tulane university - office of environmental health & safety (oehs) general safety for students...

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

General Safety for Students in Laboratories

August 2012


Objectives for safety training• To become familiar with regulations related to laboratories•To become familiar with sources of chemical information•To become familiar with ways to detect and protect

from chemical hazards•To become familiar with proper fume hood practices•To become familiar with emergency procedures

Objectives for safety training

• To recognize hazardous waste• To know Tulane University’s policies concerning

hazardous waste• To know how to properly label hazardous waste• To know how to store hazardous waste• To know how to minimize hazardous waste


Office of Environmental Health & Safety

WEBSITE

http://tulane.edu/oehs

http://tulane.edu/oehs


OEHS Website TopicsThese are some of the topics and info that can be found on the OEHS website:

• Safety Data Sheets• Chemical Safety• Hazardous Materials

& Waste• Fire Safety• Departmental Safety

Representative Program

• Biological Safety• Laser Safety• Radiation Safety• Ergonomics• General Safety• OEHS Policies &

Procedures Manual


OEHS Website –Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Link

• Safety Data Sheets are available on the OEHS website under the following link : http://tulane.edu/oehs/safety/materialsafetydatasheets.cfm

• SDSs are documents provided by the manufacturer that tell you about a chemical and how to protect yourself

http://tulane.edu/oehs/safety/materialsafetydatasheets.cfm



OEHS Website - Chemical Safety LinkThis is some of the information available under the Chemical Safety

link of the OEHS website:

• Annual Lab Safety Documentation Forms

• OSHA Formaldehyde Standard Guide

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Guide

• OSHA Lab Standard/Chemical Hygiene Plan Guide

• Incompatible Chemical List

• Lab Hoods

• Lab Door Labels

• Compressed Gas Cylinders

• Ethyl Ether


Prudent Practices in the Laboratory

National Research Council

This is an excellent, highly recommended reference of laboratory safety information- now

available online at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654


Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories

Less is Better: Laboratory Chemical Management for Waste Reduction

Publications from the American Chemical Society -

Available online at http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/publications/WPCP_012294

http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/publications/WPCP_012290

http://membership.acs.org/c/ccs/pubs/SACL_faculty.pdf

http://membership.acs.org/c/ccs/pubs/SACL_faculty.pdf




Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary

The Merck Index

Chemical Abstracts

These are additional sources of chemical safety information.


Regulatory WebsitesThese sites contain safety information and references to regulations.

Some, like OSHA, even provide online training on various topics.

• www.osha.gov – Occupational Safety and Health Administration website

• www.epa.gov – Environmental Protection Agency website

• www.bt.cdc.gov – bioterrorism site of Centers for Disease Control

• www.cdc.gov/niosh - Centers for Disease Control/ NIOSH website

• www.dot.gov – Department of Transportation website

http://www.osha.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh

http://www.dot.gov/


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD

• Purpose: to protect laboratory workers from health hazards associated with chemical exposure in the laboratory


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)

• Requires a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

• See Laboratory Safety section (section 30) of the OEHS Policies & Procedures Manual


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)

• Tulane’s CHP is a generic plan• It is supplemented by annually

updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by laboratory supervisors/principal investigators discussing safety practices and procedures specific to the laboratory


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE OFFICER (CHO)

• The Lab Standard also requires each employer with laboratories to appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer.

• The certified CHO for Tulane University is Pam Fatland of OEHS. You may contact her if you have questions.


OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD• Recently revised regulation (globally harmonized

system of classification and labeling)• Purpose: To understand chemical hazards in the

workplace and how to protect yourself• Tulane written Hazard Communication Plan

located in Section 12 of the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual


OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD

• Under the OSHA HAZCOM standard, manufacturers of chemicals are required to classify the chemicals they produce and transmit that information to customers on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)


Become Familiar with Chemicals inYour Laboratory

• Chemical Inventory

• Container Labels

• Laboratory Door Signs

• Safety Data Sheets

• Reference Materials

• Training


PURPOSE OF UPDATING CHEMICAL INVENTORY

• To verify that you have the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) you need in the work area and that OEHS library of SDSs is complete

• Emergency Responders need inventory for emergencies, such as fires and spills, and for planning purposes

