Storing Wastes
Most research locations are “satellite accumulation” sites with specific requirements, most importantly: Label waste containers with the words
“Hazardous Waste” and the contents – in plain English
Keep waste containers closed when not filling them
Store liquids away from drains, preferably in containment
Lab Inspections
Brian Brosnan hired full time for a year to do three cycles of lab inspections
85% complete on first round, 687 Labs, 2182 containers, 269 discrepancies
Brian reports results to PIs and RSOs on a timely basis
Tied to focus on labeling, showing measurable improvement
Expect more in the next rounds
Student Inspector 2007-2008Now Full Time Inspector 2007 2008 2009
Overall Exception Rate 29.50% 21.80
%12.33
%
Contents not listed or not in plain English 22.20% 19.20% 6.05%
Containers undated 6.30% 3.80% 1.68%
Without words "Hazardous Waste" 4.80% 4.00% 1.51%
Liquid waste not in containment tray 3.80% 1.10% 2.06%
Open Containers 1.20% 0.50% 0.55%
Waste containers not stored in work area 0.70% 0.00% 0.19%
Near drain without containment 1.20% 0.60% 0.64%
Unlabeled containers 0.50% 0.30% 1.74%
Containers not in good condition 0.20% 0.20% 0.09%
Closer Look at the Trend
Of the containers “Contents not listed or not in plain English,” 85% are cited for using chemical symbols (MeOH, EtOH, NaOH, HCl, CuSO4,
K3Fe(CN)6, CHCl3) acronyms (PBS, DMSO, DAB, TEAA, PMSF, SDS, EGTA,
NNKOAc, ACN) 2006 Hennepin County cited “BME” for beta-
Mercaptoethanol Rule: "...a description that clearly identifies its
contents to employees and emergency personnel"
One Department
Only problem was acronyms/formulas, 4 out of 48 containers
Bottle 1: EtOH and OsO4, Bottle 2: Na2PO4H2
Bottle 3: HCl, TNBSA, and SiQDOTS Bottle 4: TiO2
Goldy D Gopher
June 18, 2009 6-0000
Mixture of:
Methanol 85%
Acetic Acid 15%
HW Label with Contents in Plain English - OK
Problem HW Label: Not in Plain English – No Information to responders or employees
Goldy D Gopher
June 18, 2009 6-0000
Mixture of:
MeOH 85%
CH3OOH 15%
HW Label with Contents not in Plain English, but providing hazard information to responders and employees
Goldy D Gopher
June 18, 2009 6-0000
Mixture of:
MeOH 85%
CH3OOH 15%
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