West Virginia University West Virginia University Laboratory TrainingLaboratory Training

Module 4. Chemical SafetyModule 4. Chemical Safety

Topics to be coveredTopics to be covered

1.1. Chemical Waste DisposalChemical Waste Disposal

2.2. Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

3.3. Chemical SpillsChemical Spills

1. Chemical Waste Disposal1. Chemical Waste Disposal

Complete the online Hazardous Chemical Complete the online Hazardous Chemical Disposal form at: http://www.wvu.edu/~ehsDisposal form at: http://www.wvu.edu/~ehs

If you have questions contact Environmental If you have questions contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at 293-3792.Health and Safety (EH&S) at 293-3792.

EH&S will pick up the unwanted chemicals.EH&S will pick up the unwanted chemicals.

Chemicals, in containers, must be compatible Chemicals, in containers, must be compatible and labeled with the common name of each and labeled with the common name of each chemical (no formulas)chemical (no formulas)

Chemical Waste Disposal Chemical Waste Disposal ContinuedContinued

Chemical containers should be no more Chemical containers should be no more than 95% full to allow for expansion and than 95% full to allow for expansion and must have a screw cap closure or must have a screw cap closure or equivalent.equivalent.

WVU has a licensed contractor to WVU has a licensed contractor to transport and properly dispose of transport and properly dispose of hazardous chemical wastehazardous chemical waste

Storage of Waste ChemicalsStorage of Waste Chemicals Waste chemical must be stored in a compatible manner. A Waste chemical must be stored in a compatible manner. A

typical segregation of waste chemicals involve the following:typical segregation of waste chemicals involve the following:AcidsAcidsCausticsCausticsChlorinated SolventsChlorinated SolventsNon-chlorinated SolventsNon-chlorinated SolventsMercury WastesMercury WastesOxidizing AgentsOxidizing AgentsPCB WastesPCB WastesReactive WastesReactive WastesWaste OilWaste OilWastes with Heavy Metal ContaminationWastes with Heavy Metal Contamination

These chemicals need to be accumulated in separate These chemicals need to be accumulated in separate

containers and isolated in such a way to isolate spills and containers and isolated in such a way to isolate spills and leaks from each other. leaks from each other.

Characteristics of Hazardous Characteristics of Hazardous WasteWaste

If a waste meets one or more of the If a waste meets one or more of the following four “characteristics” it is following four “characteristics” it is considered a hazardous waste for considered a hazardous waste for the purposes of disposalthe purposes of disposal

1. Ignitable1. Ignitable2. Corrosive2. Corrosive3. Reactive3. Reactive4. Toxic4. Toxic

IgnitabilityIgnitability

Any liquid having a flashpoint of less than Any liquid having a flashpoint of less than 140 degrees F is an “ignitable” material. 140 degrees F is an “ignitable” material. This includes almost all organic solvents. This includes almost all organic solvents.

Compressed gas (propane, methane, Compressed gas (propane, methane, etc.).etc.).

Ignitability continued:Ignitability continued:

Oxidizers (e.g., potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite) Oxidizers (e.g., potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite) It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire temperature and pressure, of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes and, when spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard.it creates a hazard.

Corrosivity:Corrosivity:

• Any aqueous material having a pH less than Any aqueous material having a pH less than or equal to 2.0 or greater than or equal to or equal to 2.0 or greater than or equal to 12.5 is a corrosive material.12.5 is a corrosive material.

• Any liquid or solid, which corrodes steel at a Any liquid or solid, which corrodes steel at a rate greater than 0.25 inch per year.rate greater than 0.25 inch per year.

• All common organic and mineral acids are All common organic and mineral acids are considered corrosives. Common bases considered corrosives. Common bases such as solid sodium hydroxide and such as solid sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are also corrosive.potassium hydroxide are also corrosive.

Reactivity:Reactivity:

• Reacts violently with water or forms Reacts violently with water or forms potentially explosive mixtures with water or, potentially explosive mixtures with water or, when mixed with water forms toxic vapor or when mixed with water forms toxic vapor or fumes.fumes.