• To perform a hazard evaluation of the area, obtain appropriate PPE, verify proper storage and that containers are in good condition and not expired


PURPOSE OF UPDATING CHEMICAL INVENTORY

• Tulane is required to report inventory to local, state, and federal agencies such as the EPA, the State Police, and the Fire Department

• Fees based on the inventory must be paid to regulatory agencies (Example: City of New Orleans Hazardous Materials Tax which helps to support the Fire Dept’s HAZMAT unit)


NEW CHEMICAL LABELS – Required Information

• Product Identifier (full chemical name)

• GHS Pictograms

• Signal Words

• Hazard Statements

• Precautionary Statements

• Supplier Information

• Supplementary Information


Transfer Containers Required Information

• Product Identifier (full chemical name)

• Words, Pictures, Symbols

• General hazard information

• Specific information about

physical and health hazards

NEW CHEMICAL LABELS



CHEMICAL LABELS – General Information

• Required on all incoming containers, all transfer containers that will be left for a period of time, and on all containers that will be used by more than one person

• You can label an entire shelf instead of each individual container if all containers on the shelf contain the same thing (Ex. specimen containers of ethanol)

• Labels must be legible, in English with the full name of the chemical spelled out (no symbols or abbreviations)


CHEMICAL LABELS – Required Information

• The purpose of labeling is to identify the material and to become aware of the hazards and the methods of protection

• Sometimes OSHA requires special wording to appear on the label of certain chemicals or at the entrance to a regulated area (Ex. Formaldehyde containers must say “Irritant and Potential Cancer Hazard”)


Chemical Labeling SystemsOptional information which may be found on a container label:

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses a color-coded diamond with a numerical rating system to identify the degree of health (blue), fire (red), or reactivity (yellow) hazards associated with a chemical in a fire situation. A zero means minimal hazards whereas a four indicates severe hazards.


Chemical Labeling SystemsOptional information which may be found on a container label:

• The National Paint and Coatings Association uses the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS), a similar system of labeling which rates chemicals from zero to four on their health (blue), flammability (red), reactivity (yellow), and also gives personal protective equipment designations.


Improper Labeling


Improper Labeling - Abbreviations


LABORATORY DOOR SIGNSSignage for laboratory doors stating the hazards found in the lab

and emergency contact information are available from OEHS

• Door sign request forms available on OEHS website at http://tulane.edu/oehs/safety/lab-door-labels.cfm – form can also be used for updates of current signs

• Signs contain stickers relating to hazards found in that laboratory (Example: Flammable, Corrosive, Water Reactive)

• Signs also contain authorized admittance/emergency contact information which should be used before entering a lab or during an emergency to contact appropriate personnel

• Copies of signage forms are kept in OEHS for emergency response purposes

http://tulane.edu/oehs/safety/lab-door-labels.cfm


DEFINITIONSFamiliarize yourself with terms found on chemical labels/SDSs

SDS HyperGlossary - http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/


DEFINITIONS

CARCINOGEN - Can cause cancer

CORROSIVE - Can cause destruction of living tissue (e.g., acids, caustics)

EXPLOSIVE - Can cause release of pressure, gas, and heat

FLAMMABLE - Can burn when ignition source and air are present


DEFINITIONSIRRITANT - Can cause reversible

inflammatory effect (e.g., eyes water, itching)

OXIDIZER - Promotes combustion = oxygen

SENSITIZER - Can cause an allergic reaction in some people

TOXIC - Can cause health effect


Physical Hazards

• Flammable

• Combustible

• Oxidizer

• Organic Peroxide

• Water Reactive

• Explosive

• Reactive

• Pyrophoric

• Compressed gas

• Radioactive


Health Hazards

• Irritant

• Sensitizer

• Corrosive

• Toxic – Acute, Chronic

• Carcinogen

• Reproductive Toxin


ROUTES OF ENTRYChemicals can enter the body in a number of ways. Depending on how the chemical enters the body, you may need respiratory protection, skin protection such as gloves or aprons, or face and

eye protection such as face shields and goggles.

