FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS DIVISION
FACILITIES & PLANNING
Hazardous Materials Handling, Storage and Disposal Procedures
Policy #F&P 2003-15


I. SCOPE

This procedure applies to Slippery Rock University employees and pertains to the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

II. PURPOSE

To provide general guidelines and procedures for the handling of hazardous materials. The procedure covers the following topics: handling, storage and disposal of hazardous material.

III. PROGRAM

A. Definitions

1. Hazardous Characteristics: Are those distinguishing traits that identify waste as dangerous to the environment in accordance with 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C.
a. Ignitability: (40CFR 261.21) under normal conditions the wastes may ignite. Ignitable wastes have an EPA waste code D001.
b. Corrosivity: (40CFR 261.22) the ability of wastes to corrode steel, or wastes that have a pH <2 >12.5. Corrosive wastes have an EPA waste code D002.
c. Reactivity: (40 CFR 261.23) under normal conditions the waste is unstable and may explode, react violently with air, or produces toxic fumes, gases and vapors when mixed with water or when subjected to heat or pressure. Reactive wastes have an EPA waste code D003.
d. Toxicity: (40DFR 261.24) includes wastes that when subjected to Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) the extract contains any of the contaminates listed in Table I, 40CFR Part 261.24. EPA waste codes for
toxic wastes range from D004 to D043.

2. Satellite Accumulation Areas: Accumulation of as much as 55 gallons of hazardous waste or one quart of acutely hazardous waste is allowable in containers at or near the point of generation where wastes are initially
accumulated under 40 CFR 262.34c.

B. Handling & Storage of Hazardous Waste

1. Waste containers:
a. must be made of materials compatible with the waste being collected;
b. must be of the appropriate size for the amount of waste to be stored;
c. must be kept closed during storage, except when adding or removing waste;
d. must be maintained in good condition (e.g. to avoid leaks).

2. Labeling of Waste Containers:

a. must have contents of container;
b. must have accumulation date;
c. must use the standard label determined by the Safety Office.

3. Waste Accumulation area:

All waste is collected in appropriately labeled containers and kept in the laboratory where the experiments are being conducted. This is referred to as the Satellite Accumulation Area. The waste is periodically transferred to
the Hazardous Waste Storage Area (long term storage) located in the basement of Vincent Science Hall until it is picked up by a certified waste disposal company.