Hazardous Waste Program Manual. Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department Box 6113, SFA Station Nacogdoches, Texas

Transcription

1 Hazardous Waste Program Manual Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department Box 6113, SFA Station Nacogdoches, Texas Edited January 2010

2 Table of Contents 1. Preface Contact Information Responsibilities Training Requirements Waste Identification Characteristic Hazardous Waste Listed Hazardous Waste Class І Wastes Satellite Accumulation Areas Storage Guidelines Examples of Incompatible Chemicals Disposal Procedures for Regulated Wastes Biological Wastes Disposal of Biological Waste Waste Minimization Onsite Treatment and Disposal Radioactive Waste Responsibilities of the Departments Segregation of Radioactive Waste Disposal of Radioactive Waste Non Hazardous Waste Non Contaminated Glass Unknown Waste MOU Glassware Empty Container: Emergency Response to Waste Spills Chemical Spill Procedures Chemical Emergency Steps Spill Prevention and Control: Standard Operating Procedure Spill Prevention, Control, and Counter Measures Spill Kit-General Spill Control Techniques Types of Spill Responses Disposal Biological Spill Procedures Radiation Spill, Accident, Decontamination and Emergency Procedures Spill Accident Decontamination

3 Emergency Decontamination: Standard Operating Procedure Equipment Medical Treatment/First Aid Emergency Response Procedures Documentation...68 APPENDIX I...70 APPENDIX II...76 APPENDIX III

4 1. Preface Environmental awareness and protection of our natural resources has become a national priority. As a nation, we have come to recognize that hazardous agents of all types have entered our environment through improper use and disposal. In response to the national concern for proper management of waste materials, Congress passed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was given the responsibility for regulating hazardous chemical wastes. In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) controls hazardous chemical wastes, while the Texas Department of Health (TDH) regulates radioactive and bio-hazardous wastes. Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) produces a small amount of hazardous waste in performing its functions of service, teaching, and research. Since the university generates less than 220 pounds of hazardous chemical waste per month, it is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator". In addition, we are subject to regulations promulgated for the control of biological and radioactive wastes. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that hazardous waste generated on campus is disposed of in accordance with all applicable regulations. The function of the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department is to assist faculty, staff and students with their responsibility of managing all wastes properly and cost-effectively. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department also coordinates all hazardous waste efforts for the university, which includes enforcing proper storage, keeping records, and making sure waste is disposed of properly through environmentally and financially sound waste contractors. Stephen F. Austin State University requires that all members of the campus who use hazardous materials are trained in the procedures for proper handling of these wastes. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department offers a hazardous materials training class to assist departments with the Hazmat training requirements. This manual explains the requirements of the Stephen F. Austin State University Hazardous Waste Program and describes the proper procedures for preparing hazardous waste for storage as regulated under the law. Please contact the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department for additional information and help regarding your hazardous waste ( / ). The cooperation of every member of the Stephen F. Austin State University community is essential. The Stephen F. Austin State University Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department would like to thank the University of Houston for allowing us 3

5 to use their Manual. Of particular note, we acknowledge the core content and organization of this manual, which was generously provided by Colorado State University. Without the help of their model manual, development of this manual in its present form would not have been possible. 4

6 2. Contact Information Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department o / o Fax: Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department hours: o Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. University Health Center o Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department o Non Emergency o Emergency In the event of an after hour chemical, biological, or radioactive materials emergency: Contact the Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department at The Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department maintains an oncall mechanism to provide assistance in the event of an after hours situation. For All Emergencies: Call 911 5

7 3. Responsibilities Each college and department within the University must assure that personnel who generate hazardous wastes have received training in the use of the Stephen F. Austin State University Hazardous Waste Program and are complying with University policy and procedure regarding environmental, health and safety. Training is typically provided by the individual colleges/departments, but special college/departmental specific sessions will be provided by the Environmental, Health, Safety and Risk Management Department if requested. Each department that includes laboratory facilities for teaching or research must also assure that a mechanism is in place for terminal hazardous waste disposal from lab facilities when faculty or staff complete their work and leave the University. In such cases, it is the college/department's responsibility to see that waste is properly identified and disposed of by a legal disposal company with the assistance of Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management Department. The department of EHS&RM or the University does not pay for disposal of any waste. It is the sole responsibility of the department to pay for the waste they generate. It is against University policy to dispose any waste without the knowledge of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department. COMPLIANCE CAUTION FEDERAL AND TEXAS LAW STIPULATES THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO GENERATES HAZARDOUS WASTE IS PERSONALLY LIABLE AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND PROPER HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT. 6

