Special Wastes

Waste Batteries

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the University of Minnesota DEHS prohibit the disposal of waste batteries in the trash. Batteries must be disposed of as either hazardous waste or industrial solid waste.

Dry Cell and Button Batteries

All batteries require special collection and processing because of their heavy metal content. Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries from businesses are not allowed to go into solid waste streams which will be incinerated.

If you have any questions about battery collection or battery pick-up, or To request a waste battery collection container, please call the UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office at  6764, or email:kimba013@umn.edu,

The container comes labeled with instructions.  Batteries Collection containers are emptied once a month. .  A copy of the battery container label is included here if you should need one.   If you are not using one of the pre-labeled containers, attach a copy of this label to the container you are using.

If you know the specific type of batteries you are collecting, use that information to complete the waste packing form and send your batteries as hazardous waste. For mixed batteries, use the "mixed dry cell batteries" information to complete the form:

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries (automotive batteries) must be stored in a curbed, impermeable-surface storage area. Secondary containment trays are available through University Stores, (612) 624-4878, part no. CX18999. Prior to collection by the Chemical Waste Program, these batteries should be individually packaged upright in a sturdy plastic-lined box.

Use the following codes for lead acid batteries on the waste packing form:

Before you dispose of electronic equipment, and if the equipment still functions properly, put a piece of tape on the equipment and write on the tape the word "Works," otherwise mark the tape with the words "Does Not Work."contact other University departments to see if they can use the equipment.  If other departments can use the equipment, notify University Inventory Services of the transfer.  If no University department can use the equipment, contact University Inventory Services to have them delete the equipment from the inventory system. The equipment should then be collected by Facilities Management department for shipment to a state licensed recycler.

At the moment, the University sends its electronic waste to Asset Recovery Corp.

If you have large amounts of electronic equipment, it should be collected/ packaged in Gaylord boxes,

To request a pick up or a Gaylord box, call:
Environmental Health and Safety Office at 6764, or 7139

Questions about electronic waste, call:
Environmental Health and Safety Office at: 7273

Note: No hazardous chemicals should be sent or given to a recycler, or included with electronic equipment.

Examples of Electronic Equipment  

Compressed Gas Containers/Aerosol Cans

Due to lack of disposal options and outlets for waste gas cylinders, disposal of these items presents a special problem for the Chemical Waste Program. The few disposal companies which accept gas cylinders generally require certification that the cylinders are equipped with working valves and the contents of the cylinders are known.

The Chemical Waste Program has two possible disposal options - a disposal company may:

1. vent the cylinder into a chemical waste incinerator or into the flow of another chemical treatment process; or

2. recapture the cylinder contents and recycle the gas.

Both of these options cost from $300 to $10,000 per cylinder depending on size and contents. Therefore, all purchase orders for new cylinders must state that the vendor will accept the return of the empty or partially empty cylinder from the University.

It is very important that users of gas cylinders prevent damage to the cylinders and valves and keep the cylinders properly labeled as to their contents. It is very expensive to analyze an unknown cylinder and even more expensive to transfer the contents of a damaged cylinder into a DOT approved cylinder.

Arrangements should be made at the time of purchase for return of the cylinders.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Compressed gas cylinders should be submitted for collection according to the following procedures:

1. Return gas cylinders, whether empty or partially filled, to the manufacturer or distributor through which they were purchased. If the manufacturer will not accept the cylinders for disposal, they should be purchased through another supplier. If originally purchased through the University storehouse, contact the University Stores at (612) 624-2094 to make arrangements for return of gas cylinders.

2. Use up all of the gas in a cylinder to render it empty if at all possible. Empty cylinders should be clearly marked as empty to avoid confusion when it comes to return or disposal of the cylinder. Do not vent full or partially used cylinders into fume hoods as a means of disposal.

3. In the event it is not possible to return the cylinders as specified above, submit the cylinders for waste pickup by the Chemical Waste Program following normal disposal procedures. Make sure the cylinders are clearly marked as to contents and valves are properly sealed and capped.

Disposable Propane and Butane Containers

Empty disposable propane and butane bottles should be submitted for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program in accordance with normal University hazardous waste disposal procedures.

Aerosol Cans

Dispose of aerosol cans according to the following procedures:

1. Chemical products in aerosol cans should be used up in their intended manner whenever possible. When aerosol cans are empty (at atmospheric pressure), they may be disposed of in the trash.

