Hazardous Waste Training

1. HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT TRAINING
2017

2. Objectives
• To demonstrate the proper methods of laboratory hazardous waste
management for compliance with state and federal regulations.
• To provide accident management and spill cleanup procedures.
• Comply with state and federal requiring employers to provide
hazardous waste management training to employees

3. Who Regulates Hazardous Waste?
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
– All aspects of hazardous waste
• Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
– Authority through EPA
• Department of Transportation
– Transportation of hazardous waste
• Department of Homeland Security
– Security threats associated with chemicals

4. Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act
• RCRA
• ADEM – Administrative Code Division 14
• Protect human health and the natural environment from the potential
hazards of waste disposal.
• Reduce the amount of waste generated through reduction and recycling.
• Ensure the management of waste in an environmentally sound manner.

5. Cradle to Grave
• Hazardous waste is regulated from the time it is created until the time
of its final disposal.
• Generator is responsible for their waste forever.

6. Who is regulated by RCRA?
• Individuals who generate and accumulate wastes.
• Individuals are classified into three groups:
- Large Quantity Generator (LQG) - generate over
1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) in any one month or above 2.2 lbs of
acute waste
- Small Quantity Generator (SQG) - generate less than 1,000
but over 100 kg (220 to 2,200 pounds) in any one
month or 2.2 lbs or less of acute waste.
- Conditionally Exempt – generate less than 100 kg (220
lbs) in any month.

7. Who is regulated by RCRA?
• All labs, studios, and shops that accumulate hazardous wastes are
subject to unannounced inspections by Alabama Department of
Environmental Management (ADEM) and/or EPA and can be fined
• Fines can range from 10,000 to millions of dollars depending on the
severity of the issues.

8. So how do we keep that from happening
again?
• Know what hazardous waste is.
• Minimize generation of hazardous waste.
• Know how to properly handle waste.
• Know how to label waste that you generate and where to keep it.
• Know the procedure for getting waste picked up.
• Know the spill response procedure.

9. Alabama A&M Generator Responsibilities
• Proper identification of hazardous waste
• Proper management of hazardous waste including:
– Use
– Storage
– Disposal

10. Common EPA and ADEM Violations
• Lids – open containers or lids not screwed on tight.

11. Common EPA and ADEM Violations
• Evidence of leaks or spills on containers and outside the containment
area

12. Common EPA and ADEM Violations
• Improper or no labeling of hazardous waste

13. Common EPA and ADEM Violations
• Location – Hazardous Waste should not be stored with in work
location or incompatible waste stored together.
Incompatible
Wastes

14. What is a hazardous waste?
• Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment.
• Hazardous Waste could be liquid, solid, gas, or sludge.
• Consider any chemical waste a potential hazardous waste.
• Other things to consider include discarded commercial products or by-products
of manufacturing processes.
• Fluorescent bulbs, batteries, mercury containing devices and objects, and
pesticides are part of a special category known as Universal Waste.

15. How is waste classified?
• EPA divides hazardous waste into two categories:
– Characteristic waste
– Listed waste
•F-list
•K-list
•P-list
•U-list

16. Characteristic Waste
• Waste that exhibits one of these characteristics is hazardous waste:
– Ignitable
– Corrosive
– Reactive
– To x i c

17. Ignitable Characteristic (D001)
• Waste is defined as Ignitable and labeled with D001 when it has one
of these characteristics:
– A liquid with a flash point below 60°C or 140°F
– A non -liquid, which under standard conditions, is capable of
causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or
spontaneous chemical changes
– An ignitable compressed gas
– An oxidizer

18. Ignitable Waste
• Examples of Ignitable Waste include: ethanol, sodium nitrate,
hydrogen gas, xylene and acetone.
GHS Symbol

19. Corrosive Characteristic (D002)
• Waste is defined as Corrosive and labeled with D002 when it has one
of these characteristics:
– The pH is less than 2(Coca -Cola ranges 2.3-3.5).
– The pH is greater than 12.5
– It can readily corrode or dissolve flesh, metal, or
other materials. (This is determined by an EPA
testing protocol.)

20. Corrosive Waste
Examples of Corrosive Waste Include: Hydrochloric Acid, Glacial Acetic
Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

21. Reactivity Characteristic (D003)
• Waste is defined as Reactive and labeled with D003 when it has one
of these characteristics:
 It can explode or violently react when exposed to water or under normal
handling conditions.
 It can create toxic fumes or gases when exposed to water or under normal
handling conditions.

22. Reactivity Characteristic
Peroxide Formers and Time Sensitive Chemicals
• Some chemicals are stable initially, but if they are stored too long they
become unstable.
• Peroxide formers are capable of producing organic peroxides and causing
explosions under heat or friction.
• The unusual stability of this class of compounds make them a serious fire
and explosion hazard.
• If you are moving into a new lab and find these chemicals, contact EHS
(x4090) immediately.