8 4. Training Requirements All individuals who may generate hazardous chemical, biological, or radioactive waste must receive documented training, according to Stephen F. Austin State University s Hazardous Waste Program Manual, the EPA's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It is the responsibility of each department to make sure this training is completed. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department can provide the means to satisfy the training requirements, if requested. All new employees (faculty, staff, students, etc.), either full or part time, who will use hazardous materials and in so doing generate waste are required to receive General Hazardous Waste and Hazard Communication training. This training must be received before the employee is assigned to use or handle hazardous chemicals. The General Hazardous Waste training referenced above provides general information, but the supervisor must provide information specific to the employee s particular work area. Supervisors will train every employee who works with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals on the safe use of those substances and the Texas Hazard Communication Act. The Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department also recommend that individuals periodically attend subsequent training seminars to be aware of changes in regulations. All Hazardous Waste Training shall be documented on the Hazardous Waste Training Roster (available in the Appendix), which shall be forwarded to the Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management Department prior to December 31 st of each year. To meet regulatory requirements and as a service to departments, faculty and staff, the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department keeps training records on all individuals who have attended our training seminars. See the Appendix for a copy of a training roster. If you have a question with regards to your training record, please contact the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department. 7

9 5. Waste Identification The first step in the management of hazardous waste is to determine whether a material is a waste. A waste is generally defined as a material, which is discarded, including materials that are either spent or intended to be thrown away. Materials that are being used for their intended purpose or are otherwise still reusable are not considered waste. A waste can be a solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material. Apart from the above definition, below are a few general steps to indentify if a chemical/substance is waste: Spent material. Unusable because it does not meet its required specifications. Past its expiration date. Unlabeled, and has been unlabeled for more than 30 days. Abandoned. A container that once held chemicals. Unwanted and intended to be discarded or recycled. A regulated chemical waste is defined as a waste which, due to its quantity, concentration, or physical and chemical characteristics may Cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious or incapacitating illness; or Pose a substantial present or potential threat to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. The disposal of regulated waste and other unwanted chemicals has become increasingly complicated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulate the treatment and disposal of chemical wastes in Texas. The purpose of this section is to help you better understand exactly what is and is not a regulated chemical waste. In doing so, we hope that you may be able to design experiments with waste minimization in mind, and dispose of chemical waste generated in your laboratory in a manner consistent with legal requirements. After a material is identified as waste, the person responsible for generating the waste must determine if the waste is a hazardous waste. If assistance is needed to determine the hazardous nature of a waste, contact the Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management Department at / A hazardous waste is a waste: Which exhibits any of four hazardous waste characteristics and/or Falls into any of the four specific listing descriptions 8

10 5.1 Characteristic Hazardous Waste In the code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR ), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) defines the four fundamental characteristics of regulated waste as: Ignitability: Any liquid waste or liquid waste mixture having a flashpoint of 140º F (60º C) or lower. Examples include most spent non-halogenated solvents such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, xylene, toluene, benzene, and gasoline. Spent halogenated solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform, and dichlorobenzene, generally have a flashpoint above 140º F and, therefore, are not ignitable. Any solid waste that is capable of causing fire through friction or absorption of moisture or can undergo spontaneous chemical change resulting in persistent burning. Solids such as sodium or potassium metals, solid naphthalene, and nitrocellulose also fall into this category. Flammable compressed gases, including those that form flammable mixtures with air. Oxidizers that stimulate combustion of organic materials. Ignitable wastes should always be isolated from ignition sources. Ignitable materials include most common organic solvents, gases such as hydrogen and hydrocarbons, and certain nitrate salts. 9

11 Corrosivity: Any waste liquids or waste liquid mixture having a ph less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to Examples include hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and corrosive cleaning agents. Liquid substances which corrode steel at a rate greater than 6.35 millimeters (0.250 inches) per year at a test temperature of 55ºC (130º C). Dilution of acids or bases with water is not an acceptable practice. Acids and bases can be neutralized as part of an experiment, but that process must be a written step in the experimental procedure. In addition, liquids or liquid mixtures having a ph less than 5.5 or greater than 11.5 are not permitted to be disposed of via sink drains or other wastewater conveyances. Disposal of such liquids is specifically prohibited by the University s wastewater discharge permit. Reactivity: Unstable materials capable of undergoing violent chemical change (without detonating). Materials which react violently with water. Materials which form potentially explosive mixtures with water. Materials which, when mixed with water, generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment. Cyanide or sulfide bearing wastes which, when exposed to ph conditions between 2 and 12.5, will generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment. Materials capable of detonation or explosive reaction when subjected to a strong initiating source or if heated in confinement. Materials which are capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at standard temperature and pressure. 10

