Unit 3

Chemical Handling
and
Waste Management

Mrs. Samira Aggor-Woananu

Department of LABTECH
University of Cape Coast
 Section 1:

Chemical Handling
CHEMICAL
STORAGE
AREA
Oh No!!! What’s Going on Here? Ignorance!!!
Properties of Specific
Chemicals
 Chemical Grades and Purity
• Spectroscopic Grade
– purity determined by optical absorption at particular
wavelengths
– usually around 99 % purity
– used for IR, VIS, & UV spectrophotometry
• Chromatography Grade
– minimum of 99 % purity with no single impurity over
0.2 %
• Reagent Analyzed or Reagent Grade
– certified to have impurities below specific levels set by
the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American
Chemical Society (ACS)
– bottles are identified by a batch number
– minimum standard for any chemical analysis work
 Chemical Grades and Purity
• Commercial or Technical Grade
– typically 85-90 % purity
– rarely used in the laboratory
• Practical Grade
– small step above technical grade
– often contain intermediate compounds as part of the
preparation process
• United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Grade
– suitable for drug use
– generally acceptable for chemistry lab work
• Chemically Pure (CP) Grade
– almost as pure as reagent grade, but application
determines whether purity is adequate for the purpose
 Chemical Grades and Purity
• Electronic or Semiconductor Grade
– specified to contain less than set levels of specific
impurities: Na, K, Ca, Mg, etc.
– common subdivisions are:
• Low-Sodium MOS Grade
• Low-Sodium CMOS Grade
• Primary Standard Grade
– at least 99.95 % purity
– can serve as reference standards in analytical
procedures
• Ultra-High Purity Grade
– usually solids that have been successively refined
– expressed as number of nines of purity, e.g. 5-9s =
99.999 % purity
– highest possible purity of any material
 Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
• Most commonly used industrial chemical
• Also called “oil of vitriol”
• Colourless, oily, syrupy liquid, specific gravity = 1.84
• Standard reagent concentration is 98 %, yellow bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-2-W
• “fuming sulphuric acid” or “oleum” has additional SO3
dissolved into solution; actually is H2S2O7, disulphuric acid

• Primary hazards:
– when dissolved into water, H2SO4 liberates considerable heat
• 20 kcal/mol = 1570.9 J/cm3
– H2SO4 is a strong acid, but only the first proton dissociates completely;
second proton has Ki = 10-2
– always add acid to water to avoid spattering
 Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
• Primary hazards:
– concentrated H2SO4 has a great affinity for H2O: hygroscopic
– concentrated H2SO4 will dehydrate sugars, starches, and cellulose
– acid burns to skin dehydrate the tissue with localized evolution of
heat. skin becomes charred, like burnt wood
– concentrated H2SO4 dehydrates concentrated HClO4 (perchloric
acid). The two can explosively decompose and must be stored in
separate cabinets.
– concentrated H2SO4 can react to form hazardous compounds
• chlorine containing oxidizers will react explosively
• will decompose salts into other acids
– 2NaF + H2SO4  Na2SO4 + 2HF
• may produce toxic gases, e.g. Br2, I2, SO2, CO, H2S
• concentrated H2SO4 will oxidize carbon, lead, and copper
 Nitric Acid (HNO3)
• Second most commonly used industrial chemical
• Colourless liquid, often reddish-brown from dissolved NO2
- light exposure produces: 4HNO3  4NO2 + 2H2O + O2
• Also called “aqua fortis” in art engraving
• Excess dissolved NO2 produces “fuming” nitric acid
• Standard reagent concentration is 68-70 %, red bottle
cap
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-0-OXY

• Primary hazards:
– reacts with metals and non-metals, releases NO and/or NO2
– concentrated HNO3 will spontaneously ignite wood, cellulose
products, and many organic materials such as turpentine, acetic
acid, acetone, ethyl alcohol, nitrobenzene, and aniline
– concentrated HNO3 oxidizes proteins
• produces xanthoproteic acid (yellow colored, slow-healing wound)
 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
• Pure HCl is a strong-smelling, colourless gas
- TLV = 5 ppm, exposure to > 1500 ppm is usually fatal
- extremely soluble in H2O
• Technical grade HCl is slightly yellow due to Fe2+ impurities
• Also know as “muriatic acid”
• Standard reagent concentration is 37 %, blue bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-0

•Primary hazards:
– corrosive effect on metals
– vapour toxicity:
• 1-5 ppm = limit of odour
• 35 ppm = irritation of throat
• 50 ppm = barely tolerable
• 1000 ppm = fatal via lung edema
 Aqua Regia
• Mixture of 3 parts conc. HCl and 1 part conc. HNO3

• It contains free Cl2 and ClNO2.

