If not handled properly, laboratory hazardous waste poses significant risks to health, safety, and the environment.
When breaking down lab waste, there are four main categories: chemicals, biological materials, radioactive substances, and sharps.
For a safe lab, recognizing the different types of hazardous waste and how to handle them is the first step towards proper management and abiding by all regulations.
The Real Dangers of Hazardous Waste Incidents in Laboratories
Hazardous waste can quickly turn simple spills into deadly accidents if not handled correctly.
In 2009, a tragic incident occurred at UCLA when a research assistant, Sheri Sangji, suffered fatal injuries from a fire caused by tert-butyllithium, a highly flammable compound.
The chemical ignited when it came into contact with air, causing severe burns that led to her death 18 days later. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined UCLA $31,875 for workplace safety violations.
All academic labs need hazardous waste standards and protocols to maintain long-term safety.
Regulations Surrounding Common Lab Waste
Managing hazardous lab waste requires adhering to a complex framework of federal, state, and local regulations designed to protect human health and the environment.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary federal law governing the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste in the United States.
Key Aspects of RCRA Regulations for Laboratories:
Waste Identification
Laboratories must identify whether their waste is hazardous.
This involves determining whether the waste is listed by the EPA or exhibits hazardous characteristics such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.
Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs)
Labs can accumulate up to 55 gallons of hazardous waste or one quart of acutely hazardous waste in containers at or near the point of generation. The operator generating the waste must control these containers and label them appropriately.
Container Management
Waste containers must be kept in good condition, compatible with their contents, and closed except when adding or removing waste. Weekly inspections of waste storage areas are required to ensure compliance.
Time Limits
Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) can store hazardous waste on-site for up to 180 days, while Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) have 90 days to dispose of their waste.
EPA Subpart K Regulations for Academic Laboratories
To address the unique challenges academic laboratories face, the EPA developed Subpart K regulations, providing alternative standards for managing hazardous waste.
These regulations apply to colleges, universities, and affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutions.
Some of the key takeaways from Subpart K include:
- Trained professionals, rather than students, must make hazardous waste determinations. This ensures accuracy and safety in identifying hazardous materials.
- Hazardous waste must be removed from the laboratory every twelve months. This regulation aims to reduce the risk of accidents involving old or expired chemicals
- Allowing eligible academic entities the flexibility to decide when and where on-site hazardous waste determinations are made.
- Offering incentives for removing old and expired chemicals that may pose risks from the laboratories.
- Requiring the development of a Laboratory Management Plan, in which entities specify best waste management practices
State and Local Regulations
State and local regulations sometimes provide requirements different from those of federal regulations.
For example, some states may have stricter time limits for on-site waste storage or more detailed reporting requirements. Pay attention to your state’s laws to avoid penalties.
Partnering with certified hazardous waste disposal services like HWH Environmental ensures that waste is handled and disposed of in compliance with all regulations.
Types of Hazardous Waste Found in Labs
There are three main types of hazardous lab waste: chemical, biological, and sharps. Here are the main things you need to know about chemical waste.
Chemical Waste
You need to be meticulous in your handling of chemical waste. Any reactions or exposures could have serious consequences.
Some common chemical wastes include solvents, reagents, and other chemical substances used in lab experiments.
When storing, utilize containers compatible with the waste material to prevent reactions. These must be appropriately labeled to avoid any interactions.
You must also keep incompatible chemicals separate to avoid reactions. For example, store oxidizers away from flammables.
In other cases, chemical wastes need to be neutralized before disposal. Follow lab protocols and guidelines for neutralization procedures.
Best Practices for Handling Lab Waste
Label all hazardous waste containers with their contents, date, and hazard class. Separate different types of hazardous waste to avoid potentially dangerous reactions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves appropriate for the type of hazardous waste handled to protect against spills and contamination.
- Use safety goggles or face shields to guard against splashes and flying debris.
- Wear protective clothing, including lab coats and aprons, to minimize contamination and protect your skin.
Safe Handling and Storage
- Handle hazardous materials in fume hoods or biosafety cabinets to reduce exposure to harmful substances.
- Store hazardous waste in designated areas with proper ventilation and away from incompatible materials. Keep containers closed when not in use to prevent spills and evaporation.
Spill Response and Emergency Procedures
- Keep spill kits readily accessible and stocked with absorbent materials, neutralizers, and protective equipment.
- Regularly train staff on emergency procedures and the proper use of spill kits to ensure prompt and effective responses.
- Know the location of first aid kits and eye wash stations and be familiar with their use in case of exposure.
Waste Disposal Procedures
- Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations for hazardous waste disposal, which may include specific procedures for chemical, biological, and radioactive wastes.
- Partner with certified waste disposal contractors like HWH Environmental for safe and legal disposal.
- Maintain detailed records of waste generation, storage, and disposal to facilitate tracking and compliance with regulations.
Expert Tips for Lab Techs
The best tip for handling hazardous lab waste is to take part in regular training programs so you and your lab are updated on the latest safety protocols and regulations related to hazardous waste handling.
Familiarize yourself with the Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous materials in your lab. These sheets provide information about handling, storage, and emergency measures for the different hazardous wastes in your lab.
Don’t forget to conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
If there is an accident, report all spills, exposures, and safety incidents.
How HWH Environmental Helps with Hazardous Laboratory Waste
HWH Environmental specializes in the safe and compliant disposal of hazardous lab waste. With extensive experience and expertise, we provide comprehensive waste management solutions tailored to your lab’s needs.
Contact us today for a quote for quick and reliable hazardous lab waste disposal services.