12 Toxicity: Any waste which contains concentrations of certain constituents in excess of regulatory limits is a toxic hazardous waste. According to EPA, the 40 constituents that must be considered when evaluating a waste for potential toxic concentrations include eight heavy metals, six pesticides and 26 solvents and other organics. Pesticides Metals Organics Endrin Arsenic Chloroform Methyl ethyl ketone Lindane Barium o-cresol Nitrobenzene Methoxychlor Cadmium m-cresol Pentachlorophenol Toxaphene Chromium p-cresol Pyridine 2,4-D Lead Cresol (total) Tetrachloroethylene 2,4,5 TP Silvex Mercury 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Benzene Selenium 1,2-Dichloroethane Trichloroethylene Silver 1,1-Dichloroethylene Carbon Tetrachloride 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2,4,5- Trichlorophenol Heptachlor Chlordane Hexachlrobenzene 2,4,6- Trichlorophenol Hexachlorobutadiene Chlorobenzene Hezachloroethane Vinyl Chloride The levels at which these chemicals are regulated in mixtures varies from 0.2 ppm to 400 ppm. For example, solutions that contain mercury at levels above 0.2 ppm are hazardous waste. These levels are very low, so if a waste contains one or more of these components it should be considered a hazardous waste. Note that the eight metals and other constituents listed here are regulated in both their pure forms and as compounds. 11

13 5.2 Listed Hazardous Waste The four lists of hazardous waste include the following which in total includes over 800 different substances. The wastes regulated as listed chemical wastes are listed in 40 CFR sections (F list), (K list), (P and U lists). Refer to the Appendix for a detail list of these wastes. The F List addresses wastes from nonspecific sources (e.g., spent solvents) and is broken down into several subcategories (or codes). Five codes that are commonly applicable to laboratory wastes are: F001 Code Applicable to all spent solvent mixtures and blends used for degreasing which contained, before use, a total of ten percent or more (by volume) of one or more of the following halogenated solvents: tetrachloroethylene trichloroethylene methylene chloride 1,1,1-trichloroethane carbon tetrachloride chlorinated fluorocarbons F002 Code Applicable to all spent solvent mixtures and blends which contained, before use, a total of ten percent or more (by volume) of one or more of the following halogenated solvents: tetrachloroethylene methylene chloride trichloroethylene 1,1,1-trichloroethane chlorobenzene 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane ortho-dichlorobenzene trichlorofluoromethane 1,1,2-trichloroethane 12

14 F003 Code Applicable to all spent solvent mixtures and blends which contained, before use, a total of ten percent or more (by volume) of one or more of the following non-halogenated solvents: xylene acetone ethyl acetate ethyl benzene ethyl ether methyl isobutyl ketone n-butyl alcohol cyclohexanone methanol F004 Code Applicable to all spent solvent mixtures and blends which contained, before use, a total of ten percent or more (by volume) of one or more of the following non-halogenated solvents: cresols and cresylic acid nitrobenzene F005 Code Applicable to all spent solvent mixtures and blends which contained, before use, a total of ten percent or more (by volume) of one or more of the following non-halogenated solvents: toluene methyl ethyl ketone carbon disulfide isobutanol pyridine benzene 2-ethoxyethanol 2-nitropropane The K List addresses waste from specific sources (e.g., pink/red water from TNT operations - K047) and is generally not applicable to wastes generated in research laboratories. The P List addresses unused acutely hazardous materials (e.g., laboratory chemicals having an LD 50 of less than 50 mg/kg (oral; rat)). It is applicable to many surplus chemicals that are disposed of by research laboratories. Some examples are nickel tetracarbonyl, phosphine, and osmium tetroxide. The U List addresses unused hazardous materials (e.g., toxic laboratory chemicals). Like the P list, this is applicable to many surplus chemicals that are disposed of by research laboratories. Some examples are aniline, benzene, and acetone. 13

15 The Hazardous Waste Universe TOXIC CORROSIVE F-LISTED Waste originating from non-specific sources. P-LISTED Waste that is acutely toxic. CHARACTERISTIC HAZARDOUS WASTE LISTED HAZARDOUS WASTE REACTIVE IGNITABLE K-LISTED Waste originating from specific sources. U-LISTED Waste that is toxic. If your waste falls into either the listed or characteristic categories it must be treated as hazardous waste. Hazardous Waste cannot be disposed of by pouring down a drain or by throwing in the general trash. There are significant fines and penalties involved when hazardous waste is disposed of illegally. In addition to the legal ramifications please realize that toxic wastes disposed down the sink or in the trash may cause environmental harm and can also create an unacceptable risk to human health. NOTHING BUT RAIN GOES DOWN THE DRAIN 14

