ehs.psu.edu · Web viewa. Mercury, a silver liquid metal, is a toxic chemical most commonly used in thermometers. It may also be found in certain vacuum pumps, batteries, and many

Environmental Protection ~ Occupational Health and Safety ~ Radiation Protection

Procedures for the Proper Disposition of Equipment and Materials Through Lion

Surplus

The Pennsylvania State University

Environmental Health and Safety

May 2006

Environmental Protection ~ Occupational Health and Safety ~ Radiation Protection

Table of Contents

I. Introduction 1

II. Items Prohibited from Sale or TransferA. Asbestos Containing Material 2B. Batteries 4C. Fire Extinguishers 5D. Gas Cylinders 6E. Mercury 8F. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 10

III. Ite ms with Regulatory or Safety Restrictions as to Sale or TransferA. Computer and Monitors 11B. Gas Chromatographs 12C. Laser Systems 13D. Liquid Scintillation Counters 15E. Radiation-Producing Equipment 16F. Equipment Containing Coolants, Oils, and Refrigerants 18

IV. Equipment and Labware used with Chemicals, Petroleum Products, 20Oils, Infectious Agents, or Radioactive Materials

V. Quick Reference Chart 23

Environmental Protection ~ Occupational Health and Safety ~ Radiation Protection1

I. Introduction

Lion Surplus, formerly known as Surplus and Salvage, operates a public sales store open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. Lion Surplus is responsible for the collection, sale, and disposal of University-owned equipment, supplies and materials that are obsolete or surplus to the needs of Penn State.

Some equipment and material may not be appropriate for resale due to the presence of hazardous materials, characteristics, or regulatory constraints. It is the responsibility of the equipment owner to ensure that all oils, coolants, and other hazardous materials have been removed prior to submitting the item for disposition through Lion Surplus. Items that may be contaminated by chemical, biological, or radioactive material must be cleaned prior to submission to Lion Surplus.

The descriptions provided on the following pages are examples of the types of hazards and potential items that may be a concern. This is not intended to be a complete and all encompassing list but rather a summary compilation of existing policies and best practices. It is not intended to replace or supercede any established university safety policies.

Questions about a potentially hazardous item or material should be directed to Environmental Health and Safety, 814-865-6391, for resolution. Any spills during transport, loading, unloading, or storage must be reported to the appropriate supervisor and EHS immediately. Clean-up costs will be charged to the equipment owner.

In all cases, items recognized as being a potential problem will be left at the pickup location. Lion Surplus, with EHS, will work with the respective departments to evaluate the item and expedite processing.

To dispose of surplus material complete and submit a DISP from through IBIS. If IBIS is inaccessible, departments may submit two copies of Form GF6.2, Report of Transfer or Disposition of Equipment Form, to Property Inventory. This form is available through FormLocator on GURU at: http://g u ru.psu . edu/For m s/6- 02ReportOfDispositionOrPer m anen t TransferOfTangibleAssetsFRM3.pdf . Upon receipt of the request, Lion Surplus will arrange to pick up the surplus item.


II. Items Prohibited from Sale or Transfer

A. Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)

1. Descriptiona. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used

extensively for its insulating and fireproof properties. It is often white or gray in appearance and may be in the form of braided or paper wire insulation, woven cloth-like material, cement-like sheeting known as Transite or stone lab bench tops (soapstone).

b. Handling and disposal of asbestos is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and the PA Department of Labor and Industry (PA L&I).

c. Contact EHS for confirmation as to whether the item contains asbestos. For additional information on the university’s Asbestos Management Program, please see: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/occhealth/Asbestos_ m anage m ent_progra m _ m anual.pdf

2. Associated Hazardsa. Long term over-exposure to airborne asbestos fibers has been shown to

cause lung and abdominal diseases, specifically asbestosis and cancer. Since asbestos is naturally occurring, there are allowable exposure limits.

b. Manipulating asbestos containing materials (e.g. drilling, sanding, or sawing) may generate dangerous levels of respirable asbestos fibers. These activities are strictly regulated and can only be conducted by PA L&I licensed Asbestos Workers using equipment and procedures that are specifically approved for these materials.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. For disposal at University Park, a Work Order must be submitted

through OPP Area Services. This may require the disposal of entire pieces of equipment.

b. For disposal at facilities other than University Park contact EHS for guidance.

c. Disposal costs are the responsibility of the originating work unit.