• Can form hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen Can form hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen sulfide gas when exposed to pH conditions sulfide gas when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5.between 2 and 12.5.

• Readily capable of detonation or explosive Readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition if it is subjected to a strong decomposition if it is subjected to a strong initiating source or is heated under initiating source or is heated under confinement.confinement.

Toxicity:Toxicity:

Any waste product is considered “TCLP Any waste product is considered “TCLP toxic” by RCRA regulations if it contains toxic” by RCRA regulations if it contains any one of 40 named metals, solvents or any one of 40 named metals, solvents or pesticides in specific quantities. pesticides in specific quantities. Regulated quantities are in fractions of, or Regulated quantities are in fractions of, or parts per million.parts per million.

Chemicals found under the Toxicity Chemicals found under the Toxicity characteristic and are regulated in parts characteristic and are regulated in parts

per million concentration:per million concentration:MetalsMetals

ArsenicArsenic

BariumBarium

CadmiumCadmium

ChromiumChromium

LeadLead

MercuryMercury

SeleniumSelenium

SilverSilver

OrganicsOrganics

BenzeneBenzene

Carbon tetrachlorideCarbon tetrachloride

ChlorobenzeneChlorobenzene

ChloroformChloroform

CresolCresol

DichloroethaneDichloroethane

Methyl ethyl ketoneMethyl ethyl ketone

NitrobenzeneNitrobenzene

PyridinePyridine

toxic metal-containing compounds toxic metal-containing compounds used at WVU: used at WVU:

Barium hydroxideBarium hydroxide

Nickel chlorideNickel chloride

Cacodylic acidCacodylic acid

Osmium tetroxideOsmium tetroxide

Cadmium chloridCadmium chlorid

Potassium Potassium dichromatedichromate

Chromic acidChromic acid

Selenous acidSelenous acid

Copper sulfateCopper sulfate

Silver (used Silver (used photography fixer)photography fixer)

Lead subacetateLead subacetate

Sodium arsenateSodium arsenate

Mercuric nitrateMercuric nitrate

Sodium cacodylateSodium cacodylate

Segregation of Chemical Waste:Segregation of Chemical Waste:

Chemical waste must be segregated in Chemical waste must be segregated in such a manner that only chemically such a manner that only chemically compatible wastes are allowed to be compatible wastes are allowed to be mixed together. mixed together.

The following guidelines must be The following guidelines must be followed when collecting solid followed when collecting solid

chemical waste: chemical waste: 1.1. Segregate and collect solid chemical waste Segregate and collect solid chemical waste

according to their compatibilities. Contact according to their compatibilities. Contact EH&S for guidance.EH&S for guidance.

2.2. Do not mix solid waste and liquid waste. Do not mix solid waste and liquid waste. Collect these wastes separately.Collect these wastes separately.

3.3. Label the chemical with the chemical IUPAC Label the chemical with the chemical IUPAC name and concentration. name and concentration.

4.4. Needles, syringes, and sharps must be Needles, syringes, and sharps must be collected separately in a plastic needle discard collected separately in a plastic needle discard container. container.

Incompatible Chemical MixturesIncompatible Chemical Mixtures::

Caution and common sense must be used Caution and common sense must be used when collecting chemical waste in the when collecting chemical waste in the laboratory so that incompatible materials laboratory so that incompatible materials are not mixed together. Empty waste are not mixed together. Empty waste containers should be properly rinsed if containers should be properly rinsed if they held a material, which is incompatible they held a material, which is incompatible with the waste to be collected. with the waste to be collected.

The following dangerous chemical The following dangerous chemical mixtures must be avoided:mixtures must be avoided:

Acid mixed with most cyanide salts or solutions generate highly Acid mixed with most cyanide salts or solutions generate highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.Acid mixed with most sulfide salts or solutions generate highly Acid mixed with most sulfide salts or solutions generate highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.Acid mixed with bleach generates highly toxic chlorine gas.Acid mixed with bleach generates highly toxic chlorine gas.Oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric, perchloric) react violently with Oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric, perchloric) react violently with combustible materials (paper, common solvents) and may cause combustible materials (paper, common solvents) and may cause a fire.a fire.Solid oxidizers (e.g., nitrates, iodates, permanganates) react with Solid oxidizers (e.g., nitrates, iodates, permanganates) react with combustible materials (paper, common solvents) and may cause combustible materials (paper, common solvents) and may cause a fire.a fire.Hydrides (e.g., sodium hydride) react with water to form Hydrides (e.g., sodium hydride) react with water to form flammable hydrogen gas.flammable hydrogen gas.