16 5.3 Class І Wastes Class І wastes are wastes, which are regulated by the TCEQ. They are not considered hazardous by the EPA definition, but must be disposed of at a permitted landfill due to Texas regulations. Examples of wastes which fall under the Class І definition are soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, sandblasting sand with leachable lead concentrations between 1.5 and 5.0 ppm, used oil, and solids that when mixed with an equal weight form a corrosive solution. The following are the guidelines for Class І wastes: 1. Regulated asbestos containing material. 2. Materials containing specific toxic chemical constituents, which exceed regulated concentration levels, although not enough to be considered hazardous. 3. Liquids, which are ignitable at levels above 150 degrees F, or are solids and semisolids and contain chemicals considered to be ignitable under certain conditions incidental to storage, disposal or treatment. 4. Semi-solids and solids which when combined with water exhibit corrosive properties. 5. Empty containers, which held hazardous substances or a Class 1, waste, unless the residue has been completely removed through certain processes. 6. Waste containing more than 50 parts-per-million of total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 7. Waste associated with exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas or geothermal energy, which contain more than 1,500 parts per million total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). 8. All non-hazardous industrial solid waste generated outside Texas and transported into or through Texas for storage, processing or disposal. 15

17 6. Waste Accumulation and Storage Areas The University s Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department is the only department authorized to store, transport and send hazardous waste for disposal from the University s central hazardous waste storage area. The central hazardous waste storage area is located within the premises of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management near the intersection of Raguet and Austin St. The University has a standing contract with SET Environmental Inc. to dispose all hazardous waste generated from University properties. Stephen F. Austin State University is designated as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). Any person or department responsible for the loss of university waste status due to violations in waste management policies will be responsible for the fines and costs thereby incurred. This does not include any change in status resulting from an increased waste generation from the department or individual. However, every individual or department is responsible for their own waste disposal costs. 6.1 Satellite Accumulation Areas These areas are individual research, teaching laboratories, classrooms or other rooms on the main campus in which hazardous waste generation occurs. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) considers each room or laboratory on campus where hazardous wastes are stored as a Satellite Accumulation Area. The hazardous waste containers in a Satellite Accumulation Area must always remain at or near the point of generation (i.e., within the room itself) and must be under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste at all times until they are ready for pick up by personnel of the EHS&RM. For the purpose of this manual, every laboratory must have a designated Satellite Accumulation Area. The location of this area must be reported to the Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management Department. Satellite Accumulation Areas must be under control of the operator of the process generating waste at all times until they are ready for pick up by the EHS&RM. At no time may more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 quart of acute hazardous waste (i.e., P-Listed) accumulate in a Satellite Accumulation Area prior to pickup by EHS&RM personnel or movement of the waste container to a proper storage area. Any waste in excess of the 55-gallons or 1 quart limits must be removed from the Satellite Accumulation Area within 3 calendar days. If the threshold is reached, the waste container must be moved to the accepted storage area in your department. If the department does not have a designated waste storage area, contact EHS&RM immediately. 16

18 6.2 Central Accumulation Areas Every department/college is required to have a designated waste storage area to move the waste from satellite accumulation areas. The Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department must be notified of the location of this central storage area. It is only from this area that the EHS&RM picks up waste to be moved to the University central waste storage area. Waste in the designated department/college central storage area cannot be stored for more than 90 days. Weekly inspections, specific storage requirements, emergency procedure availability, training, and recordkeeping are required for both the satellite accumulation and central storage areas. 6.3 Storage Guidelines Follow the storage limit and time frame guidelines for satellite accumulation areas and central storage areas as stated above. Wastes must be in containers made of materials compatible with the contents. The best containers for hazardous waste are the ones the original materials came in. If the original container cannot be used then a compatible container in good condition is acceptable. Containers such as 5-gallon plastic jugs and 4-liter glass bottles are acceptable if the container and any residue left inside are compatible with new waste material. Larger containers are better if they can be filled within a reasonable time and does not present a storage hazard at your location. Please fill the containers to within 1 or 2 inches from the top before requesting disposal. This will aid the University in reducing waste, cutting costs and also speeding up removal of wastes from your location. All containers must have a secure, tight fitting, non-leaking lid. Containers with cracked or leaking lids sealed with parafilm are a deviation from storage requirements and will not be picked up. Lids must be secure on containers at all times unless waste is physically being added to the container. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A FUNNEL EVER BE LEFT IN AN UNATTENDED CONTAINER. Funnels in containers, improper labeling and waste containers with no lids are the three most common laboratory waste violations and will lead to costly fines. Examples of Improper Container Capping 17

