GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF LABORATORY CHEMICALS
VIA WASTE DISPOSAL AUTHORITIES/COMPANIES
The following guidelines should be observed when disposing of
laboratory chemicals in large quantities via waste disposal authorities/companies.
Laboratory chemicals requiring disposal should be notified
in writing to the appropriate authority or company detailing name,
quantity, method of packaging, condition of containers and whether
they are sealed or opened. A data sheet containing chemical and
technical data for each chemical should also be forwarded to the
appropriate authority/company.
Chemicals which are classified as explosive should be disposed
of in the specified manner according to the appropriate 'Explosives
or Dangerous Goods Act'.
Acidic waste should be neutralised.
Alkaline waste should be neutralised.
Oxidising agents should be reduced.
Reducing agents should be oxidised.
Chemicals which either, react violently with water or, ignite
on exposure to air, should be treated to a non reactive state.
Gas cylinders should be depressurised, purged and the valves
left open.
Unknown chemicals should be subjected to the above treatment
as necessary and then packed in such a manner that there will
be no danger to personnel during transportation and subsequent
disposal.
Mercury compounds, excepting mercury metal, which can be recycled,
should be converted to mercuric chloride and packaged separately.
Cyanide compounds must be detoxified and packaged separately.
Known carcinogens should be labelled accordingly and packaged
separately.
The chemicals should be contained in 200 litre drums which
are in good condition or, in packages weighing not more than 20
kg's gross, with sufficient inert packaging material, such as
vermiculite, to ensure that breakage of individual packages does
not occur during transportation.
Liquids and solids should not be packed in the same container.
Only compatible chemicals are to be packed in the same container.
Each container must be labelled indicating the chemicals which
are in each container.
Containers in which chemicals are packed, which are dangerous
goods, are labelled in accordance with the appropriate 'Dangerous
Goods Regulations'.
Prior to a disposal date being arranged, the authority/company
should be notified of the treatment carried out in respect of
each chemical. Confirmation that no explosive or radio-active
materials are included for disposal and a list of the number and
contents of each container, should be supplied.
Specific guidelines on disposal of chemicals via the waste
disposal authority/company are normally issued upon request.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
The disposal procedures are taken from the Laboratory Waste Disposal
Manual published by the American Manufacturing Chemists Association.
They are intended to assist laboratory personnel in developing
an awareness of chemical hazards and to dispose of chemical wastes
without personal injury, adulteration of drains and excessive
contamination of ground, air or water. It should be stressed that
these procedures are intended only for small laboratory quantities.
For large amounts the waste disposal authority or local equivalent
should be contacted.
Although the information and recommendations presented are
believed to be reliable, no warranty, guarantee or representation
is made by the author or Ajax Chemicals as to the correctness
or sufficiency of any information or recommendations given.
Recommendations made for disposal by sewer, open pit burning,
etc. assume that such actions are permitted by the local authority.
CODE 1A - ORGANIC ACID HALIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus (or work in
an effective fume hood with full face shield), and laboratory
coat. SPILLS:
Cover with sodium carbonate. If a small quantity is involved,
scoop the mixture into a large beaker of water and let it stand
for a few minutes. Slowly discharge to sewer with a large excess
of water. If a large quantity is involved, scoop the resulting
bicarbonate mixture into a plastic bag, cardboard or small fibre
drum. This material can then be burned in an incinerator or spread
on the ground and flooded with water. The site of the spill should
be washed with soapy water. PACKAGE LOTS:
Slowly sift or pour into a large glass or plastic vessel containing
a layer of sodium carbonate. Mix thoroughly and add slowly to
a large container of water, with stirring. Slowly discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 1B - INORGANIC HALIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus (or work in
a fume hood), and laboratory coat. For the more active compounds
work behind a body shield. SPILLS:Cover with excess sodium bicarbonate. If a small
quantity is involved, scoop the mixture into a large beaker of
water and let it stand for a few minutes. Slowly discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a large quantity is involved,
scoop the resulting bicarbonate mixture into a plastic bag, cardboard
or small fibre drum. This material can then be burned in an incinerator
or spread on the ground and flooded with water. The site of the
spill should be washed with soapy water. PACKAGE LOTS:
Sift or pour onto a dry layer of sodium carbonate in a large evaporating
dish. After mixing thoroughly, spray with 6M ammonium hydroxide
while stirring. Cover with a layer of crushed ice and stir. Continue
spraying with 6M ammonium hydroxide. When the smoke of ammonium
chloride has partly subsided add ice water and stir. Dump this
slurry into a large container. Repeat until all has been treated.