• INHALATION = Nose

• INGESTION = Mouth

• SKIN CONTACT = Skin, Eyes

• INJECTION = Skin (subcutaneous vs. dermal)


SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDSs)• Documents that inform you of the hazards

associated with a chemical and how to protect yourself from those hazards

• SDSs must be readily accessible to employees in the work area where the chemicals are used

• Each company publishes its own SDSs with their address and emergency contact information. Thus if you have a chemical such as acetone from two different manufacturers, you will need an SDS from each company


SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDSs) (The following lists information that required on an SDS)

• Identity• Hazard identification• Ingredients/composition• First aid measures• Fire fighting info• Accident release info• Handling & storage• Exposure controls/PPE

• Physical/chemical properties• Stability/reactivity• Toxicology info• Ecological info• Disposal info• Transport info• Regulatory info• Other info/any revisions


SAFETY DATA SHEETS – ACQUISITION

Ways to Obtain SDSs at Tulane:

• On OEHS Website at the following link: http://tulane.edu/oehs/safety/materialsafetydatasheets.cfm

• Online SDS collections • Online Manufacturer Links• Manufacturer FAX numbers• Other University Websites• OEHS Library of hard copies of SDSs



ELECTRONIC SAFETY DATA SHEETS

OSHA recognizes that SDSs can be kept electronically in the work area as long as there are no barriers to immediate access.

• All in work area must be trained on how to obtain SDSs

• You must be able to print SDSs• You must have an alternative to obtaining

SDSs in the event of power loss or other emergency (contact OEHS – library of SDSs)


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING & INFORMATION TOPICS

The OSHA Lab Standard States that you must be familiar with the following:

• Methods to detect hazardous chemicals in the work area

• Signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals

• Methods to reduce exposure

• Physical & health hazards of chemicals used in the work area

• PPE and emergency procedures

• CHP/SOPs & reference materials


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDDetecting Hazardous Chemicals

• Permissible Exposure Limits• Signs & symptoms of exposure to

chemicals• Odors/Leaks/Spills• Monitoring exposure


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL

There are three main ways to control exposure to chemicals:

• Engineering Controls (usually consists of ventilation, safety showers/eyewash units, etc.)

• Work Practices (handling, storage, housekeeping, etc.)

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gloves, eye/face protection, etc.)


CHEMICAL FUME HOODS• Designed to protect the

worker from toxic or hazardous chemicals

• 100% of air exhausted to outside

• No recirculation of air• Baffles in back should adjust

for work with chemicals of different volatilities and vapor densities


CHEMICAL FUME HOODS

• All chemical fume hoods at Tulane must have an alarm or airflow indicator device on them to show that they are operating properly

• Most chemical fume hoods should have a face velocity in the range of 80-100 fpm


CHEMICAL FUME HOODS• Do not assume that your fume

hood is operating properly. Check the alarm indicator. At the very least, use a piece of tissue paper and make sure it is drawn inward. IF NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, DISCONTINUE WORK WITH HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC CHEMICALS!


FUME HOOD SAFETY TIPS

• Keep the sash as low as possible

• Work at least 6 inches inside hood

• Keep work surface clear of unnecessary items

• Keep baffles clear of obstructions – elevate large equipment off work surface



• Avoid rapid movement into and in front of hood

• Pedestrian traffic in front of hood creates turbulence and can pull vapors out of hood and into operator’s breathing zone


FUME HOOD SAFETY TIPS• Keep the amount of material in a

hood to a minimum – excessive clutter increases turbulence and reduces hood efficiency

• An airfoil helps to minimize undesirable turbulence when air entering the hood impacts the front edge of the floor of the hood – be sure airfoil is installed and side panels are in place


FUME HOOD SAFETY TIPS• Secure loose lightweight

objects such as paper towels• Run water in hood drains

often to reduce odors that may develop in p-trap

• Ensure adequate illumination in hood

• Be aware that opening and closing lab doors can affect hood performance



• Keep the sash clean and unobstructed

• Place cords and hoses under the airfoil so sash can be kept closed

• Practice good housekeeping• Clean chemical residues and

spills from interior hood surfaces


FUME HOOD SAFETY TIPS• Do not place absorbent paper

under heating appliances• Do not place incompatible

chemicals together• Remember – the emptier the

hood, the better air currents can flow through it! Do not use hood as storage cabinet.


