CNRS Hazardous Materials Safety Information

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• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  
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• Hazardous Materials/Waste Regulations
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• CNRS Safety Library
  
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Hazardous Materials/Waste Regulations

There are complex regulations at the federal, state and local level which govern the generation, storage and disposal of hazardous chemical waste. Even the definition of hazardous waste is complex. As a result, it is HSU policy that there shall be no drain or trash disposal of any laboratory reagents for which specific approval has not been obtained in writing from the Environmental Health and Occupational Safety Office. Local authorities may monitor the effluent from HSU and can enforce severe penalties on individuals caught dumping chemicals down the drain.

HSU has authorized policies and procedures for the safe accumulation, handling and packaging of hazardous chemical waste which are found in the Humboldt State University Hazardous Waste Management Guide.

Click here for an example of HSU hazardous waste definitions.

Correct and complete hazardous waste labeling is required for all waste materials. There is specific information required for all hazardous wastes. The easiest way to comply with the labeling requirements is to use one of the labels available from the following sources.

• Example of HSU Hazardous Waste Transfer Request label. These tags are available from the Hazardous Materials Coordinator at ext.5711, the Natural Resources Stockroom (NR 207), and Michelle Dostal CNRS Hazardous Materials Technician in Sc A 463. Instructions for filling out this tag are also provided on the back of the tag,
• Example label from the HSU Chemistry Department
• Example label from the HSU Biology Stockroom. See Biology Stockroom manager (Sc B 230) for information about generating this label.

Both federal and state statutes mandate waste minimization. Click here for Waste Minimization Guidelines. There are substantial costs associated with hazardous waste disposal. Waste minimization practices can help decrease the costs. Click here for EH&OS Hazardous Waste Minimization Bulletin.

Disposal of biohazardous (infectious) wastes and sharps (needles, syringes, etc.) are regulated by the Medical Waste Management Act (California Health and Safety Code Division 104, Part 14, Sections 117600 et seq.) and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders Group 16. Control of Hazardous Substances Article 109. Hazardous Substances and Processes §5193. Bloodborne Pathogens)