Neutralise and slowly discharge to sewer with large excess of
water. If excess of 6M ammonium hydroxide has been used, neutralise
with 6M hydrochloric acid (use litmus paper indicator). If acidic,
neutralise with 6M ammonium hydroxide.
CODE 2 - ALDEHYDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat. SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition and flammables. Small - absorb on a paper towel. Evaporate in fume hood
and burn the paper. Large - cover with sodium bisulphite. Add a small amount
of water and mix. Scoop into a large beaker. Discharge to sewer
with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site with a soapy
solution. PACKAGE LOTS: (Choice of procedures).
1. Absorb on vermiculite. Burn in an open pit or open incinerator.
2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent (such as acetone or benzene).
Spray into the fire box of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner.
CODE 3 - ALKALI AND ALKALINE EARTH METALS, METAL ALKYLS
AND ALKOXIDES WEAR:
Leather gloves, large face shield and laboratory coat. SPILLS: Small - cover with excess soda ash or sodium bicarbonate.
Mix and add slowly to butyl alcohol. After 24 hours dilute and
discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. Large - mix with dry soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Scoop
into a dry bucket. in a remote area spread onto a large iron pan.
Cover with scrap wood, paper and ignite with a torch or fuse OR
burn in an open pit incinerator OR direct dry steam
on to the waste spread on a iron pan. Beware of splatter. WARNING: Beware of possible violent reaction with water.
CODE 4A - CHLOROHYDRINS AND NITROPARAFFINS WEAR:
Neoprene gloves, plastic laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus. Provide good ventilation. SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. On skin - wash immediately with soap solution. Rinse thoroughly. On clothing - remove clothing immediately and place in
a fume hood. Wash clothing before wearing again. Shoes are difficult
to decontaminate and may have to be discarded and burned. On bench or floor - cover with soda ash. Mix and spray
with water. Scoop into a bucket of water. Allow to stand for two
hours. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the site with soap solution. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour or sift over soda ash. Mix and wash slowly into a large
tank. Neutralise and discharge into sewer with a large excess
of water OR
2. Absorb on vermiculite. Mix and shovel into paper boxes. Burn
in incinerator with afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 4B - ORGANIC HALOGEN AND RELATED COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat. SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb on paper towels or with
vermiculite. Place on an iron, glass or plastic dish in a fume
hood. Allow to evaporate. burn the paper or vermiculite. Wash
the site with a soapy solution. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour on to vermiculite, sodium bicarbonate or sand-soda ash
mixture (90/10). If a fluoride is present, add slaked lime to
the mixture. Mix and shovel into paper boxes. place in an open
incinerator, cover with scrap wood and paper then ignite with
a torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side OR
2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent. Spray into a fire box of an
incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 4C - SUBSTITUTED ORGANIC ACIDS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus or all purpose
canister respirator, and laboratory coat. SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Turn on the fume hood if the
acid is volatile. Cover the spill on bench or floor, with an excess
of sodium bicarbonate and vermiculite. Mix and scoop into a large
beaker of water. When the reaction is complete discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site with soap
solution. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour on to an excess of sodium bicarbonate. Mix and scoop into
a bucket. Dump into a 200 litre drum and fill with water. After
24 hours slowly discharge to sewer with a large excess of water
OR
2. Pour on to vermiculite in an open incinerator. Cover with scrap
wood and paper. Pour waste alcohol over all and ignite with a
torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side OR
3. Dissolve in a flammable solvent such as waste alcohol. Spray
into an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 5 - AROMATIC AMINES WEAR:
Butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus. SPILLS: On skin and clothing - wash skin with strong soap solution
immediately. Rinse thoroughly. Contaminated clothing should be
removed, dried and washed with strong soap solution or destroyed.
It may be necessary to destroy shoes by burning. Small spills - absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush solids
on to paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation in a fume
hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site with a strong
soap solution. Large spills - cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10).
