were no significant findings identified in this portion of the self-assessment project. Conclusions and Future Improvements Conclusions The following improvements to the EETD wet lab areas have been made as a result of this project: A of 558 old chemical containers were identified and removed from the EETD lab areas. This has resulted in improved housekeeping and additional space in the affected labs. A number of hazardous chemicals were removed from the lab improving overall safety and compliance. Some containers removed were very old dating back to the 1970s. The containers included carcinogens and reproductive toxins. Others were identified as potentially reactive peroxide forming chemicals with a limited shelf life. The process used enables a large quantity of containers to be collected and disposed without as much effort in labeling and form submission than required for other regular waste streams. The PIs in the affected lab areas were very appreciative of the assistance given to them. This was a good inter-Division effort that required a good deal of teamwork. The EHS Division is commended for their help and support. Recommendations and Suggested Future Improvements The following recommendations should be addressed in order to further improve future collection projects involving old chemicals: A single consolidated spreadsheet needs to be used for tracking old chemicals during future clean-out efforts. (EETD Safety Manager) Future old chemical disposal campaigns are needed in EETD lab areas. The timing of these campaigns need to be coordinated through the Waste Management Group with an expectation that the effort will take at least three months to complete. (EETD Safety Manager/Waste Management Group, CATS Item #9167) Old chemical containers should not be segregated into separate trays outside the normal storage locations since it could take several months before they are actually picked up for disposal. They can be identified with the established orange sticker and placed back “dot” into the regular storage location until a day before pick-up. (EETD Safety Manager) There is a need for a process to dispose of numerous unknown samples inherited inside several lab areas. (EETD Safety Manager/Waste Management Group) EETD needs to emphasize current lab requirements for retiring PI’s who are vacating lab spaces. The Division Safety Manager needs to develop a process that ensures that old chemicals are not left behind for another researcher to (EETD Safety “inherit”. Manager/PIs)
were no significant findings identified in this portion of the self-assessment project. Conclusions and Future Improvements Conclusions The following improvements to the EETD wet lab areas have been made as a result of this project: A of 558 old chemical containers were identified and removed from the EETD lab areas. This has resulted in improved housekeeping and additional space in the affected labs. A number of hazardous chemicals were removed from the lab improving overall safety and compliance. Some containers removed were very old dating back to the 1970s. The containers included carcinogens and reproductive toxins. Others were identified as potentially reactive peroxide forming chemicals with a limited shelf life. The process used enables a large quantity of containers to be collected and disposed without as much effort in labeling and form submission than required for other regular waste streams. The PIs in the affected lab areas were very appreciative of the assistance given to them. This was a good inter-Division effort that required a good deal of teamwork. The EHS Division is commended for their help and support. Recommendations and Suggested Future Improvements The following recommendations should be addressed in order to further improve future collection projects involving old chemicals: A single consolidated spreadsheet needs to be used for tracking old chemicals during future clean-out efforts. (EETD Safety Manager) Future old chemical disposal campaigns are needed in EETD lab areas. The timing of these campaigns need to be coordinated through the Waste Management Group with an expectation that the effort will take at least three months to complete. (EETD Safety Manager/Waste Management Group, CATS Item #9167) Old chemical containers should not be segregated into separate trays outside the normal storage locations since it could take several months before they are actually picked up for disposal. They can be identified with the established orange “dot” sticker and placed back into the regular storage location until a day before pick-up. (EETD Safety Manager) There is a need for a process to dispose of numerous unknown samples inherited inside several lab areas. (EETD Safety Manager/Waste Management Group) EETD needs to emphasize current lab requirements for retiring PI’s who are vacating lab spaces. The Division Safety Manager needs to develop a process that ensures that old chemicals are not left behind for another researcher to “inherit”. (EETD Safety Manager/PIs)
EETD%20Old%20Chemical%20Self%20Assessment_Rev%202.docx