2. If the aerosol can is not empty, submit for waste collection by the Chemical Waste Program. Note that in packaging, the cans should stand upright in the box and be capped to prevent the release of contents. If the ingredients of the can are known, list them on the waste form with the respective percent composition. If a commercial product, list company name, location and any hazard information listed on the can.

Controlled Substances

Substances registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) should be sent to the Chemical Waste Program for proper disposal. A list of the controlled substances most commonly found in research and clinical labs at the University are listed in this Guidebook (see Table 5-1).

All registrants transferring controlled substances must complete a Form 41 Registrants Inventory of Drugs Surrendered http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr_reports/surrend/. One Form 41 should be prepared for each package of substances submitted for transfer. It is important to include the DEA Registrant number. If you do not have one, indicate "unknown" or "abandoned" in the box. Include your department. building and room number in the "From" section. Mail or fax one copy of the completed Form 41 to DEHS. The mailing address is:

Retain one copy of Form 41 for your records. DEHS will schedule a transfer of the substances. DEHS will complete a Form 222 for Schedule II substances submitted for transfer.

Prior to shipment, the authorized transporter (DEHS staff) will verify the contents of the package with the Form 41. Both the registrant and transporter will sign and date the Form 41. A copy of the document with two signatures will be left with the registrant. The controlled substances will be transported to the University's Thompson Center for Environmental Management (TCEM). The authorized receiver will accept the package and verify the contents with the Form 41. The receiver will sign and date the Form 41. A copy of the Form 41 with 3 signatures will be sent to the registrant as a record of receipt. Retain this for your records.

Transfer Documentation

Researchers who have excess controlled substances in syringes after a research procedure are required to collect the excess in a slurry bottle and document the contents of the slurry bottle on a Form 41 Registrants Inventory of Drugs Surrendered http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr_reports/surrend/. Use the same procedure as above to initiate collection.

In order to obtain a slurry bottle, contact Hazardous Waste 612-626-1604 or hazwaste@umn.edu. Indicate your location and Campus Mail address.

Table 5-1 Typical Controlled Substances

Ethidium Bromide

Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is a powerful mutagen widely used in biochemical research laboratories for visualizing nucleic acids. The compound forms fluorescent complexes by intercalation and these compounds are readily visible under ultraviolet (UV) light. EtBr is generally used in the laboratory dissolved in water or buffer solutions.

Since EtBr is so widely used, proper management of EtBr containing waste and EtBr contaminated materials is important. Below are the procedures to be followed for EtBr containing waste and EtBr contaminated materials:

Aqueous Solutions of Ethidium Bromide or Cesium Chloride/Ethidium Bromide

Aqueous solutions of less than 10 mg/L EtBr may be disposed of in the sanitary sewer.

Aqueous solutions of more than 10 mg/L EtBr must first be treated before they are disposed of in the sanitary sewer or they may be sent to the Chemical Waste Program. Aqueous solutions can be deactivated by either the Lunn and Sansone method or the Armour method and then disposed of in the sanitary sewer. The Lunn and Sansone method degrades EtBr by reaction with sodium nitrite and hypophosphorous acid in aqueous solution. The Armour method degrades EtBr with household bleach.

Alternatively, the solution can be filtered through an EtBr filter. While wearing proper protective equipment, the paper carbon filter disk containing EtBr must be removed from the filter using a forceps and then processed through the University of Minnesota Chemical Waste Program. The remaining polypropylene filter unit can be rinsed with bleach, and disposed of as solid waste.

Note: Waste solutions greater than 10 mg/L must not be diluted and then disposed of by sewer under this policy. Dilution as a partial or complete substitute for pretreatment before discharge in a public sewer is prohibited by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (Waste Discharge Rules for the Metropolitan Disposal System, Article IV, Section 404.00).

Acrylamide and Agarose Gels Containing Ethidium Bromide

Acrylamide and agarose gels containing less than 10 mg/L EtBr can be disposed of in the trash. Gels that are trashed should be put in double lined trash bags and labeled as nonhazardous.

Acrylamide and agarose gels containing more than 10 mg/L EtBr must be processed through the University of Minnesota Chemical Waste Program.

Alcohol Solutions of Ethidium Bromide

Because alcohols are flammable, all alcohol solutions containing EtBr should be processed as hazardous waste through the University of Minnesota Chemical Waste Program.