Mix and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess
of crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped
with an afterburner and scrubber. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour or sift on to a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper
packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The fire may be augmented with
scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side OR
2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox
of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 6 - AROMATIC HALOGENATED AMINES AND NITRO COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat, self contained breathing
apparatus and protective shoes. SPILLS: On skin and clothing - wash skin with a strong soap solution
immediately. Rinse well. Contaminated clothing should be removed
and cleaned at once or destroyed by burning. Small spills - absorb liquid on paper towels or vermiculite;
sweep solid spills on to paper. Put on an iron pan in a fume hood
and allow to evaporate. Burn the paper or vermiculite in the absence
of other inflammables. Wash the site thoroughly with a strong
soap solution. Large spills - absorb or mix with vermiculite, sodium bicarbonate
or sand. Package this in a paper carton and burn in an open pit.
Use wood scraps and crumpled paper to augment burning. Wash the
site thoroughly with a strong soap solution. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour or sift on to sodium bicarbonate or a sand, soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix and package in heavy paper cartons with plenty of
paper packing to serve as fuel. Burn in an incinerator OR
2. Mix with a flammable solvent and spray into a firebox of an
incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. NOTE:
Destruction by chemical decomposition is recommended for dinitro,
trinitro and other compounds with explosive potential. Add the
material, slowly, while stirring, to 30 times its weight of a
solution prepared by dissolving 1 part sodium sulphide in 6 parts
water. For unstable acidic materials (eg. picric acid) dissolve
in 25 times its weight in a solution from 1 part sodium hydroxide
and 21 parts sodium sulphide in 200 parts water. Some hydrogen
sulphide and ammonia is evolved.
CODE 7A - ALIPHATIC AMINES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield or all purpose canister respirator
and laboratory coat. SPILLS: Liquid or solid - cover with sodium bisulphite. Spray with
water and discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Add the contaminated amine to a layer of sodium bisulphite
in a large evaporating dish. Spray with water. Neutralise and
discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water OR
2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent then burn in open pit or in
an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 7B - ORGANIC PHOSPHATES AND RELATED COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat. SPILLS:
Absorb with vermiculite or paper towels. Scoop the mixture into
a plastic bag then incinerate. If an incinerator is not available,
set the bag in a pan of waste flammable solvent and burn. PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Take packages to an open incinerator. Stay on the upwind side
and mix with equal parts of sand and pulverised limestone. Wet
down with a flammable solvent. ignite from a safe distance with
a torch or fuse OR
2. Shovel mixture from procedure 1 into a paper box and drop into
an incinerator with an efficient afterburner and alkaline scrubbing
will prevent escape of any oxides of phosphorus or arsenic.
CODE 8. - AZIDES AND AZO COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Leather gloves, heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work from
behind a barricade (body shield or wall). Avoid unnecessary heat,
friction or impact. SPILLS:
Absorb the liquid with paper or vermiculite. If it is a solid,
dampen then brush on to paper with great care. Place in a plastic
bag and remove outside for burning OR
Sponge up with water, followed by decontamination with 10% ammonium
ceric nitrate solution. 'Kill', by adding to a greater stoichiometric
amount of ammonium ceric nitrate solution with agitation sufficient
to provide suspension of all solids. Cool the reaction. The
organic azides and heavy metal azides are explosive. Alkali
and alkaline earth azides are not considered explosives under
normal laboratory conditions. Keep the stock of azides very low.
Stamp the date of receipt upon the package.
CODE 9 - CARBON DISULPHIDE WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat. If a fume hood
is not available wear self contained breathing apparatus. A carbon
dioxide fire extinguisher should be available. SPILLS:
Eliminate flammables and all sources of ignition. Allow to evaporate
or absorb with paper towels and evaporate in a fume hood on an
iron pan or glass dish. Burn the paper. PACKAGE LOTS:
All equipment or contact surfaces should be grounded to avoid
ignition by static charge. Absorb on vermiculite, sand or ashes
and cover with water. Transfer under water, in buckets to an open
area. Ignite from a distance with a torch or fuse.
