The design of a hazardous waste storage area is intended to ensure that, in the case of a spill, waste stays in the storage area. From the types of containers used to the waste itself, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) dictates how waste should be stored. Keep reading to learn about important Maine hazardous waste storage requirements. (more…)
Dangerous goods and hazardous materials are littered with various markings and labels. Each identifier on a package is there to alert you, transporters, and handlers of the inherent risks contained in the package. All shipping and handling information must be displayed and affixed to the outside of the container and meet specific size, color, and arrangement requirements. Continue reading to learn the differences between dangerous goods labels and markings. (more…)
In addition to historical environmental due diligence objectives in healthcare, robust state and federal regulations have added a new layer of responsibility to healthcare providers. With environmental matters, in particular, healthcare facilities have a slew of responsibilities when it comes to the waste they generate. Healthcare waste includes everything from hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceuticals to pathological specimens. Waste is encompassed in legal, environmental and regulatory matters found within the ethics of due diligence in healthcare. (more…)
Hospitals in the United States produce over 5.9 million tons of medical waste annually. This doesn’t include medical waste from other healthcare facilities like family doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and dental offices. Of that 5.9 million tons, 25% is regulated biohazardous waste containing infectious or potentially infectious substances such as bodily fluids or blood. We’ve compiled a biohazard guide to help you assess your hazardous waste disposal needs. (more…)
As of April 13, 2020, the United States has over 525,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). With the treatment of coronavirus patients comes an influx of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical waste contaminated with the virus. Proper coronavirus waste management can help protect those in medical environments from exposure and contamination.
(more…)
A packing group (PG) is a classification defined by the level of danger presented by a hazardous material being packaged for shipment. There are 3 packing groups for hazardous materials:
Unknown chemicals are often the product of poor housekeeping and being lackadaisical in laboratory safety. For hazardous waste generators and disposal companies alike, unknown chemical wastes are a liability and must be analyzed and properly categorized before they can be safely handled and treated.
Preparing for an audit by your state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may seem daunting. However, knowing your responsibilities and keeping up to date with requirements will help you avoid fines if you go through a DEP audit.
All schools with small-scale, non-production laboratories where small experiments occur must develop a chemical hygiene plan (CHP). OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard, effective May 1, 1990, specifies the requirements of a CHP.
A chemical hygiene plan seeks to control chemical and physical hazards associated with the exposure and use of chemicals in a school laboratory.
A CHP must be developed under OSHA’s laboratory standards and has a variety of requirements that must be met. The laboratory safety standard requires the following:
While OSHA has a variety of requirements for a CHP, there is always room for improvement when it comes to the safety of children and the community. There are a variety of best practices that can ensure your management plan is effective:
Overall, delegating responsibilities ensures that a variety of people are well-versed in your CHP and helps you keep safety at the forefront of faculty and staff’s minds.
At Maine Labpack, Inc. we understand that writing a chemical hygiene plan can be daunting. We are here to guide you, conduct a walk-through of your facility, and help you write or rewrite a CHP. Request a quote today!
Chemistry and other science programs in schools can be inherently dangerous if not managed properly. The U.S. Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have a variety of regulations in place for chemicals in schools to protect you, students, and the community from a chemical emergency.
A chemical hygiene plan (CHP) is a written document developed by a school detailing a plan of action for purchasing chemicals, managing chemicals, and chemical spill procedures. Each school must have a written CHP, updated annually, according to the OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450). Some of the things that a CHP covers include:
Proper chemical management helps to minimize the risk of accidental exposures and chemical emergencies in schools. In addition to a CHP, many schools in the U.S. have implemented a variety of other guidelines to protect their faculty, staff, and students from toxic chemicals. Some of the extra guidelines include:
Often, school chemicals sit for extended periods and get lost on shelves never to be used. While some of these chemicals are non-hazardous, often they are an EPA hazardous waste that must be taken into special consideration for disposal. A licensed hazardous waste disposal company must take all lab chemicals no longer in-use or spent and dispose of them in compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
At Maine Labpack, Inc. we are able to help your school develop a CHP that works for you, help you through all regulations and keep you compliant, and dispose of all your chemical waste. Want to learn more about OSHA chemical hygiene plans? Contact us today.