• Also called “nitrohydrochloric acid”

• Very potent oxidizing agent

• Useful for dissolving Au and Pt

 Perchloric Acid (HClO4)
• Strongest of all of the common acids
• Anhydrous form is unstable
• Standard reagent concentration is 72 %
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-3-OXY
• Must be used and stored in specially designed facilities

• Primary hazards:
– concentrated HClO4 when heated to 92C explodes
• 4HClO4  2Cl2 + 7O2 + 2H2O

– concentrated HClO4 ignites or explodes with

cellulose materials and most organic compounds
– treated differently following the 1940’s Los Angeles
explosion caused by its reaction with aniline
 Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
• Pure HF is a colourless gas above 20C, TLV = 2.5 ppm
• Similar in reactivity to H2SO4
• A strong dehydrating agent
• Has a high affinity for water (hygroscopic)
• Dissolved in H2O it becomes a weak acid (it partially
dissociates)
- BUT IT IS STILL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!
• Standard reagent concentration is 49 %
• NFPA 704 code = 4-0-0
• HF dissolves glasses:
- CaSiO3 + 6HF  CaF2 + SiF4 + 3H2O
- SiO2 + 4HF  SiF4 + 2H2O
• Concentrated HF must be stored in polypropylene
containers!!
• Commercially used for etching glass
 Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
• Primary hazards:
– HF vapour produces edema of the lungs and can permanently
damage the cornea
– HF is extremely dangerous to skin contact, the worst of all acids in
terms of damage to tissue, can produce very severe, painful burns
– HF has a slight anesthetizing effect, pain is often not noticed until the
acid has penetrated a large distance into tissue, often down into bone
material where it reacts with Ca and Mg to form fluorides
– Because of small size of molecule, HF dissolves easily though pores of
skin and cell membranes, and also through many plastics
– Use only Trionic gloves when dealing with HF!!
– At present there exists no real remedy for HF burns
• some suggest an ointment of 85 g magnesium oxide, 113.4 g
heavy mineral oil, and 311.8 g white vaseline is helpful
 Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)
• Phosphorous forms 8 different acids; H3PO4 is the most
common
• Clear, odourless, sparkling liquid or transparent solid
• Phosphorous anhydride is a strong dehydrator and has a
great affinity for water. Dissolved in water it produces
phosphoric acid:
- P4O10 + 6H2O  4H3PO4
• Standard reagent concentration is 85 %, white bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 2-0-0

• Primary hazards:
– concentrated H3PO4 liberates considerable heat when diluted
with water; always add the acid to the water to avoid spattering
– concentrated H3PO4 can cause severe skin burns, but it is
generally the least hazardous of the strong mineral acids
 Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
• Most common organic acid
• Causes the sour taste and odour of vinegar (typically 3-6 %
acetic acid)
• “glacial” acetic acid is about 99.5 % acetic acid, derived from
the decomposition of acetylene, used in photography
• Standard reagent concentration is 99 %, brown bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 2-2-1

• Primary hazards:
– primary hazard is its corrosiveness
– vapours are harmful, TLV = 10 ppm
– CH3COOH freezes at 17C, and like water, expands upon
freezing
• glass bottles must be protected against temperatures below 17C
– CH3COOH will burn, but the autoignition temperature is 426C
and is generally unlikely without the presence of an ignition
source
 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
• Most common alkali
• Also called “lye” or “caustic soda”
• Produced by electrolysis of brine
- 2NaCl + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2 + Cl2
• At room temp., NaOH is a white solid, usually pellets or
powder
• Very hygroscopic
• Weak solutions have a bitter or caustic taste, and a slippery
or soapy feeling, typical of all alkalis
• Like all alkalis, it can destroy or burn tissues, leaving
serious wounds that heal very slowly
• Standard reagent concentration is 97 %
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-1
 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
• Primary hazards:
– can cause extremely severe burns to the skin
- treat with 1 % acetic acid solution or common household vinegar
- tissues have no natural defense to strong bases, so tissue
damage can be greater than that of a strong acid
– strong acids create impermeable damage zone with
limits spread
– strong bases do not create this reaction and can
diffuse much farther
– can cause extremely severe burns to the cornea
• treat with 1 % boric acid to neutralize after several minutes of
irrigation with water
– non-flammable by itself, but can trigger the ignition of
other materials
– very exothermic upon dissolving in H2O
• 10 kcal/mole
• hot enough to ignite or melt some materials
 Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
• Also called “potash” or “caustic potash”
• Very similar to NaOH
• Considered a slightly stronger base
• At room temp., KOH is a white solid, usually pellets or
powder
• Very hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the atmosphere)
• Standard reagent concentration is 97 %
• NFPA 704 code = 3-0-1