Dangerous chemical mixtures that Dangerous chemical mixtures that must be avoided continued:must be avoided continued:

Phosphides (e.g., sodium phosphide) react with water to form highly Phosphides (e.g., sodium phosphide) react with water to form highly toxic phosphine gas.toxic phosphine gas.When silver salts are mixed with ammonia in the presence of a When silver salts are mixed with ammonia in the presence of a strong base, an explosively unstable solid is generated.strong base, an explosively unstable solid is generated.Alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.,) react with Alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.,) react with water to form flammable hydrogen gas.water to form flammable hydrogen gas.Oxidizers (e.g., nitric acid) react with reducers (e.g., hydrazine) to Oxidizers (e.g., nitric acid) react with reducers (e.g., hydrazine) to yield fires or explosions.yield fires or explosions.Unsaturated compounds (carbonyls, double bonds, etc.) may Unsaturated compounds (carbonyls, double bonds, etc.) may polymerize violently in the presence of acids or bases.polymerize violently in the presence of acids or bases.Hydrogen peroxide/acetone mixtures may explode when heated in Hydrogen peroxide/acetone mixtures may explode when heated in the presence of acid.the presence of acid.Hydrogen peroxide/acetic acid solutions may explode when heated.Hydrogen peroxide/acetic acid solutions may explode when heated.Hydrogen peroxide/sulfuric acid mixtures are susceptible to Hydrogen peroxide/sulfuric acid mixtures are susceptible to spontaneous and unpredictable chemical detonation.spontaneous and unpredictable chemical detonation.

Materials Prohibited in the Materials Prohibited in the Chemical Waste StreamChemical Waste Stream

1.1. Radioactive MaterialsRadioactive Materials2. Uranium Compounds (uranyl acetate, uranyl 2. Uranium Compounds (uranyl acetate, uranyl

nitrite)nitrite)3. PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls, arochlor, 3. PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls, arochlor,

chlorextol, chlorodiphenyl)chlorextol, chlorodiphenyl)4. Infectious Waste or Etiological Agents (human 4. Infectious Waste or Etiological Agents (human

blood, serum, body fluids, etc.)blood, serum, body fluids, etc.)5. Dioxin Waste (TCDD, pentachlorophenol, tri- 5. Dioxin Waste (TCDD, pentachlorophenol, tri-

and tetrachlorophenol)and tetrachlorophenol)6. Asbestos6. Asbestos

Guidelines which must be followed Guidelines which must be followed when collecting chemical waste:when collecting chemical waste:Containers must be clearly labeled with the Containers must be clearly labeled with the IUPAC chemical name (no abbreviations) and IUPAC chemical name (no abbreviations) and concentration. concentration.

Unused chemical reagents in original Unused chemical reagents in original containers with intact labels need no further containers with intact labels need no further labeling. labeling.

Chemical waste containers must be sealed Chemical waste containers must be sealed airtight with a proper lid. Rubber stoppers, airtight with a proper lid. Rubber stoppers, corks, and parafilm are not allowed.corks, and parafilm are not allowed.

Continued:Continued:

An air gap of 5-10% must be left in the container to allow An air gap of 5-10% must be left in the container to allow for expansion of the liquid.for expansion of the liquid.Before collecting waste in a used container, rinse the Before collecting waste in a used container, rinse the container.container.Chemical waste must be collected in a chemically Chemical waste must be collected in a chemically compatible container to prevent the chemical from compatible container to prevent the chemical from dissolving the container. For example, if waste acetic dissolving the container. For example, if waste acetic acid is collected in a steel container, the acid will soon acid is collected in a steel container, the acid will soon corrode the container’s wall and an unwanted leak will corrode the container’s wall and an unwanted leak will occur. The original container that a chemical was occur. The original container that a chemical was shipped in is a good container to collect the waste. shipped in is a good container to collect the waste.