CODE 10 - CAUSTIC ALKALI AND AMMONIA WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large face shield, all purpose or special canister
respirator for ammonia and laboratory coat. SPILLS: Solid - sweep up, dilute and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid, in a large bucket. Discharge to sewer with a large excess
of water. Solution - neutralise and mop up. PACKAGE LOTS:
Pour into a large tank of water and neutralise. Discharge into
sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 11 - INORGANIC SALTS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat. SPILLS: Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount
of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water. Solution - cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker
of water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a fluoride,
add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment. PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight excess
of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let stand
for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and neutralise
with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a large excess
of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
CODE 12A - OXIDISING AGENTS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
should be available for the more active agents. Replace the face
shield with self contained breathing apparatus for such agents
as chlorine and bromine. SPILLS: 1. Gas leak - if the valve is leaking because it cannot
be closed, the gas can be bubbled through a reducer (sodium sulphite)
and excess sodium bicarbonate solution. Be sure to include a trap
in the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into the
cylinder. If this cannot be done the cylinder should be placed
in or adjacent to a fume hood and left to bleed off. If the leak
is in the valve assembly, a plastic bag can be fastened over the
head of the cylinder which can then be taken outside or to a fume
hood. 2. Liquid or solid - cover with a reducer (sodium thiosulphate,
a bisulphite or a ferrous salt not carbon, sulphur or strong reducing
agent). Mix well and spray with water. A sulphite or a ferrous
salt will require addition of 3M sulphuric acid to promote a rapid
reduction. Scoop the slurry into a container of water and neutralise
with soda ash. Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
Wash the site thoroughly with a soap solution containing some
reducer. PACKAGE LOTS:
Add to a large volume of concentrated solution of reducer (sodium
thiosulphate, a bisulphite or a ferrous salt and acidify with
3M sulphuric acid). When the reduction is completed add soda ash
or dilute hydrochloric acid to neutralise the solution. Discharge
to sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 12 B - REDUCING SUBSTANCES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat. Work in a fume
hood or wear a respirator.
SPILLS:Gas leak - eliminate all sources of ignition. If
the valve is leaking because it cannot be closed, the gas can
be bubbled through a calcium hypochlorite solution. Be sure to
include a trap in the line to prevent the solution being sucked
back into the cylinder.
Solid - cover the spill with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate.
Mix and spray with water. If effervescent wait until the reaction
is complete. Scoop into a large beaker and cautiously add an equal
volume of calcium hypochlorite (the reaction may be vigorous).
Add more water, stir and allow to stand for one hour. Dilute and
neutralise the oxidised solution and discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
If a gas, bubble into a soda ash solution. if a solid, mix with
an equal volume of soda and water to form a slurry, use a large
container. In either case add calcium hypochlorite. Add more water
if necessary and allow to stand for two hours. Neutralise the
oxidised solution then discharge to the sewer with a large excess
of water.
CODE 13 - MERCAPTANS AND ORGANIC SULPHIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover with calcium hypochlorite
and mix. Scoop into a large beaker. After 12 hours, neutralise
using litmus as an indicator. Discharge to the sewer with a large
excess of water. Wash the site of the spill with a strong soap
solution to which has been added some hypochlorite.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. As for spills OR
2. Dissolve in waste alcohol or other flammable solvent. Burn
in an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber to
neutralise the sulphur dioxide.
CODE 14 - CYANIDES AND NITRILES WEAR:
Long rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition.
1. General treatment.
Absorb the liquid with vermiculite or on paper towel. If a solid
sweep on to paper towel. Place on an iron or glass dish in a fume
hood. Evaporate and burn the paper.
On skin - immediately wash the affected area with soap
and a large amount of water.
2. Hydrocyanic acid leak.
Turn on the fume hood. allow the gas to leak into a container
of sodium hydroxide solution while stopping the leak. Add excess
calcium hypochlorite to the alkali cyanide. discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.
3. Cyanides.
Scoop into a large beaker and make alkaline with sodium hydroxide
solution. Add to the slurry an excess of ferrous sulphate solution.
After one hour discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
4. Nitriles.
Add an excess of calcium hypochlorite solution to produce a cyanate.
Scoop the slurry into a large beaker. After one hour discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site
with a soap solution containing some hypochlorite.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Add with stirring to strong calcium hypochlorite solution.