Examples of asbestos containing material can be found on the following page.


Examples of asbestos containing material.

Asbestos Braiding Transite Board inside Hood

Transite Sheet on Water Bath Soapstone Bench Top

Asbestos Glove Pipe Insulation


B. Batteries

1. Descriptiona. Expended batteries such as nickel-cadmium, lithium ion, and those

found in uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems contain hazardous materials including heavy metals and acids. Lion Surplus will not accept batteries except as part of functional equipment.

b. Disposal of hazardous materials is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP).

c. For additional information and guidance on proper battery disposal, please see: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/haz m at/battery_disposal.cfm

2. Associated Hazardsa. Mercury and other heavy metals can cause a variety of health effects

including kidney and neurological damage.b. The acid contained in some batteries can cause skin and eye burns. c. Improper disposal of hazardous chemicals may result in the

contamination of soil and ground water.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Complete and submit a Chemical Waste Disposal Request Form on the

EHS web site:http://www.ehs.psu.edu/haz m at/chem _ m anifest/che m _ m an i fest.cfm . For University Park, EHS has established recycling and disposal options

for rechargeable batteries. Plans are under way for expanding thisrecycling program to other campus locations.

b. For University Park, disposal of vehicle batteries can be arranged directly through the Office of Physical Plant’s vehicle maintenance garage, 814 – 865 – 3871. At other campus locations disposition may be handled by the maintenance garage services or local recyclers.

c. Alkaline batteries may be disposed of in the regular trash.

Examples of batteries that may contain hazardous material.

Rechargeable Batteries UPS Battery


C. Fire Extinguishers

1. Descriptiona. Fire extinguishers come in a variety of styles including pressurized

water, chemical powder, CO2, halon, and specialty extinguishers designed to put out metal fires.

2. Associated Hazardsa. Fire extinguishers are pressurized devices that may cause serious

injury if ruptured.b. Fire extinguishers may not operate in an emergency if improperly

maintained.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. For University Park, a work order must be submitted through the OPP

Service Desk to arrange for the removal and disposal of fire extinguishers.

b. For campuses other than University Park contact EHS for guidance on proper disposition.

CO-2 Extinguisher Industrial Size

Class A Water Filled Class D for Metal Fires


D. Gas Cylinders

1. Descriptiona. Gas cylinders are manufactured in a variety of styles and are used to

store compressed or liquefied gasses under high pressure. Examples include:

• Laboratory gas cylinders• Lecture bottles• Commercial propane cylinders• Oxygen bottles• Other pressurized devices

2. Associated Hazardsa. Gas cylinders may contain hazardous or toxic gases.b. Gas cylinders are pressurized devices that may cause serious injury if

ruptured.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. For University Park, cylinders purchased through General Stores are to

be used in accordance with SY25 (http://guru.psu.edu/policies/SY25.ht m l ) and returned through General Stores when empty or no longer needed.

b. For campuses other than University Park, cylinders should be returned to the gas supplier contracted for that campus.

c. For unknown or other wise non-returnable gas cylinder, the generator shall complete and submit a Chemical Waste Disposal Request Form on the EHS web site: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/haz m at/chem _ m anifest/che m _ m an i fest.cf m .

d. Other than as specified above, gas cylinder disposal costs are normally covered by the EHS waste budget.

Examples of gas cylinders can be found on the following page.


Examples of gas cylinders.