Lab ware Contaminated with Ethidium Bromide

Contaminated labware includes needles, disposable gloves, pipettes, test tubes, etc. that are contaminated with EtBr. Depending on the type of waste that you generate, follow the procedures below.

• Needles, scalpels, Pasteur pipettes and other sharps contaminated with EtBr should be disposed of directly into a sharps container.

• Volumetric or transfer pipettes, and other disposable glassware contaminated with EtBr should be disposed of in a waste container designated for glass disposal. Grossly contaminated (visibly contaminated) glassware should be washed with bleach before disposal in the designated container.

• Test tubes and centrifuge tubes contaminated with EtBr should first be emptied, with the liquid disposed of according to the procedures given above. Empty tubes can then be disposed of in the trash. Grossly contaminated (visibly contaminated) tubes should be washed with bleach prior to disposal.

• Laboratory equipment (e.g. transilluminators, laboratory floors and counter tops, etc.) contaminated with aqueous solutions of more than 10 mg/L EtBr should be decontaminated using the Lunn and Sansone method for decontamination of equipment contaminated with EtBr. This is done by scrubbing the contaminated lab equipment with paper towels soaked in a freshly prepared aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and hypophosphorous acid while wearing the proper protective equipment. The towels are then decontaminated in the decontamination solution before disposal in the trash.

• Most other disposable labware (e.g. sample vials, disposable beakers, etc.) contaminated with EtBr may be disposed of in the normal trash. Grossly contaminated (visibly contaminated) disposable labware should be washed with bleach prior to disposal.

Spills of Ethidium Bromide

Small spills (less than 0.5 L) of aqueous solutions of more than 10 mg/L EtBr and the resulting contaminated lab equipment can be decontaminated using the Lunn and Sansone method for decontamination of equipment contaminated with EtBr. The EtBr is degraded by wiping the surface with paper towels soaked in a freshly prepared decontamination solution (an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and hypophosphorous acid) while wearing the proper protective equipment.

All spills containing Ethidium Bromide should be reported to EHS at (612) 626-6002.

Lunn and Sansone Ethidium Bromide Destruction Method

1. Carry out the following steps in a fume hood and follow all laboratory safety precautions, including proper protective clothing.

2. Dilute solutions containing EtBr to concentration <0.05% w/v (50mg/100mL).

3. For each 100mL of EtBr solution add 20mL of fresh 5% hypophosphorous acid and 12mL of fresh 0.5M sodium nitrite solution. Check that the pH of the solution is <3.0. Stir briefly.

4. After reacting for at least 20 hours, neutralize with sodium bicarbonate, then rinse the solution down the sanitary sewer with water.

Armour Ethidium Bromide Destruction Method

(Armour, Margaret-Ann. 1994. Personal communication.)
(Kaufman, James A. ed. 1990. Waste Disposal in Academic Institutions. Lewis Publishers. pp. 127-8)

1. Carry out the following steps in a fume hood and follow all laboratory safety precautions, including proper protective clothing.

2. Dilute solutions containing EtBr to concentration <0.034% w/v (34mg/100mL).

3. Add 10mL of fresh bleach for every 1mg EtBr.

4. Stir at room temperature for at least 4 hours.

5. The EtBr is converted to the physiologically inactive product 2-carboxybenzophenone, and the solution should then be rinsed down the sanitary sewer with water.

Lunn and Sansone Method for the Decontamination of Equipment Contaminated with Ethidium Bromide

(Lunn, George, and Sansone, Eric B. 1994. Destruction of Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. pp. 186.)

1. Before decontamination, deenergize all electrical equipment and wear the appropriate protective equipment.

2. The decontamination solution is prepared by adding 20mL of 50% hypophosphorous acid to a solution of 2g of sodium nitrite in 300mL of water.

3. Scrub the contaminated surface or equipment with a paper towel soaked in the freshly prepared decontamination solution. Scrub another five times with paper towels soaked in the freshly prepared decontamination solution, using a fresh towel each time.

4. Place all the used towels in a large container and soak them in fresh decontamination solution for at least one hour.

5. Neutralize used decontamination solution and towels with sodium bicarbonate. The towels can then be discarded in the trash, and the solution may be rinsed down the sanitary sewer with water.

Note: A small amount of nitrogen dioxide may be given off when the decontamination solution is initially mixed, so the procedure should be carried out in a chemical fume hood.

Fluorescent, High Intensity Discharge (HID), and UV Germicidal Lamps

Fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), and UV germicidal lamps are considered a hazardous waste and must be collected intact for proper disposal or recycling. The University of Minnesota recycles these lamps to provide raw materials for new products and, most importantly, to prevent mercury from contaminating the environment.