Allow to stand for 24 hours then discharge to the sewer with a
large excess of water OR
2. Liquid nitrile can be mixed with a flammable solvent and sprayed
into an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 15 - ETHERS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large, heavy face shield (if any doubt also use
a body shield) and self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb the spill on a paper
towel. Evaporate from an iron pan in a fume hood that is flash
proof. Allow time for the vapours to completely escape the hood
vents, then burn the paper. If a large spill, absorb using larger
quantities of paper or vermiculite. Then proceed as above.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour on the ground in an open area. Allow to evaporate or ignite
from a safe distance by means of a long fuse OR
2. Dissolve the waste in a high alcohol (eg. butyl), benzene or
petroleum ether then incinerate OR
3. If ether peroxides are present - DO NOT OPEN THE CONTAINER.
Explosions have occurred when stoppers were removed or caps turned.
Transport the can or bottle to an isolated area (eg. deserted
quarry). Each container or bottle should be wrapped in padding
material or packed in sawdust. At the site, uncover the containers
and arrange a fuse. from a safe distance puncture the container
near the bottom with rifle fire. Ignite the fuse. Always observe
local regulations.
CODE 16 - HYDRAZINES WEAR:
Rubber gloves and self contained breathing apparatus. impervious
clothing is recommended. A body shield should be available.
SPILLS: On skin or clothing - immediately wash the affected area
and remove contaminated clothing.
Small spills - eliminate all sources of ignition and flammables.
Absorb the liquid with vermiculite or paper towel. Scoop the mixture,
paper or solids into a plastic bag and take to a pit or incinerator
for burning.
Large spills - collect the liquid with an aspirator such
as is used for recovering mercury. Empty into a large beaker and
neutralise with dilute sulphuric acid. Discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site with soap and
water.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Dilute to at least 40% and neutralise with dilute sulphuric
acid. Discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water OR
2. Dissolve in a large volume of waste alcohol or other flammable
solvent and burn in an open pit. Ignite from a distance with a
torch or fuse.
CODE 17 - HYDRIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, fire proof clothing and face shield. Work from
behind a body shield. Keep available pulverised dolomite or dry
graphite for fire fighting.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Scoop spill into a dry plastic
bag which has first been purged with inert gas. Remove to the
outside for burning. flood the burned residues with water to ensure
complete destruction of the hydrides.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Mix with dry sand to avoid or stop a fire. Scoop into a bucket
and remove to an open area. Slowly spray with dry butyl alcohol.
Later ad water by fogging until the last of the hydrides is destroyed.
Scoop the solid into a large container. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid and allow to settle. Decant and discharge to the sewer with
a large excess of water. Send the sand residue to landfill. If
the hydride is a gas, dispose of it by controlled burning OR
2. Burn in an iron pan or an open pit.
CODE 18 - HYDROCARBONS, ALCOHOLS, KETONES AND ESTERS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all purpose
canister respirator available.
SPILLS: A gas leak - keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in
a flame proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in
a fume hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS: A gas - pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into
a pit and allow to burn.
A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may
be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable
material. Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved
in a flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
CODE 19 - INORGANIC AMIDES AND DERIVATIVES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large face shield and laboratory coat. A large
body shield should be available.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Sweep up the solid amide on
to dry paper. Cautiously add to cold water in small amounts with
agitation. Neutralise using litmus as an indicator, then discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Sift slowly into a large container of cold water with agitation.
When the reaction is complete neutralise using litmus as an indicator
then discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 20 - ORGANIC AMIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and a laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Scoop into a plastic bag or onto a paper towel. remove to the
outside, add alcohol and burn in a safe place.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Add to a flammable solvent, pour into an iron pan in an open
pit and ignite from a safe distance OR
2. Add flammable solvent and spray into an incinerator equipped
with an afterburner and scrubber.
CODE 21 - INTER-NONMETALLIC COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Long rubber gloves, safety glasses, self contained breathing apparatus
and laboratory coat. Work in an open fume hood from behind a body
shield or in an open barricaded area.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition.
Gas leak - allow the gas to flow into a mixed solution
of caustic soda and slaked lime. If possible keep in a fume hood
until the cylinder is empty.