19 Hazardous waste should never be stored in or around drains or sinks. For Satellite Accumulation Areas, waste must be stored in a secure place, near the point of generation and always under control of trained personnel. Waste must never be left in a hallway or any other area where it could endanger personnel, facility safety or the environment. This area should be kept clean and inspected for spills on a daily basis. Examples of Improper Container Locations The central storage areas must be secured to prevent inadvertent access; that is, doors to waste areas should be kept locked when unattended. Wastes must be compatible with other wastes and hazardous materials in the area. When wastes are separated properly, disposal options remain clearer and more cost effective. Never mix incompatible wastes or other materials in the same container or place wastes in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material. However, if separation is not practical, collect waste in compatible containers and try to keep it segregated into the following categories: 1. Miscellaneous solids, e.g., grossly contaminated gloves, rags or towels, and other grossly contaminated lab equipment should be collected separately from liquid wastes. 2. Halogenated solvents, e.g., methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride. 3. Note: Disposal of non-halogenated solvents contaminated with halogens costs 4-5 times as much as non-halogenated solvents. 4. Non-halogenated solvents, e.g., xylene, toluene, alcohols. 5. Waste oil must be kept as uncontaminated as possible in order to be recycled. You should keep oils separate from other chemicals, particularly solvents, pesticides, and PCB's. 6. Acids. 7. Bases. 8. Metal-bearing waste whether dry, flammable, corrosive or other. Specific metals of concern are arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, and thallium. 9. Accumulate waste that is both flammable and corrosive separately from waste that is either flammable or corrosive. 10. Special wastes, e.g., cyanide, sulfide, pesticides, oxidizers, organic acids, explosives and peroxides, should be collected individually whenever possible. 18

20 11. Mercury and mercury containing compounds. All mixtures containing mercury in any form must be disposed of as mercury contaminated waste Examples of Incompatible Chemicals Chemical Incompatible with acetic acid chromic acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates acetic anhydride Hydroxyl-containing compounds such as ethylene glycol and perchloric acid acetylene chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury acetone concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixtures alkali and water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon alkaline earth dioxide, halogens metals ammonia mercury, chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine, (anhydrous) hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous) ammonium nitrate aniline nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide arsenical any reducing agent materials azides acids bromine see chlorine acids, powdered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrates, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials calcium oxide water carbon calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents (activated) carbon sodium tetrachloride chlorates ammonium salts, acids, powdered metals, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials chromic acid acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, alcohol, flammable and chromium liquids in general trioxide chlorine ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane or other petroleum gases, hydrogen, sodium carbide, benzene, finely divided metals, turpentine chlorine dioxide ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide copper acetylene, hydrogen peroxide cumene acids (organic and inorganic) hydroperoxide cyanides acids flammable liquids fluorine everything ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens 19

21 Chemical Incompatible with hydrazine hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, any other oxidant hydrocarbons fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide (e.g., propane, butane, benzene) hydrocyanic nitric acid, alkali acid hydrofluoric ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous) acid (aqueous or anhydrous) hydrogen copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts, alcohols, acetone, peroxide organic materials, aniline, nitromethane, combustible materials hydrogen fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases sulfide hypochlorites acids, activated carbon iodine acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous), hydrogen mercury acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia nitrates sulfuric acid nitric acid acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide, (concentrated) flammable liquids, flammable gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals nitrites acids nitroparaffins inorganic bases, amines oxalic acid silver, mercury oxygen oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids, solids, or gases perchloric acid acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, grease, oils peroxides, acids (organic or mineral), avoid friction, store cold organic phosphorus air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents (white) phosphorus alcohols, strong bases, water pentoxide potassium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water potassium sulfuric and other acids chlorate potassium sulfuric and other acids perchlorate (also see chlorates) potassium glycerol, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid permanganate selenides reducing agents silver and silver acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds, fulminic salts acid 20

22 Chemical Incompatible With sodium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water sodium nitrite ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts sodium peroxide ethanol and methanol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural sulfides acids sulfuric acid potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate (and similar compounds of light metals such as sodium, lithium) tellurides reducing agents 21

23 6.3.2 Labeling and Dating of Waste Containers LABELS ARE DIFFERENT FROM WASTE TAGS Waste tags are not a substitute for container labels. Each and every hazardous waste container must be labeled HAZARDOUS WASTE when the first drop of waste is poured into the container. These labels along with waste tags will be supplied for free by EHS&RM. Each department is responsible for proper labeling of the waste containers. The chemical names of substances in the container must be listed on the container. When labeling the waste be specific (i.e., Xylene, Acetone, etc.) instead of using generalities such as Non-Halogenated Solvents. Do not use abbreviations, chemical formulas or trade names. Proper labeling will eliminate the problem of identifying unknown chemicals and wastes. Identification and analysis costs of unknown substances will be the responsibility of the department alone How to fill out the label 1) Accumulation Start Date: The accumulation date tracks compliance with regulations on disposal time limits. Fill in the month, day and year. This is the date that a new container receives a drop of a waste. 2) Accumulation End Date: This is the date the container is full and ready for pick up by EHS&RM. 3) Generator Info: This section defines the person who produced waste material. The information you provide can be used to track the waste back to you from a disposal site if there are problems with it later. You must provide the exact location where the waste was generated. Please include the department, building, room number, and phone information. Do not use the location of your office unless the waste is generated in your office. 4) Chemical Name: a. In the first line, list the chemical name of each constituent; write the name in full, do not use formulas or abbreviations. List all known constituents, including water if the waste is aqueous. If the mixture contains nonhazardous constituents, they do still need to be listed for full compliance. b. In the second line, list % conc. or ppm, or indicate by some means the relative concentrations of the listed constituents. There are many ways to meet the requirements of this section of the label. All methods must fully detail 100% of the constituents in the container. 22