CANOPY VENTILATION

• May be 100% Exhausted to outside, but not recommended for chemical use

• Draws fumes past worker’s breathing zone

• Best used for heat removal such as in a kitchen


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – EYEWASHES/SHOWERS

• Eyewash fountains are required in work areas where formaldehyde, irritants, or corrosive chemicals are used and there is the potential for a splash to the eye.

• Eyewashes must be tested weekly by the laboratory personnel. Showers must be tested at least annually by Facilities Services.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – EYEWASHES/SHOWERS

• Emergency showers/eyewashes must be readily accessible, clear of obstructions, and clearly labeled.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – WORK PRACTICES

• Laboratory technique is important in minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• There is no substitute for adequate planning and knowledge when using hazardous materials.



• Practice good housekeeping.

• Maintain aisles/uncluttered work areas.

• Properly store &handle chemicals.

• Substitute less hazardous materials when possible (such as non-mercury thermometers).

• Scale down experiments.

• Use secondary containment.

• Use good chemical hygiene practices.


Poor Housekeeping



• Obtaining Chemicals• Transporting Chemicals• Storing Chemicals• Minimizing Exposure• Proper Labeling



CHEMICAL STORAGE

• Minimize purchases; order only what is needed

• Avoid storing on floor and in fume hood; use secondary containment

• Keep containers capped and properly labeled

• Practice good housekeeping

• Use shelves with lips, flammable cabinets if available

• Segregate by hazard class

• Dispose of deteriorating, old, or unneeded chemicals



GAS STORAGE

• Properly secure gas cylinders

• Make sure cylinders have protective cap in place unless attached to a regulator



TOXIC/HIGH RISK CHEMICALS

• Use in a designated area

• Use containment devices such as

a fume hood

• Dispose of waste properly

• Decontaminate work area

• Have an emergency plan


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• PPE is used as a final alternative in the event that engineering controls and work practices do not adequately prevent exposure to chemicals.

• PPE must be adequate for the substance being handled and must be available in different sizes/styles (i.e., powdered & unpowdered gloves).



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• PPE must be inspected to make sure it is in good condition.

• Personnel must be trained on PPE, how and when to use it, how to maintain and store it, etc.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• A Dartmouth researcher got one drop of

dimethylmercury on her latex glove and died from the exposure. Latex was not appropriate for protection for work with dimethylmercury.

• Latex or PVC gloves are not suitable for direct contact with corrosive or highly toxic chemicals.

• Glove permeability charts are available from glove manufacturers to help you decide which type of glove is appropriate for use with different chemicals. Contact OEHS for more information or if you have questions.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• If gloves are reusable, clean and inspect them after

use. Store them in a manner in which they will not become torn or damaged.

• If gloves are disposable, or if they are torn or in poor condition, dispose of them in appropriate trash container. Do not throw on floor or leave dirty gloves on counters.




• Respirators require a medical evaluation and annual fit-testing.

• Respirators should only be used if engineering and work practice controls cannot adequately control a chemical exposure.

• Contact OEHS immediately if you feel a respirator may be needed in your area.




• Respirators require adherence to a strict respiratory protection program.

• When requested, OEHS will monitor area to help determine if respirators may be required. In most cases, exposure to chemicals can be controlled by alternative methods.




• Regular prescription eyeglasses do not take the place of safety glasses or goggles.

• The American Chemical Society has taken the position that contact lenses may be worn in the laboratory as long as appropriate eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles, as required of other workers in the laboratory, is also worn.




• Safety glasses and goggles should be stored in a manner in which they will not become dirty or scratched, such as in a drawer or cabinet, or in a plastic bag. They should not be left on the counter or hung by their straps.




• In addition to wearing suitable PPE, a laboratory worker must also dress appropriately for their work. For example, sandals/flip-flops, shorts, and tops with exposed midriffs are inappropriate attire for laboratory work with hazardous materials.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency:• Evacuate the area• Contact Public Safety and OEHS

immediately• Be familiar with your Emergency Action

Plan (EAP) – evacuation policy, procedures, and escape routes – see your Departmental Safety Representative for more information


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEMERGENCY PROCEDURES – FIRE

SUPPRESSIONBefore using a fire extinguisher:• Make sure you have an unobstructed

escape route at your back• Fire should be small, confined, and not

spreading (e.g., trash can fire)• Know that the extinguisher is the right type

for the job• Know how to use an extinguisher



SUPPRESSION

To use a portable fire extinguisher, remember PASS:

• Pull the pin• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire• Squeeze the handles• Sweep from side to side


RESPONSEHOW TO RESPOND TO A FIRE IN YOUR AREA

FOLLOW THE ACRONYM, E S C A P E

E = EVALUATE the situation

S = SECURE THE AREA – Remove occupants

C = CLOSE THE DOORS to contain the fire

A = ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM – use the nearest pull station

P = PHONE THE DESIGNATED EMERGENCY NUMBERUptown Campus – dial 865-5200 or X5200

E = EXTINGUISH THE FIRE – using a portable fire extinguisher, if you determine it is safe to do so (fire is small and

not spreading, fire doesn’t come between you and the exit, etc.)



BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY

• Make safety a top priority• Make information available and accessible

(SDSs, safety literature, etc.)• Use equipment appropriate for the task• Be watchful during experiments – be ready for

unexpected events• Substitute less hazardous substances when possible,

or use other methods such as robotics


BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY

• Avoid close calls and doing something “just this once”

• Do not procrastinate (get equipment repaired, buy needed PPE, etc.)

What is a Hazardous Waste?Characteristic Waste: A substance that meets the EPA classification(s) for any or all of the following characteristics (40 CFR §261 Subpart C);

• Ignitability

• Corrosivity

• Reactivity

• ToxicityItems received with Items received with hazardous shipping labelshazardous shipping labels will will

most likely become hazardous wastemost likely become hazardous waste


What Is A Hazardous Waste?

Listed Waste: Waste that the EPA has listed as “hazardous” regardless of its physical characteristics.

• Commercial Chemical Products ( P and U Lists)

– P- List (40 CFR §261.33(e)): “acutely hazardous” wastes (e.g. physostigmine, sodium azide, strychnine)

– U-List (40 CFR §261.33(f)): “non-acutely hazardous” wastes (e.g. formaldehyde, xylene, toluene)


P and U Lists

• P-Listed wastes are highly toxic; could be or are fatal to humans and animals in low doses

• U-Listed wastes are toxic, but not considered acutely toxic; carcinogens, mutagens, materials that bioaccumulate

– Chemicals on the P and U lists are generally “toxic” but can also be ignitable, corrosive, and reactive


What is a Hazardous Waste? Listed Waste Cont’d:

• Process Wastes: Wastes from various sources that EPA has determined should be regulated as “hazardous.” ( F and K lists)

– F- List (40 CFR §261.31) : wastes from non-specific sources (e.g. spent solvents)

– K-List (40 CFR §261.32) : industry specific wastes


How Do I Know if my Waste is “Hazardous?”

• Properly characterizing waste streams can be a complicated process, and must be done accurately to ensure that waste is properly treated and disposed.

• Please contact OEHS (504) 988-5486 for questions regarding whether or not your waste is “hazardous.”


What Is A Hazardous Waste? Check the Safety

Data Sheet to help determine if your waste chemical is a hazardous waste


What Is Hazardous Waste?

• Flammable

• Flashpoint (<140 F)

• Corrosive, Acid, Basic, Caustic (pH <2 or >2.5)

• Explosive

• Stench Agent

• Oxidizer

• Water or air Reactive, Pyrophoric, Peroxide Former

• Poison

Any of these keywords usually indicate the waste materials will be hazardous waste:



Empty Containers

Generally speaking, empty containers are not considered “Hazardous Waste” and may be thrown away with regular solid waste or in a glass disposal box only after the label has been removed or defaced.

Rinsing Empty Containers

However, empty containers that previously held “acutely hazardous waste” (P-listed waste) must be triple-rinsed with an appropriate solvent before disposal.

The solvent must then be disposed of as a “Hazardous Waste.” Contact the OEHS (504) 988-5486, to determine if you are working with any “acutely hazardous” materials.



Accumulating “Hazardous Waste”

• Capture waste in rigid containers that are compatible with the waste.

• Keep all containers closed (capped) except when hazardous waste is being added to them.

• Do not store incompatible wastes together.

• Outer containers should be clean and free of residue



• Use Eco Funnels when possible to reduce emissions



Use secondary containment such as a tray or a tub to contain hazardous waste in the event that the primary container should leak.


