Moving Laboratory Chemicals
Moving Usable Chemicals Whether your laboratory is changing its location to another building or another floor of your current building, moving laboratory chemicals can be a complicated process and may cause you to question whether or not you truly need to keep these chemicals. If you determine it is worth the effort to keep them, please follow the following guidelines. If you determine you do not wish to move the chemicals, see the instructions below for disposal information. Moving your chemicals Please note that laboratory chemicals can not be transported over the road by most moving companies. Chemicals are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and may not be shipped over the road unless the transporter is a licensed hazardous material carrier and the chemicals are packaged in specific DOT approved packaging accompanied by specific paperwork. If you plan on taking the chemicals to your new area (provided it is on campus), you must transport them by hand (or cart). It is recommended that chemicals be packaged in a manner that reduces the possibility of a spill or cross-reaction during the move through campus. The best method is to pack the chemicals into fiber-board drums that have vermiculite as an absorbent. The following information is guidance for properly packaging your chemicals prior to transporting them across campus: The items below should be packed in the fiberboard drums provided by EH&S. Use the vermiculite as both a shock absorber and liquid absorbent. Note: EH&S will loan you the fiberboard drums, vermiculite, and technical assistance upon request. In general, segregate your chemicals into the compatible groups as numbered. Please be certain that the chemicals you pack together are compatible when mixed. If you are unsure about which chemicals you can pack together, please call Mike at 7-1533 or 2-6735. Typically, you separate chemicals into the following compatibility groups, although certain chemicals are so reactive, they should be packed by themselves: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. R-amines (liquid) (ethylamine, triethylamine) R-silanes (liquid) (trichlorosilane,) Solvents (ignitables) Corrosives, inorganic acids Corrosives, organic acids Corrosives bases Oxidzers (nitrates, periodates, perchlorates, permanganates, dichromates) Dangerous when Wet (sodium, sodium borohydride, metal powders) Toxics (acrylamide, phenol, heavy metal constituents)
Note: Please refer to the Chemical Storage Guidelines at our web-site: http://ehs.wustl.edu/hazmats/hazmatindex.htm#storagepic
The non-hazardous chemicals listed at the above web-site do not have to be packed in fiberboard drums but may be boxed in standard moving boxes. Please review the list of incompatibles and any other document that will apply to your laboratory or clinic. Do not pack and/or transport extremely hazardous compounds (EH&S will handle these). Below is a partial list of chemicals to have EH&S manage (please refer to the website listed above for lists of dangerous chemicals): 1. Picric acid (any type of picrimates) 2. Ethers 3. Dioxanes 4. Pentachlorophenol (any derivatives) 5. Organic peroxides (benzoyl peroxide) 6. Any Trinitro’s and higher (hexanitotoluene, trinitrophenolates) Remember: You are responsible for properly packaging these chemicals. Failure to do so could result in injury, loss of life, or damage to the environment for which you are legally responsible.
Please: Call EH&S if you need assistance in properly packing your chemicals.
Chemical and Biological Waste Disposal If you have any chemical or biological waste (this includes sharps containers), please do not take it to the new building. Please fill out a request for pick-up form for the waste and send it to our office (fax 2-1028). Also, please ensure that all chemical waste is properly labeled and stored. You may move to your new location prior to the waste being shipped offsite. Once you have labeled your waste properly, stored it safely, and requested a pick-up, you may vacate the area. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Mike Kershaw at 362-6735. Additional Tasks Prior to Moving Please call Radiation Safety (2-3476) if you have any radioactive materials, radioactive waste, or radiation/x-ray generating equipment you need to dispose of or move. Please do not move or disturb mercury containing sphygmomanometers or equipment. Please search all drawers and cabinets for forgotten sharps, chemicals, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, and other potentially hazardous materials. Please be responsible and professional when moving from your space. Departments will be billed premium rates by contract vendors if there is significant waste to be disposed of after the move.
Please call EH&S at 362-6735 if you have any questions or need technical assistance.
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10-17-01