23. Reactivity Characteristic
Peroxide Formers and Time Sensitive Chemicals
How should they be handled?
• New peroxide formers should be labeled with the date they were
opened. If this happens regular testing can be performed to check for
peroxides.
• If the chemical is expired or has passed the appropriate date for
testing (see chart on next slide), DO NOT OPEN. Before testing, check
visually for crystals. If crystals have formed, DO NOT OPEN.
• Call EHS at #4090 to collect all expired or crystallized peroxide
formers and time-sensitive chemicals.

24. Reactivity Characteristic
Peroxide Formers and Time Sensitive Chemicals
Peroxide Formers
List A
Peroxides from Storage
List B
Peroxides from Concentration
List C
Peroxides from Polymerization
Butadiene *
Chloroprene *
Divinyl acetylene
Isopropyl ether
Potassium amide
Potassium metal
Sodium amide
Tetrafluoroethylene *
Vinyldiene chloride
* Indicates a peroxide
former when stored
as a liquid monomer.
Acetal
Acetalaldehyde
Benzyl alcohol
Chlorofluoroethylene
Cumene (isopropylbenzene)
Cyclohexene
2-Cyclohexen-1-ol
Cyclopentene
Decahydronaphthalene (decalin)
Diacetylene (butadiyne)
Dicyclopentadiene
Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme)
Dioxane
Ethyl ether
Furan
4-Heptanol
2-Hexanol
Methyl acetylene
3-Methyl-1-butanol
Methyl-isobutyl ketone
Methylcyclopentane
2-Pentanol
4-Penten-1-ol
Phenylethanol
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydronaphthalene
Vinyl ethers
Other secondary alcohols
Butadiene **
Chlorobutadiene
Chloroprene **
Chlorotrifluoroethylene
Styrene
Tetrafluoroethylene **
Vinyl acetate
Vinyl acetylene
Vinyl chloride
Vinyl pyridine
Vinyldiene chloride
** Can form explosive
levels of peroxides
if stored as a liquid.
When stored as gas,
peroxide accumulation
may cause autopoly-
merization.
List A chemicals should be tested for peroxide formation before using or discarded after 3 months.
List B chemicals should be tested for peroxides before distillation or evaporation and tested for peroxide formation or discarded after
1 year.
List C chemicals should be tested for peroxide formation or discard liquids after 6 months; and gases after 1 year.

25. Reactive Waste
• Examples of Reactive Waste include: sodium metal, reactive sulfides,
potassium cyanide, and picric acid.

26. Toxic Characteristic (D004-D043)
• Waste is defined as Toxic is material that can be harmful or fatal if you
are exposed and can pollute the groundwater if released on land.
• There are currently 40 contaminants on the list (D004-D043) that
include certain heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds.
• Lead (D008), cadmium (D006), chloroform (D022), mercury (D009),
and vinyl chloride (D043) are some of these substances.

27. Listed and Acutely Toxic Waste
• In addition to characteristic wastes, EPA has four categories of Listed
waste. This is exactly what it sounds like – a list of waste products that
are considered hazardous and must be labeled by their listed code.
• You can find these in the RCRA regulations or by searching EPA’s List
of Lists.
• Website : EPA List of Lists
• The List of Lists is a handy resource because it not only tells you if the
chemical falls under RCRA, but also some other commonly applicable
regulations for hazardous chemicals.

28. Listed and Acutely Toxic Waste
EPA-listed wastes:
• F-list: This list identifies wastes from common manufacturing and industrial
processes, such as solvents that have been used in cleaning or degreasing
operations.
• K- list (source specific wastes): This list includes certain wastes from specific
industries, such as petroleum refining or pesticide manufacturing.
• P- list and U-list (discarded commercial chemical products). These lists
include specific commercial chemical products in their unused form.
• P- listed wastes are considered acutely toxic and even their empty
containers must be managed as hazardous waste.

29. Radioactive Waste

30. Radioactive Waste
• Waste generated from use of radioactive materials.
• Wastes from substances that have a long half life will need to be disposed.
• Wastes will be stored in containers that minimize radiation exposure (Lead
Lined Containers)
• Radioactive waste can also be generated from old equipment
• Examples: Gas Chromatographs and X-Ray Machine
• New radioactive materials and equipment must be approved by
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). RSO can be contacted at x4090.
• Pick up radioactive waste or disposal of radioactive equipment will
need to contact EHS at x4090.