Empty Chemical Container Empty Chemical Container Disposal Procedure Disposal Procedure

Empty chemical containers that held a Empty chemical containers that held a material, which was flammable, corrosive, material, which was flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic, must be picked up by reactive, or toxic, must be picked up by EH&S. Fill out the chemical waste to EH&S. Fill out the chemical waste to request a pickup. Non-hazardous request a pickup. Non-hazardous containers may be discarded in the containers may be discarded in the domestic trash as long as they are not domestic trash as long as they are not made of glass. Empty non-hazardous made of glass. Empty non-hazardous containers may be discarded in the regular containers may be discarded in the regular trash. trash.

Gas CylindersGas Cylinders

Empty gas cylinders and lecture bottles Empty gas cylinders and lecture bottles present a special disposal problem present a special disposal problem because it is not always obvious when because it is not always obvious when they are empty. Contact EH&S for they are empty. Contact EH&S for assistance.assistance.

Remember gas cylinders must be stored Remember gas cylinders must be stored in an upright position and secured to in an upright position and secured to prevent falls!prevent falls!

Trace Contaminated Waste Trace Contaminated Waste (Carcinogen, Mutagen, Toxic)(Carcinogen, Mutagen, Toxic)

Laboratory chemicals, which are extremely Laboratory chemicals, which are extremely toxic, or are a potent mutagen, teratogen toxic, or are a potent mutagen, teratogen or carcinogen must be handled in a or carcinogen must be handled in a manner that minimizes personal manner that minimizes personal exposures. exposures.

Trace Contaminated Waste Trace Contaminated Waste (Carcinogen, Mutagen, Toxic)(Carcinogen, Mutagen, Toxic)

Laboratory workers must identify which chemicals they Laboratory workers must identify which chemicals they work with are hazardous. A Material Safety Data work with are hazardous. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be consulted for each chemical Sheet (MSDS) should be consulted for each chemical so a proper assessment can be made regarding its so a proper assessment can be made regarding its toxicity. toxicity. Trace contaminated wastes should be collected for Trace contaminated wastes should be collected for materials that have been in contact with chemicals that materials that have been in contact with chemicals that are carcinogenic, potent mutagens, or are extremely are carcinogenic, potent mutagens, or are extremely toxic.toxic.Contact EH&S for waste disposal advice before Contact EH&S for waste disposal advice before actually collecting trace contaminated waste products. actually collecting trace contaminated waste products. EH&S will help you determine whether these waste EH&S will help you determine whether these waste products warrant special collection.products warrant special collection.

ContinuedContinued

When collecting trace contaminated waste the When collecting trace contaminated waste the following guidelines apply:following guidelines apply:

1.1. Collect solid and liquid waste separately.Collect solid and liquid waste separately.2.2. Collect syringes and sharps in plastic needle buckets. Collect syringes and sharps in plastic needle buckets.

Dispose full buckets into infectious waste stream.Dispose full buckets into infectious waste stream.3.3. Collect trace contaminated waste separately from all Collect trace contaminated waste separately from all

other wastes.other wastes.4.4. All waste must be collected in airtight containers. All waste must be collected in airtight containers.

Properly label all waste containers.Properly label all waste containers.5.5. Dispose of all trace contaminated waste through EH&S.Dispose of all trace contaminated waste through EH&S.

Universal WasteUniversal Waste

As part of the EPA’s commitment to reduce As part of the EPA’s commitment to reduce waste, the Agency has issued the Universal waste, the Agency has issued the Universal Waste Rule. This rule has been designed to Waste Rule. This rule has been designed to reduce the amount of material that is being reduce the amount of material that is being disposed of as hazardous waste. It includes:disposed of as hazardous waste. It includes:

Nickel-cadmium batteriesNickel-cadmium batteries

Lead-acid batteriesLead-acid batteries

Some agricultural pesticidesSome agricultural pesticides

ThermostatsThermostats

Fluorescent BulbsFluorescent Bulbs

Batteries:Batteries:

Most batteries can be recycled by sending them Most batteries can be recycled by sending them back to the company or using a recycling facility. back to the company or using a recycling facility. Please contact EH&S for information regarding Please contact EH&S for information regarding recycling.recycling.Each battery must be clearly marked as Each battery must be clearly marked as “Universal Waste Batteries”, or “Used Batteries” “Universal Waste Batteries”, or “Used Batteries” with the date. with the date. Leaking or damaged batteries must be stored in Leaking or damaged batteries must be stored in a closed, structurally sound container, with a closed, structurally sound container, with secondary containment.secondary containment.Have the batteries collected by or deliver them Have the batteries collected by or deliver them to an authorized battery recycler. to an authorized battery recycler.

Fluorescent Lamps Fluorescent Lamps

A variety of vendors are available in many areas to recycle A variety of vendors are available in many areas to recycle fluorescent light bulbs. Please contact Environmental Health and fluorescent light bulbs. Please contact Environmental Health and Safety for a list of recycling companies.Safety for a list of recycling companies.Fluorescent lamps must be must be labeled “Universal Waste Fluorescent lamps must be must be labeled “Universal Waste Electric Lamps” or “Used Lamps” with the date on which your first Electric Lamps” or “Used Lamps” with the date on which your first began storing the lamps. began storing the lamps. Lamps must be packaged in a way to minimize breakage and to Lamps must be packaged in a way to minimize breakage and to prevent release of lamp fragments if breakage were to occur. Store prevent release of lamp fragments if breakage were to occur. Store unbroken lamps in a box or fiber drum.unbroken lamps in a box or fiber drum.Have the lamps collected by an authorized universal waste handler Have the lamps collected by an authorized universal waste handler within one year of the date marked on the container. within one year of the date marked on the container. Broken or damaged bulbs will be treated as hazardous waste. All Broken or damaged bulbs will be treated as hazardous waste. All the spill debris from broken or damaged bulbs must be cleaned up the spill debris from broken or damaged bulbs must be cleaned up and placed into a sealed bag. Please contact EH&S for assistance and placed into a sealed bag. Please contact EH&S for assistance with spill cleanup. with spill cleanup.

Used OilUsed Oil

A variety of vendors exist to recycle oil. A variety of vendors exist to recycle oil. Call EH&S for information regarding oil Call EH&S for information regarding oil recycling.recycling.

Used oil must be stored in a fail proof Used oil must be stored in a fail proof container and must be clearly labeled with container and must be clearly labeled with the type of oil.the type of oil.

2. Emergency Response2. Emergency Response

Know where your emergency equipment Know where your emergency equipment is; make sure the equipment is not is; make sure the equipment is not blocked.blocked.

Have emergency phone numbers posted Have emergency phone numbers posted near the phone. near the phone.

Medical Emergencies:Medical Emergencies:

1.1. Call 911 to report emergency Call 911 to report emergency

2.2. Provide minimum first aid to prevent Provide minimum first aid to prevent further injury to the victim.further injury to the victim.

3.3. Follow other department procedures Follow other department procedures (meet paramedics)(meet paramedics)

4.4. Complete an accident report form. Complete an accident report form.

Calling 911:Calling 911:

Report the locations; nature of Report the locations; nature of emergencyemergency

Answer the dispatcher questionsAnswer the dispatcher questions

Meet emergency personnel at the doorMeet emergency personnel at the door

Chemical Splashes:Chemical Splashes:

Get victim to safety shower and eyewashGet victim to safety shower and eyewash

Flush for 15 minutes or until help arrivesFlush for 15 minutes or until help arrives

Remove contaminated clothingRemove contaminated clothing

Eyes: Eyes:

Quick response is importantQuick response is important

Flush for 15 minutesFlush for 15 minutes

You may have to force the eye lids openYou may have to force the eye lids open

Have the victim roll their eyes around Have the victim roll their eyes around

Safety Showers and EyewashesSafety Showers and Eyewashes

Fire Emergencies: (If a fire Fire Emergencies: (If a fire occurs)occurs)