Procedures

Fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), and UV germicidal lamps must be collected in containers that protect the lamps during collection and transportation. The original shipping container is the preferred collection package for spent lamps. Remove any cardboard end pieces to assure that lamps fit in the box. Do not put the individual lamp sleeves on the spent lamps. The Chemical   Also, EHSO have boxes available for packaging standard 4 foot and 8 foot length fluorescent lamps. To order a packing box, call Ext:6764.

Mercury vapor lamps and other odd shaped fluorescent tubes Shorter than 4 feet lamps can be packaged in any sturdy box. In the case of smaller bulbs, additional packing materials may need to be added to prevent breakage.

Remove sleeves and tape from spent lamps when packing for waste collection. Taping lamps together increases the chance of breakage during the recycling process.

Properly mark the box with the words "Hazardous Waste." The contents, start date, number and size of lamps must be listed on each box.

Facilities Management personnel may choose to post the area in which the bulbs and tubes are collected with the words "Hazardous Waste - collection site for fluorescent, HID and UV germicidal lamps." This method does not require that each box be labeled.

If you happen to break fluorescent, HID, or UV germicidal lamps, collect the broken glass, metal or plastic as a hazardous waste. When fluorescent lamps and HIDs are broken, mercury is released to the environment, but some mercury still remains on the surfaces of the glass, phosphor and the metal or plastic. This debris must be collected as hazardous waste and the container sealed. The container must be properly labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste," the contents listed as "broken fluorescent lamps" with the start date of accumulation.

It costs the University more to have broken lamps processed than intact lamps, but collection of the broken lamps helps keep mercury releases to the environment at a minimum.

Once the box is full, properly packed and sealed, arrange for collection. If you generate a large number of lamps and are located at an off-campus location, call EHSO ext: 6764 to arrange for collection.

Labware

Procedures

Empty chemical containers which did not contain pesticides, toxic, or acutely toxic (P-list EPA waste code, found in the Chemical Registry) may be disposed in the trash.   Empty glass bottles should be rinsed to remove residual chemicals, air dried, placed in a separate outer container (e.g. cardboard box or plastic pail) and labeled as "nonhazardous waste containing (broken) glass."

Laboratories may recycle rinsed flint glass containers (not labeled as Pyrex, Kimax, etc.) with the lids or caps removed through the University Recycling Program. For empty solvent bottles intended for recycling, uncap the container, rinse with water, remove labels or mark as "empty," and place it in a fume hood to air dry. Collect any residual solvent from containers as hazardous waste prior to rinsing.

Contact the Chemical Recycling Program at 6764 to recycle borosilicate (Pyrex or Kimax) containers and laboratory glassware such as test tubes, flasks, pipets, etc.

Empty bottles which originally contained pesticides or ingredients considered acutely toxic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be disposed of or recycled after triple rinsing. Acutely toxic chemicals can be identified by an EPA# which begins with "P" listed in the Chemical Waste Registry.

Rinse bottles that contained pesticides, heavy metals (except mercury) or acutely toxic chemicals three times with 10% of the bottle volume of an appropriate solvent which is capable of removing the chemical. The rinsate must be collected as hazardous waste. Pesticides rinsates should be land applied when possible per EPA regulations or disposed of as hazardous waste.

If highly toxic residue remains on the labware, contact the UMD environmental Health and Safety Office EHSO at ext:6764 to determine the appropriate route of disposal. It may be necessary to dispose of the contaminated labware as hazardous waste. Complete a waste packing form for the contaminated labware. Label as "Lab ware (or glassware) contaminated with ______" (state name of highly toxic residue). These containers with residues are not acceptable for recycling, but they may be used to collect compatible hazardous waste. These containers must be relabeled appropriately.

Mercury Contaminated Lab ware must be collected as hazardous waste.

Mixed Waste

Chemicals Mixed with Radioactive and/or Biological Materials

Mixed waste is any waste that contains both EPA-regulated chemical waste and radioactive isotopes. These wastes are difficult and costly for the University to dispose of and should be generated only when necessary and in prudent amounts. As hazardous and radioactive wastes are regulated under separate jurisdictions (EPA and NRC respectively), and as the treatment goals are different for each jurisdiction, management of these waste streams can be complicated.

