![]() ![]() Adopt waste policies that are stricter than your state/federal regulationsĮveryone gets busy and distracted. Like lab organization, lab cleanliness can help keep employees safe and efficient. An auditor who believes a lab or storage area is overly cluttered or contains expired chemicals may be more prone to find violations with the site, especially if the site has several areas with these issues. Auditors are human, and they have pet peeves. While not explicitly stated in the CFR, auditors can and will find fault in labs or waste storage areas that they feel are not clean and tidy enough. “The best rule of thumb for effective waste handling is to never make assumptions.” Keep waste storage containers and areas tidy and clean As such, it’s best practice to assume that weekly inspections should occur at least every seven days. Some auditors will believe that it’s too lax to interpret weekly as simply once every work week, i.e., allowing an employee to inspect the storage area on a Monday one week and on a Friday the next week. For instance, 40 CFR 264.174 states that “areas where containers are stored” must be inspected “t least weekly.” 4 Lab managers should take note that some auditors may interpret “weekly” differently. 3 Inspecting waste storage areas is among one of many regulations set forth by RCRA, which can be found in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 239-282. RCRA “is the public law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste,” which is overseen by the EPA. No employee enjoys reconciliation, but digital tools can speed up the task. Finally, the ability to scan each chemical container’s label for inventory reconciliation is especially important for sites with a large number of chemicals. Key things to look for in an inventory system include the system’s customer service, user friendliness, and flexibility or adaptability. Some companies have even custom built their own. While several systems are available for purchase online, lab and safety managers should examine and evaluate each to find one that fits the site’s needs. Lab and safety managers also need the ability to track hazardous chemicals on site for state or federal reporting purposes. Scientists need an online repository for safety data sheets (SDSs), a way to know who owns a chemical and where it is located, when a chemical was received and when it expires, and a labeling system that includes the chemical name, location, chemical hazards, and unique identifier, such as a barcode or QR code. 2 A computer-based inventory system can be an effective tool in helping to meet this goal by keeping the site’s chemicals organized. ![]() One of the four goals of RCRA is to find ways to reduce the amount of waste generated. Without a well-organized waste disposal location, a site could accumulate a lot of costly fines and increase its risk for an incident. ![]() The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and each state have strict regulations regarding how waste is separated and stored. Finally, organization is key during waste disposal. This also means the site isn’t storing more of a hazardous chemical than is necessary, which is a more environmentally friendly choice. A scientist who knows where or how to easily find a chemical they need doesn’t spend more money buying it when it’s already on site. Additionally, organization helps with the handling of hazardous wastes. ![]() Safety is certainly at the top of the list, but it also allows a scientist to be more efficient and productive. Stay organizedĪn organized lab has many benefits. By subscribing, you agree to receive email related to Lab Manager content and products. ![]()
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