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General Chemical
and Chemical
Waste Safety
Guidelines
To minimize the hazards of chemicals and chemical waste:
• Read and understand each Safety Data Sheet provided by the chemical
manufacturer before you store, handle, work with, or dispose of any
chemicals, chemical waste, or hazardous materials.
• Minimize contact with chemicals. Wear appropriate personal protective
equipment when handling chemicals (for example, safety glasses, gloves,
or protective clothing). For additional safety guidelines, consult the SDS.
• Minimize the inhalation of chemicals. Do not leave chemical containers
open. Use only with adequate ventilation (for example, fume hood). For
additional safety guidelines, consult the SDS.
• Provide primary and secondary waste containers. A primary waste
container holds the immediate waste. A secondary container contains
spills or leaks from the primary container. Both containers must be
compatible with the waste material and meet federal, state, and local
requirements for container storage.
• Handle chemical wastes in a fume hood. After emptying a waste
container, seal it with the cap provided.
• Dispose of the contents of the waste tray and waste bottle in accordance
with good laboratory practices and local, state/provincial, or national
environmental and health regulations.
• Check regularly for chemical leaks or spills. If a leak or spill occurs, follow
the manufacturer’s cleanup procedures as recommended in the SDS.
• Comply with all local, state/provincial, or national laws and regulations
related to chemical storage, handling, and disposal.
Waste Disposal If potentially hazardous waste is generated when you operate the
instrument, you must:
• Characterize the waste generated by the particular applications,
reagents, and substrates used in your laboratory.
• Ensure the health and safety of all personnel in your laboratory.
• Ensure that the instrument waste is stored, transferred, transported, and
disposed of according to all local, state/provincial, and/or national
regulations.
IMPORTANT! Radioactive or biohazardous materials may require spe-
cial handling and disposal limitations may apply. Consult the SDS of
the chemical for disposal information.