For the generator of mixed waste, the first strategy is minimization and segregation so that the least amount of mixed waste is produced. Refer to Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, National Research Council, 1995, pages 150-160 for techniques to minimize mixed waste generation.

Once generated, mixed waste needs to be reported to and co-managed by both the Chemical Waste and the Radiation Protection Programs. Follow the procedures in the UMD Radiation Protection Program

Peroxide-Forming Chemicals

Some common laboratory chemicals can form peroxides on exposure to air. Peroxides are shock-sensitive and can be violently explosive in concentrated form or as solids. Others can result in rapid polymerization and can initiate a runaway, explosive reaction. The most commonly used peroxide-forming chemicals are: diethyl ether (ethyl ether), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxane. Isopropyl ether (diisopropyl ether) is a severe peroxide hazard. Organic peroxides are another class of compounds with unusual stability problems and as such are one of the most hazardous class of chemicals normally handled in the laboratory. Organic peroxides are listed in the Chemical Registry  with "12" as the first two digits of the DDC number.

Due to the unstable nature of organic peroxides, it is necessary to contact the UMD EHSO, ext:6764 when discarding these chemicals.

Storage Procedures

The best way to manage chemicals that have the potential for forming shock sensitive peroxides is to purchase only the quantity that is required in a one month period. Store the material in a tightly closed, properly labeled container in a flammable storage cabinet, away from flames, heat, sources of ignition, light, oxidizers and oxidizing acids.

Caution: All peroxidizable compounds should be stored away from heat and light. They should be protected from physical damage and ignition sources.

When peroxide-forming chemicals reach their expiration date, it is recommended that you process the chemicals for waste collection. If peroxide concentrations are greater than 80 ppm, call Env. Health and Safety Office 6764 (see Testing Procedure section below).

If a peroxide forming chemical is older than its expiration date or is stored longer than the time limits (see Table 5-2), follow these procedures:

Prior to moving the container, examine it.

1. Call our office 6764 if crystals are visible in the chemical solution or if crystals are on or in the container. Closely examine the container near the cap for the presence of crystals. Some peroxide crystals in solution have a very fine, spun glass-wool appearance.

   Do not test these compounds for peroxides; let Chemical Waste Program personnel manage these containers.

2. Call the Chemical Waste Program if the container has a metal screw cap. Do not open the container. Metal capped containers

3. Call the Chemical Waste Program if the container has been stored longer than two years.

Leave the container where it was found until Chemical Waste Program staff arrive:

If the container was picked up, gently put it down in a safe place. Do not shake the container or place it near sources of heat or ignition. Tape-off the area containing the potentially shock sensitive compound and warn laboratory personnel of its presence.

Testing Procedures

Routinely test the chemical on a monthly basis, after its expiration date, for peroxide formation.

If you determine the container is safe to open:

Test the peroxide-forming chemical with a commercial test strip. Commercial test strips have a test range of 0.5 to 50 ppm (mg/L) or 3 to 100 ppm. If peroxides are greater than the concentration range measured by the test strip, a serial dilution with deionized water is necessary to determine a semi-quantitative concentration of peroxides.

The following concentration guidelines apply:

Alternate Peroxide Test:

The procedure listed below only indicates the presence of peroxides and does not indicate their concentration.

To 10 ml of a 20 percent aqueous solution of the unknown add:

1. Small spatula of sodium iodide or potassium iodide
2. Five ml of distilled water
3. Five ml of organic solvent (methanol or ethanol)
4. A few drops of concentrated hydrochloric or sulfuric acid

An instant color change indicates the presence of peroxides

• yellow to faint orange = negligible amount of peroxides
• purple to dark violet or brown = peroxides present

If this procedure indicates a dark violet or brown color, call the Chemical Waste Program for packaging and removal.

Peroxide Inhibitor

If any peroxides are detected, a "dash" of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) should be added to the container to inhibit further peroxidation. Chemicals containing less than 80 ppm peroxides should have the BHT added, unless it is determined that the inhibitor will adversely affect experimental work.

Warning Label

A warning label should be affixed to all containers of peroxidizable compounds, as illustrated below, to indicate the date of receipt and the date the container was first opened.

Emergency Disposal

The UMD Env. Health and Office will have the Bomb Squad remove any containers of peroxide forming chemicals if:

1. the chemical has a peroxide concentration of greater than 400 ppm,
2. the container has crystals in or on it,
3. the container is metal with a metal cap, or
4. the chemical is suspected to be shock-sensitive due to its age.

