1、Lessons Learned Entry: 1259Lesson Info:a71 Lesson Number: 1259a71 Lesson Date: 2002-07-09a71 Submitting Organization: JSCa71 Submitted by: M.L. MurphySubject: Safely Storing and Disposing of Chemical Waste Description of Driving Event: A glass container of chemical waste exploded when disposing of a
2、 new metal etching waste solution (mixed organic/acid chemical) using a 1-gallon glass container designated only for mixed waste acid and loosely fitted the cap. The waste solution was incompatible with at least one of the acids (Nitric, HNO3) in the waste container. A few minutes later, the employe
3、e heard a hissing noise and the container exploded. The explosion cast glass shrapnel and chemical waste across the laboratory, causing damage to laboratory equipment. Fortunately, the employee was not around the explosion and evacuated the laboratory without injury. This was a routine process. Howe
4、ver, 1. The new chemical etching solution (hydrochloric acid, ethanol, and copper chloride), was disposed of without review by the laboratorys chemical hygiene officer or the safety representative.2. There was no pre-use hazard analysis, which may have prevented the mixing of incompatible chemicals.
5、3. Mixed waste acids were stored in a glass container (still a common practice in some chemical laboratories) instead of a compatible plastic container. This created the potential for additional hazards from a failure or explosion.Lesson(s) Learned: Routine laboratory operations require pre-use anal
6、ysis to preclude potentially catastrophic injury and lossRecommendation(s): Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-1. Review your laboratorys Chemical Hygiene Plan and procedures. Pay special attention when introducing new processes or chemi
7、cals and generating new waste streams in your laboratory. Be aware of the substances you are mixing and segregate incompatible chemicals using proper storage and waste chemical disposal procedures.2. For more information on chemicals and segregation of waste, see the following websites: http:/www.ai
8、che.org/ccps/pdf/reactmat.pdf http:/www.orcbs.msu.edu/chemical/agricultural/compatinfo.html http:/csmis5.mines.edu/EHS-waste/compatible.htm 2. Do not mix organic and acid waste streams and take special precautions when mixing oxidizers with other chemicals. Know what is in your waste containers by k
9、eeping a log of waste container contents. Do not let wastes accumulate for more than three (3) months.3. Use the proper types of storage containers for chemical waste. Approved plastic containers are recommended. Only use glass containers when necessary or required. For more information on chemical
10、compatibility with containers, see the following website: http:/ 4. Always close your chemical waste containers only after you have confirmed no incompatible reactions. Include on your container label the initial start date of the waste container. When in doubt, ensure proper venting of potentially
11、evolved gases (indoor hood or outdoor disposal.)Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness: N/ADocuments Related to Lesson: N/AMission Directorate(s): a71 Exploration Systemsa71 Sciencea71 Aeronautics ResearchAdditional Key Phrase(s): a71 Disposala71 Hazardous/Toxic Waste/Materialsa71 Independent
12、Verification and ValidationProvided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-a71 Packaging Handling StorageAdditional Info: Approval Info: a71 Approval Date: 2002-07-15a71 Approval Name: Ronald A. Montaguea71 Approval Organization: JSCa71 Approval Phone Number: 281-483-8576Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-