31. Universal Waste
• Some hazardous waste falls under a sub-category called Universal
Waste.
• These categories are identified in RCRA.
• The regulations governing these wastes are somewhat different
because they can typically be recycled.
• Primarily at AAMU, we collect the following types of Universal Waste:
• Fluorescent and other mercury containing bulbs
• Batteries (Lead Acid for cars, lawnmowers, golf carts, etc.)
•Thermostats and gauges

32. Oil Related Waste
• Oil Related waste at Alabama A&M is generated through maintenance
and repair of vehicles, lawn equipment and other motors.
• Oil related waste is considered RCRA hazardous waste, but can be
dangerous to the environment.
• Must be treated like a hazardous waste. Most oil waste is recycled or
used for fuel blending.

33. Sharps and Broken Glass Disposal
• Sharps containers for disposal of these items should be conveniently
located and easily accessible in all work places where sharps are used.
• If your department does not have a contract with an outside service
for collection of sharps containers, please contact EHS for pick-up.

34. Non-Hazardous Waste
• Materials that are not considered hazardous waste must be disposed
as solid waste.
• Empty containers must have the labels defaced or removed.
• Paper products that are not saturated with hazardous materials
and/or biomedical waste can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.
• This material should be disposed of with regular trash.

35. Biohazard Waste
• Biological waste not contaminated with hazardous materials can be
autoclaved at certain temperatures to rendered them safe for
disposal in the regular trash
• This type of waste can be put biohazard waste containers for storage
prior to autoclaving. Do not use RED or ORANGE biohazard bags in
containers that are going to be autoclaved.
• Biological waste that is contaminated with hazardous substance such
as formaldehyde should be put in red biohazard bags and picked up
by the waste contractor for proper disposal.

36. Sharps Waste
• Sharps waste consists of needles, broken glass, and other items that
are contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
• Sharps can be placed in a red or yellow containers similar to ones
below

37. Sharps Waste
• Sharps waste consists suck as broken glass that is not contaminated
with bodily fluid or chemicals can be placed in a broken glass
container.
• Sharps containers can be picked by our waste contractor and
disposed of properly when full

38. Labeling Waste

39. Labeling Waste
• Waste is generated in a lab it must be properly labeled. (See previous
slide).
• Properly labeled waste helps hazardous waste pick up services
disposal of properly.
• Mislabeled or chemical contents missing can result in additional
disposal costs or non-compliance fines.
• Copies of the waste labels can be found on the Alabama A&M EHS
website at
• The labels can be printed and put on the waste container.

40. Tips for Labeling Wastes
• On filling out the constituents section on the label please list all the
components of the waste.
• Example : Waste contains both Methanol and Distilled Water
• The label should give approximate percentages or amounts of each.
• The label could read 70% Methanol and 30% Distilled Water or if in 5 Liter Bottle,
Methanol 4L or Distilled Water 1ml.
• Generator Information should list the lab personnel responsible for
the waste, along with phone number, department, building, and room
number.
• This helps identify where waste were generated in case issues arise
after waste has been picked up.

41. Tips for Labeling Wastes
• Person responsible for the lab generated waste also need to sign the
label.
• Besides listing chemical components. Dates for first generated and
when container is filled should be listed.
• Date put in use – First chemical was added to the container.
• Date Filled – When the container is full
• Date filled should only be filled out when the container is full or when the waste is going
to be picked up.

42. Non-Hazardous Waste
• Materials that are not considered hazardous waste must be disposed
as solid waste.
• Empty containers must have the labels defaced or removed.
• Paper products that are not saturated with hazardous materials
and/or biomedical waste can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.
• This material should be disposed of with regular trash.

43. Minimization of Hazardous Waste
• Since elementary school, we’ve had the phrase drilled into our heads
“Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!”
• One of RCRA’s goals is to reduce the amount of waste generated
through reduction and recycling.
• How can Alabama A&M University apply this principle to hazardous
waste?

44. Reduce
• Practice the concept of Source Reduction by simply ordering the
smallest quantity of chemical materials.
• Purchase mercury free instruments.
• Substitute non-hazardous chemicals whenever possible.
• Reduce the scale of laboratory experiments to reduce the volume of
waste being produced whenever possible.

45. Reuse
• Some solvents can be recovered and reused. For example, in the art
department, mineral spirits is often filtered and reused.
• Sometimes a project ends and there are unused reagents or
commercial products left over. These materials can often be
redistributed within the university to areas that will be able to use
them. Please contact EHS if you have excess chemicals.
• If you need only a small quantity of a chemical for one-time use, you
can check with other labs on campus that could already be using that
chemical. Please contact EHS for assistance.

46. Recycle
• In addition to other recycling efforts on campus, EHS has programs in
place to recycle fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and used oil.
• While these items may ultimately be recycled, they cannot be placed
in the green bins around campus.
• Please contact EHS at x4090 if you have these materials to be
collected.