24 Given below are three approaches you may use to track the contents of your waste container while it is being filled. You can also develop your own method for describing the waste mixture. The below approaches are for suggestive information only. They are not standard. I. Approach 1 When the primary container holds only one waste mixture, simply estimate the concentration of the constituents and put it right on the label. II. Approach 2 If you place various waste mixtures into one container, you may be able to accurately estimate the concentration of the final mixture simply by tracking which constituents are added to the container. To ensure that the estimation is reasonably accurate (to within a few percent) you should consider factors such as the number of researchers adding waste to the container, the length of time it takes to fill the container and the number of chemicals added to the container. Make a list of all the chemicals that you might add to the container. Place a copy of this list on the container when you put a hazardous waste label (with information on accumulation date, generator, chemical name, physical state and hazard category) on it. As you add waste to the container, place a check mark next to the names of the chemicals that you are adding. When the container is full or nearing the end of accumulation time, someone from the research group will have to estimate the final % concentration of the checked constituents and enter it onto the label. III. Approach 3 When approaches 1 and 2 will not accurately describe the waste, you can track the volume and percentages of each waste that is added to the container on a separate list, then use this information to complete the label. Attach a blank piece of paper to the container when you place a hazardous waste label (with information on accumulation date, generator, chemical name, physical state and hazard category) on it. Each time you add waste to the container, write on the sheet the mass or volume and quantitative description of the waste. For example, an entry might read 400 ml of 60% chloroform / 40% methylene chloride (example given in Appendix D). When the container is full or nearing the end of accumulation time, the research group will be able to calculate the concentration or volume of each constituent and enter it onto the hazardous waste label. Be sure to complete the attachment sheet each time waste is added; remember, an inspector will cite you for not completing the label if it is obvious that the volume of waste on the attachment sheet is less than in the container! Regardless of the approach you use to track the contents of the 23

25 container, there are several acceptable ways of expressing the waste concentration of the final mixture. The chart below gives examples of 3 different ways to describe one waste. You may come up with your own method as long as you indicate 100% of the constituents in the container. EXAMPLES OF HOW TO DESCRIBE CHEMICAL NAMES ON A LABEL C CHEMICAL NAME % CONC OR PPM Example #1 Chloroform/Methylene Chloride (60/40) 400 ml. Acetonitrile/water (90/10) 800 ml. Zinc/water (50 ppm) 600 ml. 80% Methanol water remainder 2,200 ml. Example #2 Chloroform/Methylene Chloride (60/40) 10% Acetonitrile/water (90/10) 20% Zinc/water (50 ppm) 600 ml. 80% Methanol water remainder 55% Example #3 Chloroform 6% Methylene Chloride 4% Acetonitrile 18% Zinc 7.5 ppm Methanol 44% Water 28% 5) Physical State/Physical Property Check only one. Information on physical state is legally required. The labels and forms need to be explicitly marked. Check both solid and liquid if the waste has two phases. 6) Hazard Category Check only one. For mixtures, check the one that is the most hazardous, also known as the primary hazard. Use a Material Safety Data Sheet to decide hazard category. If no hazard can be clearly identified, check toxic. 24

26 7) Reactivity Clearly indicate if it reacts with water or air. If there are additional instructions, please list them on the label so that it will help others who might accidentally add waste to the container Disposal Procedures for Regulated Wastes Each department at Stephen F. Austin State University is responsible for the disposal of their hazardous waste and should budget appropriately. All SFASU departments should report any waste to the Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department. SET Environmental Inc. has a standing contract to dispose all the hazardous waste generated from Stephen F. Austin State University. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Department will assist all departments with the removal and disposal process of departmental hazardous waste and should always be contacted whenever hazardous waste is being generated. Each department should follow the removal and disposal guidelines outlined in this manual. Before disposing of hazardous waste: Step-By-Step Instructions 1. Determine if you can reuse or recycle this waste in your laboratory. If so, there is no need to dispose of the material. 2. If you have unopened or uncontaminated containers in a usable form, you should attempt to find another user. This will avoid the cost of disposal, the environmental impact of disposal, and needless cost to another user incurred through the purchase of new chemicals. The Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department can assist you in this process. 3. The following are some of the criteria to decide if a substance is waste: spent material, unusable because it doesn t meet its required specifications, past its expiration date, unlabeled, has been unlabeled for more than 10 days, abandoned, a container that once held chemicals, unwanted and intended to be discarded or recycled. 4. Determine if a chemical is an extremely hazardous waste. Check the list of known hazardous and extremely hazardous substances provided in the Appendix. If the chemical is in the listed wastes, follow appropriate directions. 5. If a substance is not an extremely hazardous waste, determine if it is hazardous waste. If you answer NO to all the questions below, your chemical waste is not a hazardous waste. If you answer YES to any of the questions below, your chemical is hazardous chemical waste. Follow the storage and disposal guidelines outlined in this manual. 25