Liquid or solid - cover with vermiculite, sodium bicarbonate
or a mixture of soda ash and slaked lime (50/50). Mix and spray
water cautiously from an atomiser. Scoop up and add slowly to
a large container of water (if too active continue to spray).
When the reaction is complete neutralise using litmus as an indicator
then discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the
spill site with a soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Sprinkle or sift on to a thick layer of mixed dry soda ash and
slaked lime (50/50) from behind a body shield. Mix and spray cautiously
from an atomiser. Scoop up and sift cautiously into a large volume
of water. Neutralise using litmus as an indicator and discharge
to sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 22A - INORGANIC PEROXIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
should be available.
SPILLS:
Cover with at least double the volume of sand-soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix thoroughly and break up any lumps of peroxide.. with
a plastic scoop add slowly to a large beaker of sodium bisulphite
solution 93 or 4 litres) with stirring. Neutralise with dilute
sulphuric acid. When settled, decant the sulphate solution and
discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water. The sand
can be used for land fill.
Hydrogen peroxide - spill or packaged lots - dilute and
discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Use the above method for the encrusted, impure peroxide. Repackage
the recovered pure granular peroxide in glass containers with
rubber stoppers.
CODE 22B - ORGANIC PEROXIDES CAUTION: Keep your stock low and date each container as received. Never
transfer to glass stoppered containers or screw cap bottles which
can cause dangerous friction. See code 15 for ether peroxides. WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work
under a flash proof fume hood and from behind a heavy body shield.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition.
Liquid peroxide - spills may be absorbed in a large quantity
of vermiculite or sand. Using a soft, plastic scoop, carefully
place the mixture in a plastic container. Spread on a steel pan
or in a deep pit. Ignite from a safe distance with a torch or
fuse. Wash the scoop and container with 20% sodium hydroxide.
Burn the original cartons and bags.
Solid peroxide - spills should be mixed with a large volume
of vermiculite or sand. Cautiously transfer to a deep pit and
ignite from a safe distance with a torch or fuse.
Small quantity - a very small amount of solid or liquid
may be destroyed by adding 10 volumes of 20% sodium hydroxide.
after 24 hours, neutralise using litmus paper as an indicator
then discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Absorb or mix in small portions of vermiculite or sand. Wet down
with 10% sodium hydroxide. Scoop up with plastic scoops and remove
to an open incinerator-pit. When dry, ignite from a safe distance
with a torch or fuse.
CODE 23 - INORGANIC SULPHIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat. work in a fume
hood or wear self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition then either -
1. Add ferric chloride solution and stir until the reaction is
complete. Add slight excess of soda ash. scoop up and discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site
with soap and water OR
2. Absorb with vermiculite or sodium bicarbonate and scoop into
a plastic bag or wide mouthed glass jar. Close tightly then remove
to a safe place outside. Add ferric chloride solution and stir
until the reaction is complete. Add a slight excess of sodium
bicarbonate then discharge to the sewer with a large excess of
water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add to a large volume of ferric chloride solution with stirring.
Add more ferric chloride if necessary. Add soda ash with stirring
until the solution is neutral. Scoop up and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.
NOTE:
If a gas eg. hydrogen sulphide, seal the cylinder and return to
the supplier. If the valve is leaking, the gas can be bubbled
through a ferric chloride solution. Be sure to include a trap
in the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into the
cylinder. If this cannot be done the cylinder should be placed
in or adjacent to a fume hood to bleed off.
CODE 24A - ORGANIC ACIDS (Containing C, H and O) WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
and self contained breathing apparatus should be available.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover the contaminated surface
with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix and add water if necessary.
scoop up the slurry, check for neutrality with litmus then discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site
with soda ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Liquid acid may be injected at the base of an incinerator after
mixing with a flammable solvent. the incinerator should be equipped
with an afterburner and scrubber OR
2. A solid acid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and burned
as above OR
3. A solid acid may be packaged in paper or other flammable material
and burned in an incinerator equipped with an afterburner.
CODE 24B -INORGANIC ACIDS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus.
have a body shield available.
SPILLS:
Cover the contaminated surface with sodium bicarbonate or soda
ash-slaked lime mixture (50/50). Mix, and add water if necessary
to form a slurry. scoop up the slurry and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.. wash the spill site with a soda
ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large volume of an agitated solution of soda ash
and slaked lime until the solution is neutral. Discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water.