• Primary hazards:
– very similar to NaOH
 Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH)
• Created by dissolving NH3 into H2O
• NH3 is very soluble in H2O, forms a weak base (partially
ionizes)
• Neutralizes acids, but is generally unreactive with most
metals
• Standard reagent concentration is 30 %, green bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 3-1-0

• Primary hazards:
– concentrated NH4OH will burn skin
– NH3 vapors are harmful
• TLV = 50 ppm
• moderately toxic, strong irritant to skin, eyes, and
mucus membranes
 Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
• Resembles water, but with a slightly sharp odour
• A very strong oxidizer
• Inherently unstable, decomposes from sunlight or UV
radiation
- 2H2O2  2H2O + O2
- typically lasts only a few months under refrigeration
• Standard reagent concentration is 30 %, white bottle cap
• NFPA 704 code = 2-0-1-OXY

• Primary hazards:
– decomposes violently at 144C
– readily provides oxygen in redox reactions
• can cause spontaneous ignition of combustible materials when > 50 %
• greatly speeds up many reactions, turning some toward explosions
– can cause severe skin burns or bleaching
• drug store hydrogen peroxide is only 1-3 %
 Chemical
Tracking System
(CTS)
 Chemical Tracking System (CTS)
• A chemical tracking system (CTS) is a database of
chemicals in the laboratory.

• A “cradle-to-grave” CTS should track chemicals from they

are purchased through the time they are used and
discarded.

• A good CTS can reduce procurement costs, eliminate

unnecessary purchases, and minimize disposal expenses.

• A tracking system can be setup by: (1) using index cards

or another paper system organized by chemical name
and/or molecular formula or (2) creating a computer-
based system.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of the use of each
chemical in the system.
 Chemical Tracking System (CTS)
The following tracking fields are recommended:
1. Chemical name as printed on the container.
2. Chemical name as it appears on the MSDS if different from that
on the container.
3. Molecular formula
4. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number
5. Date received
6. Source (i.e. manufacturer, and if known, supplier)
7. Type of container and Amount of chemical in the container
8. Hazard classification (for storage, handling and disposal)
9. Required storage conditions
10.Location within the room (i.e. shelf #, acid cabinet)
11.Expiration or “use by” date
Sample Lab Chemical Inventory
• Each Lab must have an inventory list of all
chemicals present in the lab
 General Rules for Handling
Hazardous Materials
• All containers, pipes, process vessels and
storage areas must be labeled

• All labels must identify the product and hazards

associated with its use

• Read the label at least three times before

using the products
– when removing from storage
– before opening the container
– before actual usage
 Rules for Handling
Compressed Gases

• Many industrial and laboratory operations require the use

of compressed gases for a variety of different operations.

• Compressed gases present a unique hazard.

• Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for

simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical
hazards.

• Gases may be flammable or combustible, explosive,

corrosive, poisonous, inert, or a combination of hazards.
Hazards of use,
storage, and
handling of
cylinders
–Chemical hazards:
•Associated with
cylinder contents

–Physical hazards:
•Due to presence of a
high pressure vessel
 Know and Understand the Properties
and Hazards Associated with each Gas
before using it!
 Gas
Identification
- Label
 Four Types of Compressed Gases
Substance types in gas cylinders:

1. Gas at standard temperature,

increased pressure (e.g. Air, Argon,
Helium, Nitrogen, Oxygen)

2. Liquefies at standard temperature,

increased pressure (e.g. Butane,
Propane, CO2, Nitrous oxide)

3. Dissolved in a solvent (e.g. Acetylene)

4. Liquefies at reduced temperature,

increased pressure (e.g. Liquid N2,
Liquid O2, CO2)
 Common Industrial Gases
• Oxidants: support combustion e.g. air & oxygen

• Inerts: do not generally react with other materials,

asphyxiants (leak displace air) e.g. nitrogen, argon, helium

• Flammables: when mixed with oxidant and ignition

source will burn e.g. acetylene, hydrogen, propane

• Toxics: toxic in small concentrations e.g. ammonia,

chlorine, carbon dioxide

• Corrosives: react with materials causing reactions e.g.

chlorine, sulphur dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine, Chlorine

• Pyrophorics: ignite spontaneously in air e.g. silane,

phosphine
 Rules for Handling
Compressed Gases

• If the gas is flammable, flash points lower than room

temperature compounded by high rates of diffusion
present a danger of fire or explosion.

