbent material. Sweep solid material into a dustpan and place in a sealed plastic container. Decontaminate the area with soap and water after cleanup and place residue in a plastic bag or another sealed plastic container. Bring the containers to the next Open House or call UOEHSM for pickup.

    For consultation or assistance, call UOEHSM during regular business hours or the IU Police Department all other times.