Calibration Gas Cylinders Lecture Bottles

Misc. Cylinders Propane Tanks

Miscellaneous Cylinders Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus


E. Mercury

1. Descriptiona. Mercury, a silver liquid metal, is a toxic chemical most commonly

used in thermometers. It may also be found in certain vacuum pumps, batteries, and many types of lab equipment where mercury thermometers are often used but may have been broken. Other items often found contaminated with mercury include incubators, heating blocks, ovens, refrigerators and water baths.

b. Spilled mercury is often found when moving lab equipment or furniture. Take a few moments to carefully check the floor or bench top for small beads of mercury that may have spilled some time in the past.

c. The disposal of mercury is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP).

2. Associated Hazardsa. Mercury is a poison that can cause kidney and lung damage in high

concentrations. Mercury vapor is also a chronic poison that can cause neurological damage.

b. Mercury spills can also lead to potential environmental implications including soil and groundwater contamination.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Contact EHS immediately for any mercury spills. EHS will initiate

cleanup when an item is found contaminated with liquid mercury. Items free of mercury contamination may be sold or auctioned. If unable to be cleaned the item will be disposed of as waste through EHS.

b. Thermometers containing mercury should be exchanged through the EHS thermometer exchange program. For more information on the program please see: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/chem/mtep.html.

c. Thermometers found intact must be removed from the item. Complete and submit a Chemical Waste Disposal Request Form on the EHS web site: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/haz m at/chem _ m anifest/che m _ m an i fest.cf m .

d. Vacuum pumps must be checked by EHS for mercury contamination before being sold.

Examples of items that contain or may be contaminated with mercury include can be found on the following page.


Examples of items that may contain mercury.

Mercury Lamp Vacuum Pump

Thermometers Mercury Switch

Thermostats Blood Pressure Monitor


F. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

1. Descriptiona. PCBs are one of several aromatic compounds containing two benzene

nuclei with two or more constituent chlorine atoms.b. The disposal of PCBs is strictly regulated by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP).

c. For additional information and guidance on PCB containing light ballasts, please see: htt p ://g u ru.psu.edu/policie s / s y26.ht m l .

2. Associated Hazardsa. PCBs can cause health effects from long term high exposure. b. PCBs are stable and do not break down in the environment.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Notify EHS of the general description, origin, and serial number, if

available, of the item. This includes transformers and/or capacitors that may have already been labeled as “non-PCB”. EHS will determine if the item contains PCBs. EHS will either authorize the items resale as a non-PCB item, or arrange for proper disposal of the fluids.

Examples of items that may contain PCBs.

Fluorescent Light Ballasts Oil Filled Transformers


III. Items with Regulatory or Safety Restrictions as to Sale or Transfer

A. Computers and Monitors

1. Descriptiona. Disposal of desktop computers, laptop computers and cathode ray tube

type (CRT) monitors is restricted.

2. Associated Hazardsa. Computer electronic components contain small quantities of toxic

heavy metals.b. CRT type monitors also contain heavy metals including a large amount

of lead used in making the glass tube.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Computers and monitors shall be sent through Lion Surplus for

disposition.b. There are no special disposal requirements for flat panel type

monitors.

Examples of computers and monitors.


B. Gas Chromatographs

1. Descriptiona. Gas chromatographs are analytical instruments used to separate and

identify components within a mixture of chemicals, gases, or compounds.

b. These devices may be subject to federal and state regulations governing the ownership and use of radioactive materials.

c. Gas chromatograph manufactures included:• Agilent Technologies• Hewlett Packard• Perkin Elmer• Shimadzu• Varian

2. Associated Hazardsa. Some gas chromatographs (GC) contain radioactive sources known as

Electron Capture Detectors (ECDs).b. Some equipment can be contaminated with chemical hazards.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Contact EHS to inspect each system. If it contains a radioactive

source EHS will remove the source and perform a survey to confirm the system is free of any radioactive contamination.

b. Once the source has been removed and the system confirmed free of radiological and chemical contamination, the system can be sold or auctioned without restriction.