27 For empty containers that once held hazardous chemical wastes, read How to Dispose of Empty Hazardous Materials Containers. Dispose of nonhazardous waste according to its type: o Solids can go in the regular trash. DO NOT attempt to dissolve powders or salts and dispose of them in a drain. o Liquids can be poured down a drain, but may first require neutralizing or other conditioning. Does the waste consist of solid reagent chemicals in a manufacturer's container? Is the waste ignitable? o Is the flashpoint less than or equal to 140 F or 60 C? o Can the waste cause fire at standard temperature and pressure through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes? o Is the waste an ignitable compressed gas? o Is the waste an oxidizer? o Will it release oxygen when reacting with another chemical? o Will it react with organic materials such as oils, greases, solvents, paper, cloth, wood, etc., to ignite? Is the waste corrosive? o Is it a liquid with ph less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12.5? o Is it a solid with ph less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12.5 when mixed with an equal weight of water? o Will it aggressively corrode steel? o Will it destroy living tissue? Is the waste reactive? o Is it normally unstable or subject to violent change? o Does it react violently with water by forming potentially explosive mixtures or toxic gases, vapors, or fumes? o Is it a cyanide- or sulfide-bearing waste that can create toxic gases, vapors, or fumes when exposed to ph conditions between 2 and 12.5? o Can it detonate or explode when decomposing at standard temperature and pressure, when subjected to a strong initiating source, or when heated under confinement? Is the waste toxic? (Toxicity measures apply to all species.) o Does it have an acute oral LD50 less than 2,500 milligram per kilogram? o Does it have an acute dermal LD50 less than 4,300 mg/kg? 26

28 o Does it have an acute inhalation LC50 less than 10,000 ppm as a gas or vapor? o Does it have an acute aquatic 96-hour LC50 less than 500 milligrams per liter? o Has the material shown through experience or testing to pose a hazard to human health or the environment because of its carcinogenicity (carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen), acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, bio-accumulative properties, or persistence in the environment? 6. Many hazardous wastes are still hazardous at very low concentrations (less than 1%). Contact the EHS&RM at / for assistance in determining if your low-concentration waste is hazardous. 7. Separate solids and liquids. All liquids must be free of solid material and or sludge to facilitate consolidation, recycling and proper disposal. If solids cannot be separated from liquids, the identification and quantity of the solid component must be listed on the container. Every effort should be made to separate solids and liquids. 8. Consolidate similar wastes. Effort should be made by the waste generator to consolidate same-type waste into as few containers as possible. 9. Make sure containers are compatible with the material inside and if not, perform a transfer to a new container. Containers must be leak free, have a tight cap, and be clean on the outside. Stoppers and corks are not acceptable. Containers must be no more than 90% full. 10. Label all waste containers. Make sure containers are marked with: a) the words "HAZARDOUS WASTE b) use the guidelines described in the manual to fill out the label. 11. Segregate all the waste appropriately. Refer to the SFA Laboratory Manual and SFA Waste Manual for proper information on compatibility between chemicals. Contact EHS&RM for further assistance at / Fill out the hazardous materials tag appropriately. Tear off the bottom portion and mail it to Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management. The address is printed on the backside of every waste tag. Campus mail will take no more than 2 days to deliver the waste tag. Fill out and mail the waste tag at least 3 days before the container is full. 27

29 7. Biological Wastes The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) has identified biological waste as waste that requires special handling to protect human health or the environment. It is further defined as a solid waste, which, if improperly treated or handled, may serve to transmit an infectious disease(s). Biological waste is regulated by the TCEQ and the TDSHS. This waste is comprised of the following: A. Microbiological Waste Microbiological waste includes: Discarded cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals. Discarded cultures of specimens from medical, pathological, pharmaceutical, research, clinical, commercial, and industrial laboratories. Discarded live and attenuated vaccines, but excluding the empty containers thereof. Discarded, used disposable culture dishes. Discarded, used disposable devices used to transfer, inoculate, or mix cultures. Note: In vitro tissue cultures that have not been intentionally exposed to pathogens are exempt from these regulations. B. Animal Waste Animal waste includes: Carcasses of animals. Body parts of animals. Whole blood, serum, plasma, and/or other blood components from animals. Bedding of animals intentionally exposed to pathogens. C. Human Blood and Blood Products Human blood and blood products include: Human blood, serum, plasma, other blood components, and body fluids. Disposable items contaminated with human blood or body fluids. 28