47. Drain Policy and Waste Pickup
• No chemical wastes at UAH may be poured down the drain unless it
has been determined to be safe.
• EHS website has a list of chemicals that are determined safe disposal
• No matter what you’ve heard before, dilution is NOT the pollution
solution.
• If in doubt, contact your supervisor or EHS. EHS makes the final
determination of whether a waste is hazardous.
• Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet.

48. Container Management
• Chemical waste must be stored in containers (including lids)
composed of materials that are compatible with the waste.
• Chemical waste containers must be in good condition and free of
leaks and residue on the outside of the container.
• Keep containers closed at all times except when adding or removing
contents. Evaporation of wastes is a violation.
• For liquids, fill containers to about 90% of the container volume. Do
NOT fill containers to the top. Leave at least 2 inches of space in liquid
waste containers to allow for liquid expansion and decanting.

49. Which container is suitable?
• Flammable liquids –original manufacturers or UL listed containers
• Concentrated acids or bases –original containers, or 2.5 Liter ‘acid’
safety bottles
• Solid waste –plastic high density polyethylene bottles
• Aqueous waste –glass bottles or HDPE plastic
• DON’T USE: Milk jugs, soda bottles, food containers, mason jars,
para-film, open top beakers, containers with loose lids!

50. Don’t mix the waste streams!
• Divide waste into separate streams
• Acids
• Bases
• Oxidizers
• Solids
• Mercury
• Mixing a hazardous waste with a non-hazardous waste does not generally render
it non-hazardous –it increases the volume of the hazardous waste. Do not mix!
• Never mix incompatible materials in the same container.
• Consult EHS prior to mixing chemical wastes.

51. Lab Waste Storage : Satellite Accumulation
Area (SAA)
• A specific area should be designated in the laboratory as a chemical
waste storage area. The area must be marked with “Waste Storage
Area” signage
• Waste must be stored in the room it was generated in and must be
approved by EHS to move to another room.
• Chemical waste must be stored with secondary containment so that
spills cannot reach sinks or floor drains.
• Incompatible chemical wastes must be segregated to prevent
reaction.

52. Lab Waste Storage : Satellite Accumulation
Area (SAA)
• The SAA should be:
• At or near the related work process
• Under the control of the generator
• Holding no more than 55 gallons of most chemicals or 1 quart of acutely
hazardous chemicals
• Organized by hazard: flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive –these should be
separated by containment or distance
• Never in public areas such as hallways
• Remember! Secondary Containers and Weekly Inspections are
strongly recommended.

53. Example of Good Satellite Accumulation Area
(SAA)

54. Picking Up Laboratory Waste
• Current method of picking up waste will become once a quarter or
unless special circumstances call for sooner date.
• Laboratory personnel will be required to submit a waste inventory
form and submit it electronically to EHS.
• EHS has provided a form you can use for inventory of waste.
• EHS will notify labs when waste pick date.
• The form can be found at the Alabama A&M EHS website
• http://www.aamu.edu/administrativeoffices/business-and-finance/health-
safety/pages/default.aspx
• The form is found on the right side named “Chemical Waste Inventory Sheet”

55. Picking Up Laboratory Waste

56. Picking Up Laboratory Waste
• The spreadsheet has tabs at the bottom with instructions, example,
and a blank form.
• If additional forms are needed please copy and paste tab on
spreadsheet.

57. Spill Clean-up
• When responding to a small chemical or hazardous waste spill,
• Refer to the SDS for the material’s hazards and potential to react with other
materials.
• Contact EHS for spill clean-up assistance when:
• It is a large spill.
• Spills involve extremely hazardous chemicals.
• There is inadequate ventilation in the spill area.
• Proper spill clean-up materials are not available.
• Personnel involved are not comfortable cleaning up the spill.
• The spilled chemical enters the drain, soil, or water body.

58. When Cleaning the Spill
• Consult the SDS and wear proper PPE prior to cleanup.
• Spread absorbent around and over liquid’s surface.
• Collect wet absorbents and transfer them in plastic bucket or bag
using dustpan and brush.
• Label the contents of bucket/bag using yellow waste tags.

59. It’s okay to ask for help.
• Don’t hesitate to call EHS if you are unsure about the cleanup
procedure.
• Remember! It is almost impossible to put the toothpaste back in the
tube.
• Asking questions before the cleanup may keep you safe and
ultimately make the cleanup more efficient.
• If you think you’ve goofed in your cleanup, call EHS as soon as
possible. The sooner we begin corrective action, the less impact the
mistake will have.

60. Accident Management
• Call Environmental Health and Safety (x4090)
• For assistance with spills that you are uncomfortable handling.
• To clean up mercury spills.
• After hours or on weekends, call campus safety who will contact EHS.

61. Thank you for your time and attention.
If you have questions or need assistance, please visit the EHS website
at http://www.aamu.edu/administrativeoffices/business-and-
finance/health-safety/pages/default.aspx or call x4090.
Have a safe day!