Examples of gas chromatographs.

Hewlett Packard / Agilent Perkin Elmer


C. Laser Systems

1. Descriptiona. Lasers, an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation, are a source of intense, coherent, directional beam of optical radiation of either visible or invisible light.

b. Lasers can be imbedded as part of analytical and other scientific equipment.

c. For additional information and guidance on the university laser safety policy; http//guru.psu.edu/policies/SY17.html

2. Associated Hazardsa. Laser light can damage the eyes and burn unprotected skin.b. Laser systems can contain hazardous chemicals, coolants, oils or dyes

used to generate the laser beam.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Systems in working order may only be resold to the original

manufacture or other manufacturer of similar equipment; a manufacturer certified installer and/or representative, educational or research institutions, or private companies who currently use similar equipment.

b. Potential buyers of Class 3B or 4 lasers, or systems with imbedded Class 3B or 4 laser systems shall provide a letter or email to Lion Surplus, traceable to the business, educational, or research institution, acknowledging their experience and awareness of the hazards associated with the equipment. This letter must include information as to the intended use of the equipment and contact information for their safety department or representative. EHS will review the proposed buyer's information and make a recommendation approving or disapproving the sale.

c. When a suitable buyer for a Class 3B or 4 lasers, or systems with imbedded Class 3B or 4 systems, cannot be found, or if the potential sale is not justifiable financially, the system must be made inoperable. EHS is responsible for ensuring that the system has been made inoperable.

d. Laser systems may also contain hazardous chemicals, coolants, oils, or dyes used to generate the laser beam. It is the responsibility of the owner of the equipment to drain the equipment and arrange fordisposal of the hazardous materials through EHS before requesting the system be picked up by Lion Surplus.

e. Class 1, 2, and 3A lasers, with no imbedded Class 3B or 4 systems, may be sold without restriction.

Examples of several types of lasers can be found on the following page.


Examples of various types of laser systems.


D. Liquid Scintillation Counters

1. Descriptiona. Liquid scintillation counters (LSC ) are analytical instruments used to

measure very low levels of radioactive materials.b. These devices may be subject to federal and state regulations

governing the ownership and use of radioactive materials.c. Manufactures of LSCs have included;

• Beckman• LKB• Packard• Wallac

2. Associated Hazardsa. Liquid Scintillation Counters (LSC) typically contain internal

radioactive sources.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Contact EHS to inspect each system. If it contains a radioactive

source EHS will remove the source and perform a survey to confirm the system is free of any radioactive contamination.

b. Once the source has been removed and the system confirmed free of radiological and chemical contamination, the system can be sold or auctioned without restriction.

Examples of liquid scintillation counters.

Beckman Model LKB Model


E. Radiation-Producing Equipment

1. Descriptiona. Radiation-producing equipment includes a variety of analytical

instruments typically used to study the structure and composition of materials.

b. These devices are subject to state and federal regulations governing the ownership, sale, and transfer of such devices.

c. Radiation-producing equipment includes the following:• Analytical and Fluorescence Systems• Electron Microscopes• Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis Systems (ESCA)• Medical Radiograph and Fluoroscope Systems• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Systems (XPS)• X-ray Vacuum Spectroscopy Systems

d. For additional information and guidance on the university’s radiation- producing equipment policy; http//guru.psu.edu/policies/SY15.html

2. Associated Hazardsa. High level exposure to X-ray radiation is associated with immediate

health risks and long term risk of increased cancer incidence.b. X-ray systems may also contain hazardous chemicals, coolants, and

oils.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Penn State restricts the sale of all radiation producing equipment.

