Resolve to Improve Hazardous Waste Programs
Posted on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 @ 06:59 AM
by Greg Rosinki, Rhode Island Chemist Coordinator
One of the best resolutions we can make and adhere to in the new year is our approach to improving hazardous waste programs.
Time should be taken while students are on winter break to go through laboratories to inventory the chemicals in stock. Look for chemicals that have been unused for multiple years if not decades. Removing these chemicals will help to limit potential safety hazards that can occur with aged chemicals such as peroxide formers, and strong oxidizers.
Performing an inventory of the chemicals throughout the labs 
will also help to reduce unnecessary purchases of chemicals already in stock. A common cause of incidences is chemicals being left alone for periods of time. The result is chemical vapors within the bottle deteriorating the cover causing chemicals to leak out of the bottle. Too often in these storage areas are incompatible chemicals, and leaking could result in a dangerous spill.
Take the time early on to walk through labs and stock rooms to take an inventory of what is needed or in the need of disposal. Following federal and state regulations for disposal of hazardous waste will help to safely remove the chemicals, and increase the safety of the incoming class of students.