CODE 25 - CARBIDES WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Cover with dry vermiculite, scoop into a dry bucket or plastic
bag and transfer to a safe, open area. Dispose of the material
with caution by adding it slowly to a large volume of water. Burn
the hydrocarbon gas using a pilot burner. allow to stand for 24
hours and discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Take to a safe, open area and add slowly to a large container
of water. Burn off the hydrocarbon gas with a pilot flame. Allow
to stand for 24 hours. Siphon off the liquid and transfer the
precipitate to a landfill.
CODE 26 - WASTES TO BE DUMPED TO LANDFILLS OR RELEASED TO
AIR WEAR:
Heavy gloves and safety glasses.
DISPOSAL:
The waste may be used as fill in reclaiming low areas or may be
dumped in a landfill.
CODE 27A - RECOVERY: SCRAP METAL IN THE FORM OF SHEETS,
RODS, WIRE OR TUBES WEAR:
Heavy gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
DISPOSAL:
1. Larger pieces of less expensive metals can be sold as scrap
metal. eg. aluminium, copper and brass.
2. The more expensive metals are worth salvaging even in small
pieces. eg. platinum wire and silver foil.
3. Metal should be sorted and placed in boxes, properly labelled.
Turnings, shot and cuttings of the cheaper metals may be assigned
to a landfill
CODE 27B - MERCURY RECOVERY CAUTION: The toxicity of mercury is such that the element and its compounds
should not be allowed to contaminate air or water. WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS AND PACKAGE LOTS: Metals - Collect all droplets and pools immediately using
a suction pump and an aspirator bottle, with a long capillary
tube. Cover fine droplets in non accessible cracks, with calcium
polysulphide and excess sulphur. Combine all contaminated mercury
in a tightly stoppered bottle. Hold it for purification or sale.
Compounds - dissolve all water soluble contaminated compounds.
Convert other contaminated compounds to the soluble nitrates.
Adjust the acidity and precipitate as mercuric sulphide. Wash
and dry the precipitate.
CODE 27C - PHOSPHORUS RECOVERY (YELLOW AND RED) WEAR:
Rubber gloves and large face shield.
YELLOW PHOSPHORUS SPILLS: Either
1. Cover with wet sand. Spray with water to keep the sand wet.
Scoop into a bucket. After standing overnight, recover and repackage
OR
2. If the quantity is very small, cover with water and remove
to an open area. Pour on to the ground or on to a steel pan. The
water will evaporate and dry yellow phosphorus will ignite spontaneously
in air and burn away.
DEFECTIVE PACKAGING:
Submerge in a large container of water. Repackage under water.
RED PHOSPHORUS SPILLS:
Sweep up and burn on an iron pan in a fume hood.
DEFECTIVE PACKAGE:
Repackage and return to the shelf.
CODE 27D - ARSENIC, ANTIMONY AND BISMUTH RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat and respirator
(or work in a fume hood).
WASTE:
Dissolve in a minimum of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Filter
if necessary. Dilute with water until a white precipitate forms.
Add just enough 6M hydrochloric acid to redissolve. Saturate with
hydrogen sulphide. Filter, wash and dry the precipitate.
CODE 27E - SELENIUM AND TELLURIUM RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat and a respirator
(or work in a fume hood).
SPILLS:
Absorb on paper and place in a wide mouth stoppered bottle for
later recovery. Wash the site with a soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS AND RECOVERED SPILLS: Liquid or solid - make a solution strongly acidic with
hydrochloric acid. Slowly add sodium sulphite to the cold solution
with stirring, thus producing sulphur dioxide, the reducer. Upon
heating, dark grey selenium or black tellurium forms. Let stand
overnight, filter and dry.
CODE 27F - LEAD AND CADMIUM COMPOUNDS RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat and a respirator
(or work in a fume hood).
PACKAGE LOTS AND RECOVERED SPILLS:
Convert to nitrates with a minimum of concentrated nitric acid.
Evaporate in a fume hood to a thin paste. Add water and saturate
with hydrogen sulphide. Filter, wash and dry the precipitate.
CODE 27G - BERYLLIUM COMPOUNDS RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus.
Wash clothing after each job.
SPILLS:
Absorb on paper towels and place in a large, stoppered, wide mouth
bottle. Save for later recovery. Wash the spill site with a soap
solution.
PACKAGE LOTS AND RECOVERED SPILLS:
Dissolve in a minimum amount of 6M hydrochloric acid. Filter and
treat the filtrate with a slight excess of 6M ammonium hydroxide
(use litmus). Boil and allow to settle for about 12 hours. Filter
and dry.
CODE 27H - STRONTIUM AND BARIUM COMPOUNDS WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and a laboratory coat.
PACKAGE LOTS AND RECOVERED SPILLS:
Dissolve the waste in 6M hydrochloric acid and filter. Neutralise
the filtrate with 6M ammonium hydroxide (use litmus) then precipitate
with excess sodium carbonate. Filter, wash and dry the precipitate.
If the waste is of a very small volume use code 11.
CODE 27I - VANADIUM COMPOUNDS RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and large face shield. If the spill
is large wear a self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
Cover with powdered ammonium carbonate. Add a layer of crushed
ice and spray with 6M ammonium hydroxide while stirring. Scoop
the slurry into a wide mouth bottle and save for salvage. Wash
the spill site with a soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a thick layer of powdered ammonium carbonate in
a large evaporating dish. Spray with 6M ammonium hydroxide while
stirring. Add a layer of crushed ice and continue stirring and
spraying. Add more 6M ammonium hydroxide if necessary. More waste
can be added while stirring. Pour into a large beaker and allow
to stand overnight. Filter off the crude ammonium vanadate, dry
and package.
CODE 27J - HALOGENATED SOLVENTS RECOVERY WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus
(or work in a fume hood).
SPILLS:
Absorb on paper towels and allow to evaporate in the fume hood.
Burn the paper. Wash the spill site with a soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
The toxic liquid compounds concerned here are insoluble in water
and cannot be burned. purify the contaminated liquid by distillation
and place the purified distillate back on the shelf OR
Disposal of according to any local regulations.
CODE 27K - MISCELLANEOUS RECOVERY
The elements and their compounds should be dealt with separately.
Special instructions should be sought from the supplier.
CODE 28 - CELLULOSE NITRATE, COLLODION AND CELLULOID WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and face shield. outside disposal
is preferred but can be done in a fume hood.
SPILLS:
Either - for cellulose nitrate
1. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Gather up the nitrocellulose
and dampen with alcohol. Spread out on a thin layer (5cm deep
maximum) in an outside open area on top of paper or other combustible
material. Ignite from a distance with a long torch. When disposal
by burning must be done in a fume hood, the quantity burned at
any one time should be limited to 250ml or less. This small quantity
can be placed in a shallow, pyrex dish and ignited after it has
been dampened with alcohol OR
2. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Gather up the nitrocellulose
and dampen with water. Squeeze out the excess water and place
the nitrocellulose in a large stainless steel beaker in a large
pyrex dish. Add an equal amount of 10% caustic soda (no stronger)
to the beaker. Most of the nitrocellulose should be consumed within
20 minutes. Remove the beaker and discharge to the sewer with
a large excess of water. (Caution: the beaker will be hot from
the heat of the reaction).
SPILLS:
Collodion - Eliminate all sources of ignition. Wipe up the spilled
material with paper towel or rag. Remove to an outside open area.
Spread on the ground and ignite with a long torch.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Small quantities of collodion (250ml or less) may be disposed
of in a fume hood by igniting in a pyrex dish. Larger quantities
should be disposed of in an open outside area by pouring into
a steel pan and igniting with a long torch. Celluloid disposal
should be carried out in an open area. eliminate all sources of
ignition. Spread the waste celluloid on top of paper or other
combustible material. Ignite from a distance with a long torch.
WARNING: Whenever cellulose nitrate, collodion or celluloid
is burned or decomposed, oxides of nitrogen are released. Avoid
direct breathing of the vapour.
CODE 29 - DIRECT BURNING WEAR:
Heavy leather gloves and safety glasses.
DISPOSAL:
Materials should be properly packed for safe handling and placed
in a prescribed site for daily collection. Burning can be done
in an open or closed incinerator equipped with an afterburner.