Pull the fire alarm to evacuate the buildingPull the fire alarm to evacuate the buildingCall 911 and report the location of the fireCall 911 and report the location of the fireIf you do call 911, be sure to meet the emergency If you do call 911, be sure to meet the emergency personnel to give them relevant information and direct personnel to give them relevant information and direct them to the exact location of the emergency.them to the exact location of the emergency.Isolate the fire (close fume hood sash or lock door)Isolate the fire (close fume hood sash or lock door)Confine or control the fire if possible: Immediately turn Confine or control the fire if possible: Immediately turn off gas supplies and electrical power sources.off gas supplies and electrical power sources.Use an appropriate fire extinguisherUse an appropriate fire extinguisher

Which Fire Extinguisher Do I Use?Which Fire Extinguisher Do I Use?

• CO2 extinguishers are for flammable liquids CO2 extinguishers are for flammable liquids (Class B fires) or electrical fire (Class C).(Class B fires) or electrical fire (Class C).

• Solid or dry chemical fire extinguishers can be Solid or dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used for all fires; paper and wood (Class A), used for all fires; paper and wood (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), or electrical flammable liquids (Class B), or electrical (Class C) fires.(Class C) fires.

• Yellow “Class D” extinguishers are for metal Yellow “Class D” extinguishers are for metal fires.fires.

3. Chemical Spills 3. Chemical Spills

All chemical spills that occur at West All chemical spills that occur at West Virginia University should be reported to Virginia University should be reported to the departmental chemical hygiene officer the departmental chemical hygiene officer and your supervisor. and your supervisor.

The spill report needs to include the date, The spill report needs to include the date, time, location, and the chemical(s) and time, location, and the chemical(s) and their volume. their volume.

If a spill occurs:If a spill occurs:

Contact Environmental Health and Safety with Contact Environmental Health and Safety with the location of the spill and, if known, the the location of the spill and, if known, the chemical and volume spilled.chemical and volume spilled.If the spill presents an immediate danger, If the spill presents an immediate danger, leave the spill site and control entry to the spill leave the spill site and control entry to the spill site.site.Notify nearby persons and evacuate as Notify nearby persons and evacuate as necessary. necessary. If flammable vapors are involved, do not If flammable vapors are involved, do not operate electrical switches. operate electrical switches.

Continued:Continued:

If the substance involved is an unknown, then If the substance involved is an unknown, then emergency spill response procedures are limited emergency spill response procedures are limited to self-protection, notification of EH&S, isolation to self-protection, notification of EH&S, isolation of the chemical, and evacuating and securing of the chemical, and evacuating and securing the area involved.the area involved.If the spill does not present immediate personal If the spill does not present immediate personal danger, try to control the spread or volume of the danger, try to control the spread or volume of the spill. Locate and retrieve the departmental spill spill. Locate and retrieve the departmental spill kit for absorbent material. kit for absorbent material. Do not touch the spill without protective clothing.Do not touch the spill without protective clothing.Never assume gases or vapors do not exist or Never assume gases or vapors do not exist or are harmless because of lack of smell.are harmless because of lack of smell.

Spilled Liquids: Spilled Liquids:

Confine the spill to small area.Confine the spill to small area.For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases, use a For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases, use a neutralizing agent or an absorbent mixture (soda ash neutralizing agent or an absorbent mixture (soda ash or diatomaceous earth). For small quantities of other or diatomaceous earth). For small quantities of other materials, absorb the spill with a nonreactive material materials, absorb the spill with a nonreactive material (vermiculite, clay, sand, absorbent towels, pillows).(vermiculite, clay, sand, absorbent towels, pillows).For large spills contact Environmental Health and For large spills contact Environmental Health and Safety and try to prevent the spill from spreading.Safety and try to prevent the spill from spreading.Carefully pick up the bottles and the soiled absorbent Carefully pick up the bottles and the soiled absorbent material and place in a 5-gallon bucket with a label material and place in a 5-gallon bucket with a label identifying the chemical. Contact EH&S for disposal. identifying the chemical. Contact EH&S for disposal.

