Resources - Hach DR/850 Procedures Manual

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY

Resources

If a cyanide-containing compound is spilled, you must be careful not to be
exposed to hydrogen cyanide gas. Take the following steps to destroy the
cyanide compounds in an emergency:
a) Use a fume hood, supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus.
b) While stirring, add the waste to a beaker containing a strong
solution of sodium hydroxide and either calcium hypochlorite or
sodium hypochlorite (household bleach).
c) Add an excess of hydroxide and hypochlorite. Let the solution
stand for 24 hours.
d) Neutralize the solution and flush it down the drain with a large
amount of water. If the solution contains other regulated materials
such as chloroform or heavy metals, it may still need to be
collected for hazardous waste disposal. Never flush hazardous
wastes down the drain.
Many sources of information on proper waste management are available.
The USEPA has a hotline number for questions about the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The RCRA Hotline number is
1-800-424-9346. You may also get a copy of the appropriate regulations.
Federal hazardous waste regulations are found in 40 CFR 260- 99. Obtain
this book from the U.S. Government Printing Office or a number of other
vendors. Other documents which may be helpful to the laboratory
hazardous waste manager include:
1. Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management. Laboratory Waste
Management, A Guidebook; American Chemical Society, Department
of Government Relations and Science Policy: Washington, DC 1994.
2. Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management. Waste Management
Manual for Laboratory Personnel; American Chemical Society,
Department of Government Relations and Science Policy:
Washington, DC 1990.
3. Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management. Less is Better; 2nd
ed.; American Chemical Society, Department of Government
Relations and Science Policy: Washington, DC 1993.
4. Committee on Chemical Safety. Safety in Academic Chemistry
Laboratories, 5th ed.; American Chemical Society:
Washington, DC, 1990.
5. Armour, Margaret-Ann. Hazardous Laboratory Chemicals Disposal
Guide; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1991.
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