SOP for Disposal of Chemical Waste

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SOP for Disposal of Chemical Waste

Standard Operating Procedure for Disposal of Chemical Waste

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline the proper methods for the safe and compliant disposal of chemical waste to prevent harm to personnel, facilities, and the environment while adhering to relevant safety and regulatory requirements.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel handling, storing, and disposing of chemical waste generated in laboratories, manufacturing units, warehouses, and other chemical handling areas.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure chemical waste disposal practices are followed and provide adequate training to personnel.
  • Operators/Employees: Segregate, label, and store chemical waste according to this SOP.
  • Safety Officers: Conduct inspections, ensure compliance with disposal protocols, and address non-conformities.
  • Waste Management Personnel: Transport and dispose of chemical waste as per regulatory requirements.

4) Procedure

4.1 Classification of Chemical Waste

Classify chemical waste based on its physical and hazardous properties:

  1. Hazardous Chemical Waste:
    • Flammable chemicals (e.g., solvents like acetone, ethanol)
    • Corrosive chemicals (e.g., acids, bases)
    • Toxic chemicals (e.g., heavy metals like mercury, lead)
    • Reactive chemicals (e.g., peroxides, cyanides)

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  2. Non-Hazardous Chemical Waste:
    • Neutralized chemicals that no longer pose hazards
    • Non-toxic, non-flammable solutions
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4.2 Segregation and Labeling of Chemical Waste

  1. Segregation:
    • Segregate chemical waste by hazard class to prevent reactions.
    • Use separate containers for:
      • Flammable waste
      • Corrosive waste
      • Toxic waste
      • Reactive waste
    • Do not mix incompatible chemicals (e.g., acids with
bases, oxidizers with flammables).

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  • Labeling:
    1. Use color-coded, leak-proof containers for chemical waste:
      • Red: Flammable waste
      • Yellow: Corrosive waste
      • Black: Toxic waste
    2. Labels must include the following information:
      • “Chemical Waste”
      • Chemical name(s) and composition
      • Hazard class (e.g., flammable, corrosive, toxic)
      • Date of collection
      • Point of generation (e.g., Lab 2, Unit 3)

    • 4.3 Storage of Chemical Waste

    1. Storage Area Requirements:
      • Designate a secure chemical waste storage area with proper ventilation and spill control systems.
      • Store waste containers upright and ensure lids are tightly sealed.
      • Keep incompatible chemicals in separate storage cabinets with secondary containment.
      • Post hazard warnings (e.g., “Chemical Waste Storage”) at entry points.

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    2. Storage Time Limits:
      • Do not store chemical waste beyond 90 days (or as per local regulations).
      • Flammable and reactive waste must be collected and disposed of promptly.

    4.4 Disposal Methods for Chemical Waste

    1. Flammable Waste:
      • Dispose of flammable solvents through high-temperature incineration at authorized facilities.

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    2. Corrosive Waste:
      • Neutralize small volumes of acids and bases using approved methods (under fume hoods) before disposal.
      • Send large volumes to authorized hazardous waste disposal vendors.
    3. Toxic and Reactive Waste:
      • Dispose of through authorized hazardous waste treatment facilities.
      • Follow strict documentation for disposal of heavy metals and reactive chemicals.
    4. Non-Hazardous Waste:
      • Dispose of non-hazardous chemical waste via municipal sewage systems (if approved).
      • Recycle waste whenever feasible (e.g., uncontaminated solvents).

    4.5 Spill Management During Disposal

    1. Minor Spills:
      • Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, mask).
      • Contain the spill using spill kits (e.g., absorbents, neutralizing agents).
      • Dispose of cleanup materials as hazardous waste.

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    2. Major Spills:
      • Evacuate the area and notify the Safety Officer immediately.
      • Engage emergency response teams for cleanup and disposal.

    4.6 Record-Keeping

    1. Maintain records for all chemical waste disposal activities, including:
      • Type, quantity, and hazard class of chemical waste
      • Date of disposal
      • Method of disposal (e.g., incineration, neutralization)
      • Vendor details (name, contact, license number)

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    2. Use the Chemical Waste Disposal Log (Annexure 1) for documentation.

    4.7 Training and Awareness

    1. Train all personnel annually on chemical waste identification, segregation, storage, and disposal procedures.
    2. Conduct spill response drills to enhance preparedness.

    5) Abbreviations, if any

    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
    • SDS: Safety Data Sheet

    6) Documents, if any

    • Chemical Waste Disposal Log
    • Spill Report Log

    7) Reference, if any

    • OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations Standard (29 CFR 1910.120)
    • EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
    • NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Waste Management

    8) SOP Version

    Version: 1.0

    Annexure

    Template 1: Chemical Waste Disposal Log

     
     
     Date Chemical Name Hazard Class Quantity Disposal Method Disposed By 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY Acetone Flammable 5 Liters Incineration John Doe
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