Spilled Solids:Spilled Solids:

Sweep spilled solids of low toxicity into a Sweep spilled solids of low toxicity into a dustpan and place them into a suitable dustpan and place them into a suitable container. Additional precautions such container. Additional precautions such as the use of a HEPA filter vacuum as the use of a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner may be necessary. cleaner may be necessary.

Contact EH&S for disposal. Contact EH&S for disposal.

Mercury Spills:Mercury Spills:

Mercury is extremely dangerous and every effort Mercury is extremely dangerous and every effort should be taken to prevent spills.should be taken to prevent spills.For small spills, a laboratory coat, safety glasses, and For small spills, a laboratory coat, safety glasses, and gloves should be used. The following gloves have gloves should be used. The following gloves have been approved for use with mercury:been approved for use with mercury:

1.1. Chlorinated polyethyleneChlorinated polyethylene2.2. PolyurethanePolyurethane3.3. VitonViton4.4. Butyl RubberButyl Rubber5.5. Polyvinyl ChloridePolyvinyl Chloride6.6. Nitrile RubberNitrile Rubber7.7. NeopreneNeoprene

Mercury Spills continued:Mercury Spills continued:

Please use a mercury spill kit to clean up a Please use a mercury spill kit to clean up a mercury spill. Call EH&S for assistance.mercury spill. Call EH&S for assistance.Wearing protective clothing, place the sponge, Wearing protective clothing, place the sponge, provided in the spill kit, rough side up on a level provided in the spill kit, rough side up on a level surface. The rough side contains the active surface. The rough side contains the active material that will amalgamate mercury.material that will amalgamate mercury.Dampen the sponge with about 2ml of water. Dampen the sponge with about 2ml of water. Spread the water evenly with a gloved finger and Spread the water evenly with a gloved finger and wait one minute. (Excessive water may reduce wait one minute. (Excessive water may reduce the ability of the sponge to pick up mercury).the ability of the sponge to pick up mercury).

Mercury Spills continued:Mercury Spills continued:

With the active side down, slowly wipe the area With the active side down, slowly wipe the area contaminated with mercury. The mercury droplets will contaminated with mercury. The mercury droplets will be amalgamated by the chemical layer of the sponge. be amalgamated by the chemical layer of the sponge. The capacity of the sponge can be increased with a The capacity of the sponge can be increased with a small amount of moistened HG Absorb Powder rubbed small amount of moistened HG Absorb Powder rubbed into the surface of the activated sponge.into the surface of the activated sponge.After finishing the Hg Absorb sponge should be returned After finishing the Hg Absorb sponge should be returned to its plastic bag and disposed of. Contact to its plastic bag and disposed of. Contact Environmental Health and Safety for disposal.Environmental Health and Safety for disposal.Air Monitoring:Air Monitoring:Any mercury spill has the potential to generate airborne Any mercury spill has the potential to generate airborne concentrations in excess of regulated levels. Please concentrations in excess of regulated levels. Please contact EH&S at 293-3792 for air monitoring of the spill contact EH&S at 293-3792 for air monitoring of the spill area.area.

Leaking Compressed Gas Leaking Compressed Gas CylindersCylinders

If a leak is suspected contact EH&S at If a leak is suspected contact EH&S at 293-3792 and they will advise you to 293-3792 and they will advise you to follow the appropriate action. follow the appropriate action.

Recommended Spill Kit Contents Recommended Spill Kit Contents

Supervisors in areas in which the potential exist for Supervisors in areas in which the potential exist for chemical spills, should store and maintain a spill kit. chemical spills, should store and maintain a spill kit. The contents of this kit (5 gallon bucket) include:The contents of this kit (5 gallon bucket) include:

1 Universal Spill Boom (Snake) 3”X4’1 Universal Spill Boom (Snake) 3”X4’ 2 Universal Spill Pads2 Universal Spill Pads 2.5 gallons of vermiculite2.5 gallons of vermiculite 2 30 gallon trash bags2 30 gallon trash bags GlovesGloves Eye ProtectionEye Protection 1 “Hazardous Waste” Label1 “Hazardous Waste” Label

If you have any questions as to how to obtain these If you have any questions as to how to obtain these materials contact EH&S. materials contact EH&S.