Systems may only be resold to the original manufacture or other manufacturer of similar equipment; a manufacturer certified installer and/or representative, educational or research institutions, or private companies who currently use similar equipment.

b. Potential buyers of radiation producing equipment shall provide a letter or email to EHS acknowledging their experience and awareness of the hazards associated with the equipment. The letter must state the intended use of the equipment and include their safety department or representative contact information. EHS will review the proposed buyer's information and make a recommendation approving or disapproving the sale.

c. When a suitable buyer for system cannot be found, or if the potential sale is not justifiable financially, the system must be made inoperable. EHS is responsible for ensuring that the system has been made inoperable.

d. It is the responsibility of the owner of the equipment to drain the equipment and arrange for disposal of the hazardous materials through EHS before requesting the system be picked up by Lion Surplus.

Examples of radiation-producing equipment can be found on the following page.


Examples of radiation-producing equipment.

X-ray Vacuum Spectroscopy System Electron Microscope

Analytical X-ray Unit Physics Lab Demonstration X-ray Unit


F. Equipment Containing Coolants, Oils, and Refrigerants

1. Descriptiona. Equipment that contains coolants, oils, and refrigerants, such as

refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, milling machines, cuttinglathes, hydraulic presses, and vacuum pumps require proper processing prior to final disposition.

2. Associated Hazardsa. As part of a working system, coolants, oils, and refrigerants do not

typically pose a hazard. However, when an item is no longer useable, federal and state regulations require the recovery of these hazardous materials before items are disposed and materials accidentally released to the environment.

b. Compressors may also contain a significant amount of oil.c. Refrigerators and freezers that have been used to store chemicals,

infectious agents, or radioactive materials must be cleaned and decontaminated of any hazardous material before being offered to Lion Surplus.

3. Procedures for Proper Dispositiona. Items that may have been in contact with chemicals, infectious agents,

or radioactive materials must be decontaminated prior to being offered to Lion Surplus. Contaminated equipment can usually be effectively decontaminated with common disinfection techniques. Contact EHS and inform them of the type of equipment and nature of the contaminant. EHS will advise as to proper steps necessary to assure proper decontamination.

b. Equipment in working order and containing coolants, oils, and refrigerants as part of the equipments function and design may be transferred to Lion Surplus for sale. If the equipment contains a reservoir tank, such as those on milling machines, the tank must be drained and the material disposed through EHS.

c. Equipment that is not functioning must have coolants, oils, and refrigerants removed prior to transfer to Lion Surplus. Refrigerants must be recovered by an EPA certified technician. For University Park, a work order must be submitted through the OPP Service Desk to arrange removal of the refrigerant.

d. Equipment that is not functioning and contains a compressor must have the oil drained and collected for disposal as hazardous waste. Complete and submit a Chemical Waste Disposal Request Form on the EHS web site: http://www.ehs.psu.edu/haz m at/chem _ m anifest/che m _ m an i fest.cf m .

e. For campuses other than University Park contact EHS for guidance on proper disposition.

Examples of equipment containing coolants, oils, and refrigerants can be found on the following page.


Examples of equipment containing coolants, oils, and refrigerants.

-80- Freezers Standard Refrigerator / Freezer

Air Conditioning Units Vacuum Pumps

Drill Presses, Milling Machines, Lathes and Machine Tools that use Cutting Oils


IV. Equipment and Labware used with Chemicals, Petroleum Products, Oils, Infectious Agents, or Radioactive Materials

1. Descriptiona. Equipment and labware that has been used with chemicals, petroleum

products, oils, infectious agents, or radioactive materials must be properly cleaned and free of any harmful contaminants before being offered to Lion Surplus for sale.

b. Excess and unneeded products such as janitorial chemical supplies, empty drums, paint and other items may not be appropriate for resale and may be prohibited due to regulatory constraints.