30 D. Pathological Waste Pathological waste includes but is not limited to: Human materials removed during surgery, labor and delivery, autopsy, embalming, or biopsy, including: body parts and tissues or fetuses. Products of spontaneous or induced human abortions, regardless of the period of gestation, including: body parts, tissues or fetuses, organs, and bulk blood and body fluids. Laboratory specimens of blood and tissue after completion of laboratory examination. Anatomical remains. E. Sharps Sharps include but are not limited to the following, regardless of contamination: Hypodermic needles. Hypodermic syringes with attached needles. Scalpel blades. Razor blades, disposable razors, and disposable scissors used in surgery or other medical procedures. Glass Pasteur pipettes. Sharps include but are not limited to the following, when contaminated: Glass pipettes. Broken glassware. Specimen tubes; Blood culture bottles. Microscope slides. Contaminated is defined as the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood, body fluids, or other infectious materials. 29

31 7.1 Disposal of Biological Waste To ensure safe and legal disposal, careful attention must be given to the disposal of university generated bio-hazardous waste. All categories of bio-hazardous waste must be packaged and handled in accordance with their associated requirements. Regular Bio-hazardous Waste All bio-hazardous waste not containing a cut/puncture hazard is to be considered regular bio-hazardous waste. This material should be wrapped securely and then placed in an approved biohazard bag (orange or red with official biohazard symbol). If you treat your own waste in an approved method which does not need to be regulated, you are still required to have a written protocol for the disposal method of the particular waste. All written protocols and standard operating procedures for waste disposal being used by any laboratory should be documented and a copy is to be submitted to Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department. Sharps All sharp, contaminated objects should be placed in an approved puncture resistant "sharps" container. This container should have securely capped ends or a closable top or lid. Animal Carcasses Animal carcasses containing known bio-hazardous agents should be placed in an approved biohazard bag. See the section of this manual titled "Disposal of Radioactive Wastes" for information on handling radioactively contaminated carcasses. The above procedures apply only for bio-hazardous waste and not chemical or radioactive wastes. If you have any questions about safe biohazard handling or proper disposal, contact the Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department at /

32 COMPLIANCE CAUTION THE CITY OF NACOGDOCHES MONITORS SEWER OUTFALLS FOR THE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN THE TRASH OR SEWER CAN RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBLE. 1. The Nacogdoches sanitary system will be monitored for hazardous waste constituents. Further, there are numerous sampling locations within the university sewer system to monitor the source of pollutants disposed down the drain. 2. Labels: Proper labeling is necessary to comply with state and federal regulation, to allow proper classification of the mixture, to ensure proper segregation, storage and shipment, and to meet the requirements of your waste disposal contractor. Please label and package your waste as thoroughly as possible. 3. Container Markings: Producers of hazardous waste must properly mark and date containers of hazardous waste with the words "hazardous waste" and the starting and ending dates of accumulation for the waste. 4. The accumulation date depends on the way the waste is generated. If you are cleaning a storage area and decide to discard some old chemicals, the material becomes a hazardous waste as soon as you decide to discard it. 5. The label on each container of waste must contain the words "Hazardous Waste", the complete chemical composition of the waste including volume or percent of each component, and the name of the responsible person. 6. Waste, which is routinely generated, may be collected over a period of time before it is disposed of. For example, a researcher may repeatedly perform a simple separation, which yields a few milliliters of waste solvent. The waste solvent is then poured into a suitable container such as a one-gallon glass bottle or a five-gallon can. The container must be no more than 90% full. 7. From the first time a waste is put into the container it must be labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste", a complete itemized list of the contents (chemical name and volume), the date the first amount of waste was placed in the container and the date the container was considered full. It is critically important that waste being accumulated in Satellite Accumulation Areas be labeled and stored properly. 8. Time Limits: No facility on campus is allowed to accumulate more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste or one quart of acutely hazardous waste in a Satellite Accumulation Area at one time. Laboratory areas are further restricted by the Fire Code as to the maximum quantity of total "flammable/combustible" material that may be stored there. 9. It is important to plan ahead for the disposal of hazardous waste. FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN PENALTIES AND FINES ASSESSED AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY AND INDIVIDUAL WASTE GENERATOR(S). 31