Pesticides, Experimental

The University has several researchers who use experimental pesticides in their work. These experimental pesticides are only problematic as hazardous waste if the producer of the pesticide will not provide enough information about the formulation to allow proper categorization for disposal. In this situation, the Chemical Waste Program must test the pesticide and dispose of it as if it were an unknown. This is costly and also gives rise to some safety issues since the true hazards of the material are not fully known for handling and packaging purposes.

If you have any concerns regarding the stability of a chemical you wish to test, contact the Chemical Waste Program at (612) 626-6002 prior to testing.

Procedures

When planning to accept experimental pesticides for a research project, request that the producer agree to accept any residuals once the project is completed. The researcher should return the residuals in a timely manner.

If the producer will not accept the residuals, request the active ingredient and carrier information which would facilitate disposal. With this information, the waste may be prepared for disposal following normal procedures.

If the producer has not agreed to accept the residuals or provide adequate information about the pesticide, the material will need to be processed as an unknown. Call the our office at 6764 for assistance

Photo Fixer

To assist with waste minimization efforts, spent photo fixer is collected as hazardous waste from University generators and the silver reclaimed. For this reason, spent photo fixer is collected and disposed of separately from other photographic waste.

Procedures

1. Collect fixer in appropriate containers

2. Do not fill containers to the top. Leave about 3 inches at the top of the container to facilitate the recovery process. Containers will not be collected if overfilled.

3. Place the hazardous waste  label on the container.  Record the contents, accumulation start date (the first day spent fixer is placed in the container), department name, and the name of a contact person.

4. Do not add other photo chemicals to the waste fixer container.

5. Fill out a waste packing form for photo fixer and submit to CWP.

Picric Acid

Picric acid (2,4,-trinitrophenol) is common in laboratories. It is normally sold containing 10 to 15% water in a plastic-capped glass container and, in this state, is relatively safe to handle. Dry Picric acid, however, can explode when exposed to friction, shock, or sudden heating. Moreover, Picric acid can form salts on contact with metals, and heavy metal picrates are highly sensitive to detonation.

Procedures

If you have relatively fresh Picric acid which is clearly still wetted, simply follow the instructions for regular hazardous waste.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to open a container of dry Picric acid!

If you have Picric acid that appears to be dried out or in a metal-capped container, call the UMD EHSO at Ext:7273. A technician will come to your laboratory to assess the condition of the Picric acid and perform the necessary steps to remove the container from your laboratory. This will entail attempting to wet the Picric acid via immersion and/or making arrangements with the local bomb squad. If successfully wetted, the container will be processed as regular hazardous waste.

Pyrophoric Chemicals

Listed below are several classes of readily oxidized chemicals which can ignite spontaneously in air. Pyrophoric chemicals (within DDC hazard class designations 08 and 09), usually denoted by `PYR' in comments of the Chemical Registry, should be stored in tightly closed containers under an inert atmosphere and any handling of them should be carried out under an inert atmosphere or liquid as well.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to open a container of a Pyrophoric chemical!

Due to their highly reactive characteristics, contact the UMD EHSO Ext:7273 for special instructions concerning their handling and packaging.

Table 5-3 Pyrophoric Chemicals

Grignard reagents, RMgX
Metal alkyls and aryls, RLi, RNa, R3Al, R2Zn, e.g. trimethyl aluminum
Metal carbonyls, such as Ni(CO)₄, Fe(CO)₅, Co₂ (CO)₈
Alkali metals such as Na, K
Metal powders, such as Al, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pd, Pt, Ti, Sn, Zn, Zr
Metal hydrides, such as NaH, LiAlH₄
Nonmetal hydrides, such as B₂H₆ and other boranes, PH₃, AsH₃
Nonmetal alkyls, such as R₃B, R₃P, R₃As
Phosphorus (white)

Shock-Sensitive Compounds

Some chemicals identified as shock sensitive have the potential to produce a violent explosion when subjected to shock, heat or friction, and require water to be added to the chemical before transportation.

