Reminders for all Hazardous waste generators

  1. Do I know about the hazards (e.g. reactivity and toxicity) of the chemicals I use?
    • Read material safety data sheet, chemical safety handbook and chemical dictionary for information.
  2. Is the CW generated stable to store? Is it readily decompose at room temperature, sensitive to moisture, light and air?
    • If yes, immediate treatment/disposal of this CW is necessary.
  3. Is the CW producing gas or likely to evolve gas on standing?
    • Gas evolution is sign of chemical reaction in progress. The reaction must be ceased before a CW can be dispose of  to a chemical waste container. Continuous gas production can build up pressure inside a capped CW container to explosive level.
    • Temporarily keep the CW in an operating fume cupboard until gas evolution is completed.
  4. Do I know the correct waste stream of my chemical waste?
    • Refer to CW streaming guide in
      • “Procedures for Disposal of Chemical Waste” booklet, section A.4,
      • “HKUST Safety and Environmental Protection Manual” chapter 16, section D4, or
  5. Do I have a standard CW container for my generated waste?
    • If no, request for a standard CW container at HSEO website/Hazardous Waste/Request for CW Collection 
  6. Is the CW compatible with the waste currently inside the CW container?
    • Conduct a compatibility test with reference to procedure in
      • “Procedures for Disposal of Chemical Waste” booklet, section A.7,
      • “HKUST Safety and Environmental Protection Manual” chapter 16, section D7, or
      • HSEO website
      • Some dangerous reaction products can be formed with delay; CW generators must pay attention to special cases.
      • Read chemical compatibility information
        • E.g. HSEO website which consists of i) a chemical compatibility chart, ii) examples of incompatibility chemicals, and iii) examples of potentially incompatible waste groups.
      • Consult your supervisor
  7. Do I fill-out the chemical waste log sheet immediately after I dispose of a CW into a CW container?
    • Information on the chemical waste log sheet is very important in tracking the compatibility among different batches of CW which are disposed of to a same container, therefore, remember to fill-out the log sheet immediately after disposal.
  8. Do I have a spill tray for the CW container?
    • All liquid waste containers need spill trays. If you do not have a spill tray, raise a request at HSEO website/Hazardous Waste/Request for CW Collection
  9. Do I inspect the CW container periodically for leakage, deformation and deterioration?
    • CW container can be deformed if it is subject to high pressure or/and highly drastic reagent.      
  10. Do I comply with the general requirements stated in the “Checklist for CW Management” at HSEO website/Hazardous Waste 

 

Remedial action is necessary if the answer to any one item is "NO".