Containerize Hazardous Waste

• Cans of paint without lids, broken thermometers, and chemically contaminated items must be overpacked into another container which is free of leaks so they can be disposed of safely.

• The OEHS will not accept waste that is not properly containerized.


To Help Minimize CostsDO NOT MIX WASTES• Only compatible waste solvents should be mixed

together in appropriate waste containers • Do not mix acids and flammable materials

together• Do not mix biological and chemical waste• Do not mix radiological and chemical waste

These practices can greatly reduce the cost of hazardous waste disposal.


Labeling Waste Containers

The following information must be on the label:

• The words “Hazardous Waste”

• The full name of the chemical(s) being placed in the container (no abbreviations or symbols)

• Associated hazards (such as flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic)


Do not rely on the EHS Specialist picking up your waste to label your containers for you.

It is the waste generator’s responsibility to properly identify and label waste and waste containers.

The OEHS provides “Hazardous Waste” labels upon request.

The OEHS does not accept unknowns or unlabeled waste for disposal

Labeling Waste Containers (cont’d)

“Hazardous Waste” Disposal Procedures

• Maintain waste in your area until collected by OEHS or brought to the OEHS storage facility.

• To schedule a waste pickup, submit an online “Hazardous Waste Pickup Request Form;” http://tulane.edu/oehs/hazard/hazwastepickuprequest.cfm.

•Please allow ~ 1 week from the time of form submission to have your waste picked up.


http://tulane.edu/oehs/hazard/hazwastepickuprequest.cfm


“Hazardous Waste” Disposal Procedures

• Tulane is not a licensed disposal facility - NEVER

dispose of “Hazardous Waste” by pouring it down

the drain or placing it in the trash..

• Do not use evaporation as a disposal method.

• Under no circumstances may anyone place chemicals

in the OEHS waste storage areas unless directed by

OEHS personnel.

Disposal Costs

• The OEHS is responsible for the cost of disposal associated with chemical waste from laboratories and other areas that is generated through normal research and work activities.

• The OEHS is not responsible for the cost of disposing of unwanted/old chemicals from principle investigators/researchers/others separating from the University.


Lab Cleanouts

• Any department which needs disposal of chemicals that are generated due to a lab or other area closing down or being renovated must bear the cost for disposal of those chemicals.

• OEHS must receive a signed IT before it makes any arrangements with a commercial disposal company for removal and disposal of such chemicals.

• You must go through OEHS for disposal of all “Hazardous Waste”. Contact OEHS for estimates if needed.



Minimizing “Hazardous Waste” By law, a Waste minimization program is required. Waste

minimization is accomplished by:

• Source reduction (ordering less & only what is needed)• Surplus chemical redistribution• Labeling all containers (disposal of unknowns is

expensive)• Redistilling solvents• Using mercury-free instruments• Substituting hazardous chemicals with non-hazardous or

less hazardous chemicals• Reducing the scale of experiments

Chemical Waste Handling Procedures

• For a poster on chemical waste handling procedures which can be placed in your lab or other area for convenient reference, please go to the following link:

http://tulane.edu/oehs/hazard/upload/ChemWasteProce.pdf


http://tulane.edu/oehs/hazard/upload/ChemWasteProce.pdf

Radioactive WasteRadioactive waste is regulated separately from “Hazardous Waste” by the Nuclear Regulatory Committee (NRC).

For questions regarding radioactive waste, contact the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Charles Reindl, at 988-2867 or email [email protected].


mailto:[email protected]

Medical Waste

Medical waste is regulated by the EPA, but collection and disposal of medical waste is coordinated through Facilities Services. Please contact Facilities Services on your campus for questions regarding medical waste and to schedule pick-ups.



Waste Disposal Summary

• Those who generate “Hazardous Waste” must adhere to Tulane University’s Policies & Procedures concerning hazardous waste.

• All “Hazardous Waste” must be properly accumulated, labeled, and disposed.

• “Hazardous Waste” generation can be minimized by using less toxic materials, substituting the hazardous material with non-toxic material, or recycling the material.

Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

Pam Fatland & Michael Kopaigorodsky Manager, Safety / EHS Specialist 3 (504)988-2800 / (504)988-2865

[email protected] / [email protected]

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