• Additional hazards of reactivity and toxicity of the gas, as

well as asphyxiation, can be caused by high concentrations
of even "harmless" gases such as nitrogen.

• Since the gases are contained in heavy, highly pressurized

metal containers, the large amount of potential energy
resulting from compression of the gas makes the cylinder a
potential rocket or fragmentation bomb.
Gas Cylinders Colour Code
 Rules for Handling
Compressed Gases
• Never rely on the colour of the cylinder
for identification. Colour coding is not
reliable because cylinder colours may vary
with the supplier. Additionally, labels on
caps have little value because caps are
interchangeable.

• Careful procedures are necessary for

handling the various compressed gases,
the cylinders containing the compressed
gases, regulators or valves used to
control gas flow, and the piping used to
confine gases during flow.
 Rules for Handling
Compressed Gases
• Oxygen cylinders must
have the valve opened up
all the way because of the
high pressure in the
cylinder to prevent high-
pressure gas from leaking
through threaded stem.

• Oxygen cylinders, full or

empty, shall not be stored
in the same vicinity as
flammable gases.
 Rules for Handling
Compressed Gases
• Oxygen cylinders must have the valve opened up all the
way because of the high pressure in the cylinder to prevent
high-pressure gas from leaking through threaded stem.

• Oxygen cylinders, full or empty, shall not be stored in the

same vicinity as flammable gases.

• Proper storage for oxygen cylinders requires that a

minimum of 20 feet be maintained between flammable gas
cylinders and oxygen cylinders.

• Greasy and oily materials shall never be stored around

oxygen; nor should oil or grease be applied to fittings.
Things Not To Do
1. Never roll a cylinder to move it.
2. Never carry a cylinder by the valve.
3. Never leave an open cylinder
unattended.
4. Never leave a cylinder unsecured.
5. Never grease or oil the regulator,
valve, or fittings of an oxygen
cylinder.
6. Never refill a cylinder.
7. Never use a flame to locate gas
leaks.
8. Never attempt to mix gasses in a
cylinder.
Examples of Proper Storage
Examples of Proper Storage

Cart for
transporting
gas cylinders
Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders
• Properly secure at all times
– Straps, belts, or chains

• Keep valve caps on unless the

cylinder is being used

• Store in a well ventilated area

– Keep away from heat or ignition sources
– Keep away from electrical circuits

• Segregate Oxygen cylinders (empty or full) from fuel-gas

cylinders and combustible materials
– 20 feet minimum distance

• Store flammable gas cylinders away from oxygen, nitrous

oxide cylinders, or oxygen charging facilities.
• Segregate full and empty cylinders
– Label empty cylinders to prevent confusion
– Empty cylinders should be returned to Central Receiving/Vendor
Rules for Handling Compressed Gases
• Excess cylinders should be stored in an approved storage
area outside of the lab.
• Flammable gases must be stored at least 20 feet away from
oxygen and oxidizing gases.
 Things to Remember
1. Always wear eye protection when working with
compressed gases

2. Only use regulators that have both high and low pressure
gauges

3. Never refill a cylinder or use a cylinder for storing any

material.

4. The greatest hazard to a user of compressed gases is

asphyxiation

5. Remember, except for oxygen and air, ALL GASES ARE

ASPHYXIANTS
 Cryogenic Liquids
• Cryogenic liquids are materials with boiling points of less
than -73°C, e.g., liquid nitrogen (-196°C), helium (-
268°C), and argon, and slush mixtures of dry ice with
isopropanol

• Most common are: Ar, O2, He, N2, H2, CH4.

• Most have a very high expansion ratio and can cause

asphyxiation if this occurs in poorly ventilated or small
rooms.

• Some cryogenics are chemically very reactive (e.g., O2);

others are flammable (e.g., H2 and CH4).

• Liquid He, and N2 can, under the right conditions,

condense Oxygen from air causing oxygen enrichment
 Cryogenic Liquids
• All cryogenic liquids are liquefied gases.

• The liquefied gases embrace the hazards of flammability,

reactivity, corrosivity, toxicity, asphyxiation, and the
vigorous support of combustion.

• The eyes are particularly vulnerable to harm from

exposure to cryogenic liquids.

• Wear both Type G, H, or K safety goggles and a Type N

face shield when using, handling, or storing cryogenic
liquids.

