Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

see if anyone in your department could use the chemicals or if the chemicals could be
included in the campus chemical recycling program. All other chemicals that cannot or
will not be used in the new facility should be disposed of properly.
• Do not move containers of chemical wastes to your new facility. Contact the EHS Office
for proper disposal of any hazardous wastes laboratory cleanouts. The EHSO can
provide assistance with making waste determinations including hazardous waste,
universal waste, biomedical waste, radioactive waste, and oil waste..
• Only trained laboratory workers may move chemicals. Any highly toxic or highly
hazardous or reactive chemicals should only be moved by personnel who have received
special training. When moving highly toxic or highly hazardous chemicals, it is
recommended to use a "buddy system" in the event of a spill or other emergency.
When moving chemicals, be sure all containers are properly labeled and all are securely closed.
When transporting chemicals, it is best to use DOT approved shipping containers. Please note:
There are special regulations associated with transporting hazardous chemicals off campus.
When packaging chemicals, use a packing material (such as vermiculite, ground corn cobs,
shipping peanuts, cardboard, absorbent clay, etc) that is compatible with the chemicals to prevent
bottle breakage during transport.
• Only place chemicals that are compatible with each other in the same container and do
not overload containers of chemical bottles.
• When transporting chemicals, it is best to use carts with lips or trays to prevent containers
from being knocked off. Other items that are useful for transport include rubber bottle
carriers, five gallon pails, or other forms of secondary containment.
• When moving chemicals, wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety
glasses (splash goggles for corrosives), lab coat, and gloves. Remember to remove
gloves when touching door knobs and latches, and elevator buttons. If possible, avoid
using passenger elevators. If you must use a passenger elevator, request that no
passengers ride along with you.
• After removing all chemicals and waste from your old lab facility, ensure that all spills
have been cleaned up and all potentially contaminated surfaces have been cleaned with
water and detergent thoroughly. This includes bench tops, fume hoods, storage cabinets
and drawers (both inside and outside), shelving, and the outside of large equipment that is
scheduled to be moved by a moving company. Remember to clean out refrigerators and
freezers thoroughly and defrost freezers. Please keep in mind the next immediate
occupants of your old lab will be custodians and maintenance workers. Please be
considerate of their health and safety by thoroughly cleaning up any potentially
hazardous (chemical, biological, and radiological) contamination.
• When storing chemicals in your new lab, remember to segregate and store chemicals
according to hazard class. EHS recommends using secondary containment such as trays,
buckets, or bottle carriers when storing chemicals to help prevent spills.
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