Working Safely with Chemicals

• Chemical Safety Concepts

• Safe Use and Storage
• Disposal of Chemicals
• Emergencies
• Radiation Safety
Disposal of Unwanted Chemicals
…..

Chemical Disposal Methods….

– In-Lab Chemical management
– On-Site Hazardous Materials Management -
OSHMM
– Redistribution of Unwanted Chemicals -

ITS FREE!!!!
In-Lab Chemical Management

– Flushing down the sanitary sewer (limited to

chemicals on drain disposal guideline SYG01)
– Neutralization
– Normal Trash
• If you have questions or are uncomfortable
with steps outlined for in-lab management,
please call EHS at 814-865-6391
 Acid Neutralization
(hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfuric,
[<50%] acids)
Use fume hood & wear PPE
– Dilute acid with cold water to 1:10 (always add acid to
water)
– Slowly add sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate
until pH between 5 & 10
– Allow solids to settle
– Decant solution to drain with at least 50 times the
volume of water
– Allow solid to dry and package for disposal in normal
trash