Safe & Secure Chemical Waste Disposal and Management
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the State of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (previously known as the TNRCC) control chemical waste. Failure to adhere to waste management stand
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the State of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (previously known as the TNRCC) control chemical waste. Failure to adhere to waste management standards, such as marking and storage requirements, can result in serious criminal and civil consequences. All waste streams (chemical, biological, radioactive, and facility-related) are collected, consolidated, packaged, and tagged for off-site shipment or disposal by the Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Protection Program. This EHS component offers laboratory personnel a one-stop shop for disposing of certain waste streams.
This article intends to increase academic laboratory instructors' awareness of general suggestions for establishing biological/chemical waste disposal, with a focus on the management of potentially hazardous laboratory biologicals and chemicals. The EPA defines biological/chemical waste management as the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste material that has the potential to harm human health or the environment.
Chemical Waste Disposal Procedure For Industrial Sites
The first step in preparing for chemical waste disposal is to identify which hazardous wastes exist and how they will be disposed of. The recommended action plan for hazardous waste removal and disposal is provided below.
Conduct a hazard analysis and risk assessment for any probable chemical waste.
Determine the necessary safety steps to take based on the hazard analysis and risk assessment results; for example, personal protection equipment (PPE) should be worn, etc.
Before commencing the process, determine where the hazardous trash will be stored.
If potentially hazardous biological or chemical waste is discovered, immediately notify the safety compliance manager or CHO. Avoid touching the biologicals or chemicals! Also, contact the chief property administrator and the supervisor.
Contact the facilities director or another school employee in charge of locating a biological/chemical waste industrial company to collect the necessary waste items.
Conduct an annual biological and chemical waste disposal clean-out of the instructional spaces and connected sites.
Chemical Waste Disposal Requirements
Generally, chemical waste disposal protocols must contain the following.
Proper Storage: Ensure the waste chemicals are suitable and stored in a stable location with little foot traffic.
Proper Labeling: Labels must be securely placed on bottles/containers per current OSHA Hazard Standard labeling specifications, which include the full biological/chemical name, physical state, generator identifiers, at least one signal word, threat statement(s), precautionary statement(s), and pictogram(s).
Pre-Planning: Before doing laboratory experiments and demonstrations, determine what trash is being generated so that purchases and storage can be reduced or proper disposal containers can be procured.
Recordkeeping: Maintain inventory records for all waste chemicals on hand and those already collected for disposal.
Do not combine unsuitable or unknown compounds in the same container. Toxic vapors or dangerous reactions, such as fires or explosions, can result from the combination of two or more unsuitable or unknown types of chemical elements. The Chemical Sanitation Plan and/or Hazards Communication Plan ought to incorporate a policy that prohibits the combination of biologicals or chemicals when they are in use or being prepared for disposal. Liquid waste should also be stored in leak-proof containers. Check the SDS for additional storage guidelines, such as ventilation needs or the maximum level at which storage containers must be filled to allow for vapor expansion.
OSHA mandates chemical makers to provide SDSs for all hazardous chemicals. SDSs, previously known as Safety Data Sheets for Material, are standardized documents containing health and safety information concerning individual substances. They usually include information such as:
Consider the chemical's qualities
Potential health and environmental risks
Protective measures for lab staff
Safety precautions for storage and transportation
Recommended disposal methods.