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K-State Today

March 21, 2011

Get the lead out!

Submitted by Kelly Phillips

Get the Lead Out flier

Certain types of autoclave tape used in laboratories may contain enough lead to make the tape a hazardous waste. If your tape has angled or diagonal stripes on it, it contains lead. If your tape has the word "autoclaved" on it, most likely it is lead-free. If you're unsure whether your tape contains lead, please refer to this flier.

Turn in your tape: To get rid of your lead-containing autoclave tape, submit a pickup request and in return receive a free roll of lead-free autoclave tape (Fisherbrand Self-Sticking Tape, 3/4" lead free, Catalog #1599934A). The free roll will be available for one month from the date of this e-mail or until supplies run out. You can schedule a pickup of your autoclave tape through our website at http://www.k-state.edu/safety/environmental/hazardous-waste/, or through our environmental health and safety assistant on our Web page at http://www.k-state.edu/safety/.

Purchase lead-free tape -- The following autoclave tapes are lead-free:  

* Fisherbrand Autoclave Tape (#1599934A)

* VWR - VWR Autoclave Indicator Tape (VWR#: 73390-064) 

* VWR - Autoclave Indicator Tape, TimeMed Labeling (TSI-534, VWR#: 14217-334)

* Biostores - Autoclave Tape, Product No. 219350

* SPS Medical - Latex/Lead Free Steam Indicator Tape, Product #: LF2-048

Contact the department of environmental health and safety at 785-532-5856 with questions or for additional information. Please help us in our initiative to "Get the Lead Out!"