c. Items may require special processing and approval include:• Above ground storage tanks• Autoclaves• Biological safety cabinets• Centrifuges and micro-centrifuges• Diagnostic or therapeutic medical and athletic equipment• Empty drums• Equipment used to apply insecticides or pesticides• Glassware• Heating blocks• Hoods, including laminar flow hoods• Incubators• Laboratory furniture / cabinets• Ovens• Petroleum storage tanks• Refrigerators / Freezers• Vacuum pumps• Vortexes• Water baths

2. Associated Hazardsa. Equipment contaminated with chemicals, infectious agents, or radioactive

materials can present an exposure hazard to someone unaware of the contamination. Individuals who handle or reuse such equipment may become infected by inadvertent exposure to these agents.

b. A wide variety of health effects may result from exposure to hazardous chemicals.

c. The residues remaining in “empty” containers may render the container incompatible with certain intended uses after resale.

3. Procedures to Ensure Proper Dispositiona. Items that may have been in contact with chemicals, infectious agents, or

radioactive materials must be decontaminated prior to being offered to Lion Surplus. Contaminated equipment can usually be effectively


decontaminated with common disinfection techniques. Contact EHS and inform them of the type of equipment and nature of the contaminant. EHS will advise as to proper steps necessary to assure proper decontamination.

b. Contact EHS regarding the proper disposition of surplus materials such as paints, refrigerants, or janitorial chemical cleaning supplies. EHS will either approve the transfer of the materials to Lion Surplus for sale or dispose of the material as chemical waste

c. Empty chemical containers that are 5 gallons or greater in size should be referred to EH&S for disposal. Empty containers less than 5 gallons can be disposed of through the regular trash system.

Examples of equipment and labware used with chemicals, petroleum products, oils, infectious agents, or radioactive materials can be found on the following page.


Examples of potentially contaminated items.

Empty Drums Surplus Chemicals

Heating Block Laminar Flow Hood

Examination Table Fuel Storage Tanks


V. Quick Reference Chart

Item See page ContactAnalytical X-ray Unit 16 EHSAsbestos 2 OPPAutoclaves 20 EHSBatteries, Rechargeable 4 EHSBiological Safety Cabinet 20 EHSCentrifuges and Micro-centrifuges 20 EHSComputers and Monitors 11 S&SDrums (empty) 20 EHSElectron Microscope, Scanning and Transmission 16 EHSElectron Spectroscopy for Surface Chemical Analysis (ESCA) 10, 16 EHSFire Extinguishers 5 OPPFreezers, including –80’s 18, 20 OPP, EHSFreon 18 OPPGas Cylinders 6 GS, EHSGlassware 20 EHSHeating Blocks 8, 20 EHSHoods 2, 20 OPP, EHSIncubators 8, 20 EHSLaboratory Furniture and Cabinets 20 EHSLaminar Flow Hood 20 EHSLasers 13 EHSLecture Bottles 6 GS, EHSMachine Tools that use Cutting Oils 18 EHSMercury, including Lamps and Switches 8 EHSOvens 2, 8, 20 OPP, EHSPCB’s 10 EHSPropane Tanks 6 GS, EHSRadiographic X-ray Unit 16 EHSRefrigerants 18 OPPRefrigerators 8, 18, 20 OPP, EHSSoapstone 2 OPPTransite 2 OPPUPS-Uninterrupted Power Supply 4 EHSVacuum Pumps 8, 18, 20 EHSVortexes 20 EHSWater Baths 8, 20 EHSX-ray Equipment 10, 16 EHSX-ray Photospectroscopy Systems 10, 16 EHS

Contact List:EHS Environmental Health and Safety www.ehs.psu.edu 814 – 865 – 6391GS General Stores www.generalstores.psu.edu 814 – 863 – 0317OPP Office of Physical Plant www.opp.psu.edu 814 – 863 – 2340S&S Lion Surplus www.surplus.psu.edu 814 – 865 – 4371

Documents

ehs.psu.edu · Web viewa. Mercury, a silver liquid metal, is a toxic chemical most commonly used in thermometers. It may also be found in certain vacuum pumps, batteries, and many