Table 5-4 Shock-Sensitive Compounds

• Acetylenic compounds, especially polyacetylenes, haloacetylenes, and heavy metal salts of acetylenes (copper, silver, and mercury salts are particularly sensitive)

• Acyl nitrates

• Alkyl nitrates, particularly polyol nitrates such as nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine

• Alkyl and acyl nitrites

• Alkyl perchlorates

• Amminemetal oxosalts: metal compounds with coordinated ammonia, hydrazine, or similar nitrogenous donors and ionic perchlorate, nitrate, permanganate, or other oxidizing group

• Azides, including metal, nonmetal, and organic azides

• Chlorite salts of metals, such as AgClO2 and Hg(ClO2) 2

• Diazo compounds such as CH2N2

• Diazonium salts, when dry

• Fulminates such as mercury fulminate (Hg(CNO) 2)

• Hydrogen peroxide becomes increasingly treacherous as the concentration rises above 30%, forming explosive mixtures with organic materials and decomposing violently in the presence of traces of transition metals

• N-Halogen compounds such as difluoroamino compounds and halogen azides

• N-Nitro compounds such as N-nitromethylamine, nitrourea, nitroguanidine, and nitric amide

• Oxo salts of nitrogenous bases: perchlorates, dichromates, nitrates, iodates, chlorites, chlorates, and permanganates of ammonia, amines, hydroxylamine, guanidine, etc.

• Perchlorate salts. Most metal, nonmetal, and amine perchlorates can be detonated and may undergo violent reaction in contact with combustible materials.

• Peroxides and hydroperoxides, organic

• Peroxides (solid) that crystallize from or are left from evaporation of peroxidizable solvents

• Peroxides, transition-metal salts

• Picrates, especially salts of transition and heavy metals, such as Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu, and Zn

• Polynitroalkyl compounds such as tetranitromethane and dinitroacetonitrile

• Polynitroaromatic compounds, especially polynitro hydrocarbons, phenols, and amines (i.e., dinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluene, and Picric acid.

Note: Shock sensitive compounds have the letters "SS," "EX," or "TW" listed as the final two digits of their DDC number (see Appendix I).

For further information on explosive hazards of chemicals, see the National Research Council's guide, Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, pages 54-57.

Unknown Chemicals

Before disposing of laboratory waste, its hazard class must be identified so that it can be transported and disposed of safely and in accordance with regulatory standards. For this reason, and for safety considerations of everyone working in the laboratory, do not allow containers of unknown chemicals to accumulate. Avoid generating materials of unknown composition by properly labeling bottles and boxes with the contents, its associated hazards, and the date the waste chemical was first added to the container. If required, inspect the condition of the containers and their labels weekly, documenting the inspections. If a label appears faded or illegible, affix a new label to the bottle.

In the event you are unsure of the exact contents of a chemical mixture or you have an unlabeled compound, you can assist the Chemical Waste Program in the analysis of the unknown item by examining the container and the contents and making some initial observations. Photocopy the Unknown Preliminary Analysis Checklist (see Appendix II) and complete the form, recording your observations and any known history of the material as requested.

Retain one copy of the completed form and submit a second copy to the Chemical Waste Program at the following address:

Or fax to: Att. Andrew Kimball: (218) 726-8127

CAUTION: Wear appropriate protective clothing and work in a hood when opening containers of unknown chemicals. Keep in mind the hazards involved in handling potential pyrophoric and peroxide forming chemicals. Several classes of chemicals can form explosive peroxides on long exposure to air. Unless it is known that the compound does not contain an explosive substance, do not use heroic efforts to open the bottle to examine the contents; it may be necessary to dispose of the bottle as a potentially explosive chemical. If you have questions concerning potential explosives, contact Environmental Health and Safety Office at 726-7139

Water-Reactive Chemicals

Certain chemicals react with water to produce heat and flammable or toxic gases and should be stored and handled so that they do not come in contact with liquid water or water vapor.

Water reactive compounds, "xxWS" (DDC), such as those listed below, require special handling. Contact the UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office at 6764, 7273, or 7139 for segregation and packaging instructions.

Table 5-5: Water-Reactive Chemicals

Alkali metals (sodium, potassium, etc.)
Alkali metal hydrides (lithium aluminum hydride, etc.)
Alkali metal amides
Metal alkyls, such as lithium alkyls and aluminum alkyls
Grignard reagents
Halides of nonmetals, such as BCl₃, BF₃, PCl₃, PCl₅, SiCl₄, S₂Cl₂
Inorganic acid halides, such as POCl₃, SOCl₂, SO₂Cl₂
Anhydrous metal halides, such as AlCl₃, TiCl₄, ZrCl₄, SnCl₄
Phosphorus pentoxide
Calcium carbide
Organic acid halides and anhydrides of low molecular weight, e.g. acetyl chloride