• Be aware that very low temperature coolants, such as

liquid nitrogen, will condense oxygen from the air on
standing and can then cause an explosion if they come
into contact with combustible materials.
 Cryogenic Liquids
Precautions:
• Wear insulated gloves when handling
cryogenic liquids
• Wear safety glasses and face shields
• Use only properly vented containers
when handling cryogenic liquids
• Glass Dewar flasks should be made
of borosilicate glass and protected by
covering with cloth-backed friction or
duct tape or by encasing in a metal
sheath to contain flying pieces in the
event of implosion.
• Perform operations (pouring) slowly
 Rules for Handling Reproductive
Hazards
• Reproductive toxins adversely affect the reproductive
process.

• Examples are mutagens, which can cause change to

chromosomes in males and females; and teratogens,
which can affect fetal development and/or cause birth
defects, including fetal death.

• One reasonable response is to simply ban the laboratory

use of any substance identified as a reproductive hazard.

• Except for a few organic compounds (e.g. ethanol) and

some inorganic compounds (e.g. compounds of lead and
lead itself), there are few candidates.
 Rules for Handling
Flammable Materials
Storage of flammables:
• Use approved flammable storage
cabinets
• Maximum 20 litres per storage container
• Maximum 4 litres per storage container
for Class 1A liquids
• Do not store flammables with oxidizers
• Store flammable liquids only in approved
refrigerators.
• Ensure all containers labelled, including
waste containers
 Rules for Handling
Flammable Materials
Precautionary Measures:
• Use flammable and combustible liquids in a fume
hood
• Ensure that all sparking equipment, e.g., switches,
relays, thermostat, wires are removed from the fume
hood
• Ensure pressure release valve open when heating
flasks of flammable liquid
• Do not heat flammable liquids with paint stripper guns
• Add boiling chips to boiling liquids to prevent bumping
• Minimize volumes to be heated where possible
 Rules for Handling
Corrosive Materials
Storage:
• Store in corrosive storage cabinets
• Store corrosives on lower shelves
• Do not store acids and bases together
• Do not store concentrated acids or
bases under sinks
• Hydrofluoric acid must be stored in
plastic containers
• Ensure all containers labelled
 Rules for Handling
Corrosive Materials
Precautionary Measures:
• Use proper eye, hand and body
protection
• Prevent exposure to corrosive
fumes and vapours
• Always add acid to water, never
reverse
• Pour chemicals properly
 Rules for Handling
Toxic Materials
• Minimize exposures with engineering controls and
administrative technique
• Install and maintain automatic monitors and
alarms
• Use proper eye, face, hand and body protection
• Be aware of emergency procedures
• Practice good personal hygiene
• Inform your supervisor of medications you are
taking if working in a hazardous area
• Decontaminate your work space daily
 Rules for Handling Reactive
Materials
• Buy only as much as you need
• Label and date as soon as received
• Date when first opened
• Do not open a bottle past it’s expiration date
• Do not open a peroxide former if crystals or
precipitates are present
• Store peroxide forming materials away from heat
and light
• Examples of materials which form peroxides after
prolonged exposure to air or light:
- ethers, THF, cyclohexene, p-dioxane, cyclooctene
 Handling Peroxide Formers
• Peroxide formers react with oxygen, even at low concentrations
and ordinary temperatures, to form peroxy compounds that are
usually hydroperoxides.

• Store peroxide formers blanketed with an inert gas (e.g.,

nitrogen or argon), well sealed and away from sources of light,
in the containers as received from supplier or in amber-coloured
glass bottles equipped with plastic caps.

• Maintain inert atmosphere in the free space of each container.

• To minimize the rate of peroxide formation, maintain storage

conditions at cool temperatures.

• DO NOT REFRIGERATE peroxide formers. Peroxide formers,

liquid peroxides, or solutions of peroxides that are cooled to
refrigerator or freezer temperatures can freeze out or precipitate
the peroxide.
 Handling Peroxide Formers
• Dispose of any stock remaining after three (3) months, unless it
has been tested (see ‘Detecting Peroxides’, below) at the end of
3-month period and found to be peroxide-free.

• Add an oxidation inhibitor to it, unless material’s usefulness

would be compromised (recommended amount is from 0.001 –
0.01% of inhibitors such as hydroquinone, 4-tert-butyl p-
methylphenol (BHT)).

• Never use a metal spatula with organic peroxides (use ceramic

or plastic spatula).

• Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact (they are strong

oxidants).

• Avoid friction, grinding, and all forms of impact, especially with

solid organic peroxides.
 Detecting Peroxides
1. Mix 1 – 3 mL of the liquid to be tested with an equal volume of
glacial acetic acid in a test tube.

2. Add a few drops of 5% aqueous potassium iodide solution, and

shake.

3. Appearance of yellow–to–brown colour indicates presence of a

peroxide.

4. If colour is faint, run a blank to make sure the test is really

positive.

5. A testing kit that includes treated paper strips is available from

chemical suppliers.

Note: Test peroxide formers immediately upon receipt from

supplier, and repeat the testing at frequent intervals.
 Rules for Handling Reactive
Materials
• Monitor containers for signs of
instability, e.g., changes in colour,
crystal formation, drying out
• Store perchloric acid bottles in glass
or ceramic trays
• Store water reactives away from
sources of water
• Do not handle bottles of reactive
chemicals with crystal formation
around the cap
• Plan experiments carefully
• Ensure proper safety equipment
available
 Section 2:

Laboratory Waste
Management
Hazardous Waste Disposal
 Laboratory Chemical Waste
Management
Background:
 Research, teaching and clinical laboratories
produce a variety of waste chemicals that
may be subject to regulatory management
standards.

 If improperly managed in the laboratory,

waste chemicals could pose a risk to human
health and the environment.
“I Can’t Breathe”
 Reasons for Proper Waste
Management
• Hazardous chemicals down the drain can lead
to pollution of ground water, lakes, rivers,
etc.
• Plants and animals will die if they are
exposed to hazardous chemical waste.
• Serious health problems in people if
hazardous waste finds its way into drinking
water.
 Chemical Procurement
• Before chemicals are ordered, the following questions should be
considered:

What is the least hazardous CHEMICAL How should the

chemical available that can STORAGE
AREA
chemical be stored?
be used?

Is the laboratory
What is the minimum
equipped to handle
quantity needed
a spill? Spill kits are
to complete the
in each lab.
experiment?

Is the chemical already Are personnel trained on

available? Check how to safely handle the
with me for chemical chemical?
inventory.
 Chemical Manipulation
• Be familiar with chemical properties and products of
chemical reactions.

• Be prepared for chemical spills and clean up spills

immediately.

• Plan ahead – have apparatus and associated equipment

ready before chemicals are used.

• Use the appropriate equipment, such as funnels, beakers

and spatulas when transferring chemicals.
 Chemical Manipulation
Use chemical fume hoods to control
exposure as chemicals are transferred.

Use chemical fume hoods to control

exposure during the experiment.

Wear the appropriate personal protective

equipment (chemical splash goggles, gloves,
etc.).

Have disposal containers ready ahead of

time.
 Biowaste
• ‘Biowaste’ consists of sharps – needles,
syringes, razor blades, etc.

• ‘Sharps’ and must be segregated from real

‘Biowaste’.

• Label with date, room number and phone

number.
 Laboratory Wastes
1. General Waste:
 Paper towels, used gloves, Kimwipes, etc.

2. Solid Waste:
 Excess powdered chemicals from weighing
 Broken glasses

3. Liquid Waste:
 Organic liquid wastes
 Aqueous acids and bases
 Metal ion solution waste
 Non-halogenated, halogenated
 Laboratory Wastes
4. Unknowns

5. Spill cleanup materials:

 PPE, absorbent pads, etc.

6. Waste chemical mixtures

7. Unused chemicals

8. Used oil
Solid Waste vs. Hazardous Waste
• Solid Waste:
- A solid, semi-solid, liquid, sludge, or contained
gas, that is no longer needed, to be discarded, or
has served its useful purpose.

• Hazardous Waste:
- A solid waste that exhibits one or more of four
characteristics.
 Characterization of Chemically
Hazardous Waste
A hazardous waste can be defined by one or
more of the following characteristics:
Ignitability
Corrosivity
Reactivity
Toxicity
Listed Waste
• Hazardous Waste is only a small portion of the waste
generated in the workplace, but by far the most harmful to
the nature and the environment.
 Ignitability
A chemical waste is considered ignitable if:
1. It is a liquid with a flashpoint of 60°C (140°F)
2. An aqueous solution containing > 24% alcohol by
volume
3. It is an oxidizer
4. It is a flammable compressed gas
5. It is a liquid capable of causing fire through friction,
adsorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical
change
 Corrosivity
A chemical waste is considered corrosive if:
1. It is an aqueous solution (a solution having more
than 50% water) with a pH less than or equal to
2.0 or greater than or equal to 12.5; or,

2. It is a solid waste capable of corroding steel at 6.35

mm/year at 55º C.
 Reactivity
A chemical waste is considered reactive if:
1. It is capable of creating toxic gases when mixed
with water
2. It forms explosive mixtures with water
3. It is cyanide or sulphide bearing compound
4. It reacts violently with water
5. It is normally unstable
6. It is capable of detonation/explosion
 Toxicity
A chemical waste is considered toxic if:

1. It contains arsenic, barium, cadmium,

chromium (VI), lead, mercury, selenium or
silver at concentrations that are equal to or
greater than the regulatory levels
 Toxicity
2. It contains one or more of these 32 organic
compounds: Hexachloroethane
Benzene
Lindane
Carbon tetrachloride
MEK
Chlordane
methoxychlor
Chlorobenzene
nitrobenzene
Chloroform
pentachlorophenol
m-cresol
pyridine
p-cresol
tetrachloroethylene
o-cresol
toxaphene
p-dichlorobenzene
trichloroethylene
2-dichloroethylene
2,4,5-
1,1-dichloroethylene
tetrachlorophenol
2,4-dinitrotoluene
2,4,6-
Endrin trichlorophenol
Heptachlor vinyl chloride
Hexachlorobenzene 2,4,-D
Hexachloro-1,3- 2,4,5-TP
butadiene
silvex
 Listed Waste
A chemical waste is considered hazardous if:

It is listed as F waste:
– hazardous waste from non-specific sources
(e.g. spent solvents, and process or reaction waste)

It is listed as K waste:
– hazardous waste from specific sources
(e.g. distillation bottoms)

It is listed as P and U waste:

– discarded commercial chemical products of specific
products, container residues, spill residues
(generally discarded chemicals)
 Biowaste

• ‘Biowaste’ consists of sharps – needles,

syringes, razor blades, etc.

• ‘Sharps’ and must be segregated from real

‘Biowaste’.

• Label with date, room number and phone

number.
 What is Waste Minimization?

• Waste minimization includes:

- source reduction practices that reduce or
eliminate waste generation at the source;
and
- environmentally sound recycling
practices, where source reduction is not
economically practical.
 Source Reduction

• Includes any practice that reduces the

quantity and/or toxicity of pollutants
entering a waste stream prior to
recycling, treatment, or disposal. 
Examples of Source Reduction

• Equipment or technology modifications

• Reformulation or redesign of products
• Substitution of less toxic raw materials
• Improvements in work practices
• Maintenance
• Better inventory control
 Recycling
• Includes the use, reuse and/or
reclamation of waste residuals (that
may be designated as a hazardous
waste) or materials in a hazardous
waste.
 Recycling
• A material is “used or reused”:
- if it is used as an ingredient in a process to make
a product, or if it is used as an effective substitute
for a commercial product. 

• A material is “reclaimed”:
- if it is processed to recover a usable product, or if
it is regenerated. 
 Why Minimize Waste?
• Reduce costs

• Reduce present and future regulatory

burdens

• Improve workplace safety

• Improve environmental quality

• Maintain or improve institutional image

How Can “You” Minimize Waste?

• Plan ahead

• Order only the amount needed

• Avoid storing excess chemicals

• Share chemicals that are not needed

• Regular update of chemical inventory

 Hazardous Waste Containers
• Containers must be in good condition
• Must have no rust, pinholes, dents, leaks, or
chemical deposits on the outside
• Container cap must be free of cracks and seals
tightly – no corks, stoppers, foil and parafilm
• Container should not leak when inverted – no
beakers, flasks, etc.
 Collection of Hazardous
Chemical Waste
• Use containers that are compatible with the chemical waste.
• Only collect wastes that are compatible in the same
container
• Remember, a hazardous waste mixed with a non-hazardous
waste becomes hazardous waste.
• Keep containers capped and store them in a safe location in
the laboratory.
• Do not store incompatible chemicals together in the
laboratory.
 Collection of Hazardous
Chemical Waste
• Spent solvent waste cannot contain metals,
cyanides and sulphides.

• Spent solvent waste must have a pH >5 and <9.

• Discarded chemicals should be packaged

according to hazard class.
 Transporting Chemicals
• Transport:
– use correct type of
vehicle
– inspect load prior to
transport to check:
• description of material
• containment
• labelling
• documentation
– transfer waste only to
an authorised person
– transfer must be
accompanied by written
documentation:
• identification
• quantity
• time and place of
transfer
• details of current and
intended holder
– special waste requires
use of a consignment
note
 Transporting Chemicals
• If chemicals are transferred to a second container,
make sure the new container is labeled with the
chemical name.

• Use secondary containers with handles, made of

rubber, plastic or metal.

• Secondary containers should be large enough to

contain all of the chemical contents.
 Transporting Chemicals
• Make sure the pathway is clear of obstructions and tripping
hazards.

• Plan ahead for spills.

• Transport only the quantity needed to complete the

experiment.

• Use sturdy carts when transporting heavy containers or

transporting over long distances.
 Predisposal Procedures
• Sorted by compatibility

• In approved containers

• Tighten caps

• Ensure contents are properly identified

 Disposal of Chemical Wastes
• Organic liquids should be poured into the red waste
containers.

• Do not pour any organic solvents into the drain.

• Waste solids should be packaged and labeled for disposal.

• Do not throw any chemical waste into garbage containers in

the lab.

• Place broken glass in specialized containers. Do not place

any chemical or other type of waste in these containers.

• Chemicals should be removed from the glass before placing

it in the broken glass containers.
 Handling of Unknown Chemical Wastes

• Information required by disposal facilities before

handling unknown wastes:
1. Physical description:- solid, liquid, colour
2. Water reactivity
3. Water solubility
4. pH and possibly neutralization information
5. Ignitability (flammability)
6. Presence of oxidizer
7. Presence of sulphides or cyanides
8. Presence of halogens
9. Presence of radioactive materials,
10. Presence of biohazardous materials, and
11. Presence of toxic constituents.
• Records of these properties must be kept in the facility.
Flow Chart for Categorizing Unknown Wastes
 Disposal Options for Chemical Wastes
1. Incineration:
- It leads to a minimum amount of residues that must be disposed
of in landfills.
- However, it is still one of the more expensive disposal options.
2. Disposal in the Normal Garbage Container:
- for papers and general laboratory waste.
3. Disposal in the Sanitary Sewer:
- Chemicals that may be permissible for sewer disposal include aqueous
solutions that readily biodegrade, water-soluble and low-toxicity
solutions of inorganic substances.
- Waste should be flushed with at least a 100-fold excess of water.
- Water-immiscible chemicals should never go down the drain.
4. Release to the Atmosphere:
- The release of vapours to the atmosphere, via, for example, open
evaporation or fume hood effluent, is not an acceptable disposal
method.
Chemical Spills
 Handling of Chemical Spills
• Spill kits must be made available in all laboratories:
- Contents should include a plastic pail containing goggles, a pair
of rubber gloves and a bottle of Spill Mix.

•Spill Mix:
- It is a mixture of equal weights of sodium carbonate (to
neutralize any acid present), clay cat litter (sodium bentonite,
to absorb any liquid) and dry sand (to moderate any reaction).

• Laboratories that use large volumes of acids, caustics, or solvents may

need to keep specialized spill control materials on hand.
Procedure for Handling Chemical Spills
1. Assess the hazard.

2. Get help and seal off the area.

3. If the chemical has contacted anyone's skin, get that

person to water immediately and wash the
affected area.

4. Cover liquid spills with Spill Mix until all liquid is

absorbed.

5. As necessary, protect yourself from fumes or contact

with the chemical.
Procedure for Handling Chemical Spills
6. Scoop the residue into a plastic pail.
7. Place the pail in a fume hood.
8. Depending on the chemical spilled, dispose of the residue
appropriately.
9. For acids and bases, add water to the pail, test the pH,
neutralize if necessary and pour the supernatant liquid into the
drain.
10. For flammable liquids, allow to evaporate in the fume hood.
11. For solids, package in a plastic container, label clearly with the
name of the chemical spilled and take to the designated place for
disposal.
12. Document the incident and give a copy to the immediate
supervisor.
Procedure for Handling Acetic Acid
Spills
1. Spillage Disposal:
a. Wear neoprene gloves, laboratory coat, and eye
protection.
b. Cover spill with a 1:1:1 mixture by weight of sodium
carbonate or calcium carbonate, clay cat litter
(bentonite), and sand.
c. Scoop into a beaker or pail. In the fume hood, slowly
add the acid mixture to a pail of cold water.
d. When reaction ceases, neutralize with more sodium
carbonate if necessary.
e. When solids have settled, decant liquid into drain with
50 times its volume of water.
f. Discard solid residue with normal refuse.
Procedure for Handling Acetic Acid
Spills
2. Waste Disposal:
a. Package Lots. Label for recycling or follow disposal of small
quantities.

b. Small Quantities. Wear neoprene gloves, laboratory coat and

eye protection. Work in the fume hood.

c. Add slowly to large volume of cold water in a plastic pail.

d. Neutralize with 5% sodium hydroxide solution or sodium

carbonate and pour into the drain.
Procedure for Handling Acetic Acid
Spills
3. Reactions for Spillage and Waste Disposal: