FAQs

Chemical Management

1. How do I log onto the Chemical Inventory found in EHS Assistant?
Answer: It is a link from the KSU EHS home page. It can also be found under Chemical Management section within the Laboratory folder.

2. How do I enter chemicals I have into the EHS Assistant Inventory?

Answer:

Individually by logging onto EHS Assistant.
Under the CHEM section, click the inventory link and and press the Add Chemical button on the inventory page. Note: Mass uploads of chemicals can be accomplished by filling in a template supplied by EHS.

3. What lists can a chemical be listed on that require notification and/or special handling?
Answer: Many

The Department of Homeland Security Appendix A Chemicals of Interest list (6 CFR Part 27)
OSHA Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act List of Extremely Hazardous Substances, also known as SARA Title III (40 CFR Appendix A to Part 355)
Releases of CERCLA Hazardous Substances List (40 CFR Part 302)
Kansas State University List of Peroxide Forming Chemicals Management List (KSU Lab Safety Manual)

4. How often should a laboratory's chemical inventory be reviewed and updated?
Answer: General review of the inventory should be conducted at least once a year, and update whenever a new chemical is purchased and added to the laboratory.

Disposal Guide

More recycling information can be found at K-State Recycling.

Waste/Recyclable Item	How do I dispose of this item?	Are there any special instructions?	Who picks it up?	How soon before it is picked up?	Are disposal containers provided?	Is there a fee?
Aerosol Cans	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website.	Place a completed Hazardous Waste label on each can. If there are multiple cans, place them in a single container and place the label on the outside of the container.	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.	No, recommend small hard plastic container.	Currently, EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Animal carcasses	Fill out a Medical Waste pickup form on the EHS website.	Keep frozen until EHS picks them up. Please note freezer location/number on waste request	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically within 3 days, in the summer, if we do not have freezer space, we will wait until the morning the medical waste truck arrives (twice/month).	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Batteries	Send small quantities to EHS through campus mail OR fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website. If the battery is damaged or bulging, submit as HAZARDOUS waste, not universal batteries.	For Lithium batteries, tape top and bottom, covering both terminal ends. If large quantity (over 50 lbs) a drop off appointment can be made with EHS	Environmental Health and Safety	Picked up in order of request	No, recommend small hard plastic container.	Currently, EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Biohazard or regulated medical waste *If the waste is mixed with a hazardous waste, see the Mixture of Biohazardous and Hazardous Waste section below.	Fill out a Medical Waste pickup form.	Place in Approved red biohazard bags or totes. Indicate whether it is pathogen-containing waste.	Environmental Health and Safety	Will usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
CDs, DVDs, portable media	Take to the KSU Recycling Center or request a Ewaste pickup.	Delete all information from the media.	Facilities Recycling	Determined by recycling	Determined by Recycling/Facilities	No
Confidential or security documents for shredding	Place in a secured Document Resources box.	No	Contact UV&S at 537-1222.	Determined by vendor	Yes	Yes
Controlled substances - if you are the registered owner of the substance	Registrant (owner) of controlled substance is responsible for the return or destruction their substances. See the Use and Disposal of Controlled Substances Used for Research document on the EHS website.	Registered owners may contact a Reverse Distributor or destroy the substance in a way that it is no longer viable and is not recoverable. The actions must be properly documented. For abandoned/found substances, please contact EHS and KSUPD	Reverse Distributor in most instances	Determined by Reverse Distributor	Determined by Reverse Distributor	Check with manufacturer / Reverse Distribution
Electronic waste (computers, computer screens, printers, cables, etc.)	Take to the KSU Recycling Center or request a Ewaste pickup.	Need to fill out a Disposition of Property Form (DA110) for KSU property.	Facilities Recycling	Determined by recycling	Determined by Recycling/Facilities	No
Empty chemical containers	Rinse and dispose of in the trash/recycling. EXCEPT for those that held a P-listed chemical (this container is a hazardous waste). See the Lab Safety Manual, pages 72-73.	Do not rinse “empty” containers that held P-listed materials or wastes. The rinsate would require collection and handled as hazardous waste along with the container.	Environmental Health and Safety only takes empty containers that held P-listed waste.	For containers that held a Biological or P-listed waste: Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Compressed/Gas cylinders	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form on the EHS website if not able to return to orginal vendor.	Cylinders must be labeled with their contents. Valve caps must be in place. Place a Hazardous Waste label on the cylinder or attach the label with a secure method if being picked up by EHS	Vendor which cylinder came from or Environmental Health and Safety	Determined by Vendor. EHS will typically pick up within 3 days of submission request	Check with vendor. EHS does not provide disposal containers.	Only for non-research departments and certain labs charging fees for their services.
Glass that has not been exposed to Biohazardous Material or P-listed chemicals	Place in a box marked 'Broken Glass' or 'Glass Only' Recycling containers	Unless exposed to bodily fluids or chemicals, no specific label is required. Deface labels before placing in containers for disposal.	Facilities Recycling from the designated locations/containers. EHS for p-listed and Biological contaminated containers	Determined by Recycling/Facilities. EHS currently does not charge for waste pickups.	Determined by Recycling/Facilities. EHS does not provide containers.	Determined by Recycling/Facilities. EHS currently does not charge for waste pickups.
Hard drives	Check with Department or contact UV&S 537-1222. https://uvsinc.com/ or Facilities	Check with department or UV&S for specific information, charges will apply	UV&S	Determined by vendor	Determined by Vendor	Yes
Hazardous waste, expired, or unwanted chemicals (if more than 10 chemicals, see "Laboratory Cleanouts")	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.	Ensure containers are closed, in good condition with adequate head space, and completed label.	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	Determined by EHS, Solvents (liquid only), bulb boxes, Contact EHS @ waste.ksu.edu	Currently, EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Human blood, vomit or other bodily fluid discovered on campus	Place in a biohazard bag or medical waste container.	Make sure bag or container is closed, and not leaking.	Environmental Health and Safety will pick up closed containers.	Will usually be picked up within 3 days of pickup form submission.	EHS does not typically provide containers. You can contact EHS for recommendations.	Currently, EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Laboratory Cleanouts: Unwanted, Unused, and/or abandoned chemicals	Fill out the "Laboratory clean out(xls)" form on the EHS website.	Fill out form completely and list ALL chemicals for disposal. Complete separate form for any 'unknown' items. Separate items for disposal from items remaining in lab. Please note if the lab is decommissioning. EHS requests minimum of 60 day notice.	Environmental Health and Safety	EHS requires 60-days notice of cleanout. Cleanouts are typically completed in order recieved.	No	Typically there is no fee for this service; however, if EHS must bring in a special team to deal with highly hazardous or unknown materials, The department might be charged.
Light bulbs (fluorescent, HID, mercury, etc.)	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.	All bulbs must be in a closed cardboard box and marked "Used Lamps"	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission, if large quantity (over 50lbs) arrangements for drop off can be made. Contact EHS at waste@ksu.edu	4 foot and 8 foot boxes are available upon request. Contact EHS at waste.ksu.edu	Currently, EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Microwaves	Contact Facilities/Recycling at 2-6389 for KSU owned	No	Facilities Recycling	Determined by Facilities	No	Determined by Recycling/Facilities.
Paint, latex and acrylic	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.	Does not require a Hazardous Waste label.	Environmental Health and Safety	Picked up in order of request. Typically 3 days from submission of request.	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Paint, oil-based (flammable)	Fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form.	Make sure all containers are closed and marked with a completed hazardous waste label.	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Printer/toner cartridges	Ship back to supplier or manufacturer per instructions in toner box. Or place in containers provided for cartridges (collection bins are located in various buildings)	No	N/A	N/A	Potentially by manufacturer if sending back.	Determined by manufacturer
Radioactive waste	Fill out a Radioactive waste pickup form.	Container must be closed. Must be labeled with a Radioactive Waste label.	Environmental Health and Safety Radiation Safety Officer	Will be picked up as soon as possible after pickup form submission.	No	Currently EHS is not charging for Waste Removal.
Recycled items: paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, newspaper, etc.	Place in recycle bins that are located in your office and throughout campus.	Containers are empty, open (remove the lid if applicable) and any chemical label information has been defaced/removed.	Facilities/Recycling empties all KSU recycling containers.	Determined by Facilities/Recycling	Recycling can provide recycling containers. If you need containers, call 2-6389.	No, contact Facilities/Recycling for more information.
Refrigerators	Contact Facilities Recycling at 2-7430. It must be KSU property.	Please contact Facilities Recycling for specific instructions 2-7430	Facilities Recycling will determine	Determined by Facilities/Recycling	N/A	May be a fee for removing refrigerant. There will be a disposal of appliance.
Sharps, Medical (syringes, needles, surgical blades)	Place in an approved sharps container and fill out a Medical waste pickup form on the EHS website.	Container must be closed.	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	EHS does not typically provide containers. You can contact EHS for recommendations.	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Spill cleanup debris/materials	Fill out the Waste Pickup Form on the EHS website.	Place in a closed, approved container, attach a completed Hazardous Waste label or Biological label	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	EHS does not typically provide containers. You can contact EHS for recommendations. Containers may be provided for special circumstances.	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.
Used Oil	Fill out the Waste Pickup Form on the EHS website.	Container must be closed. With adequate head space remaining. Write “Used Oil” on the container or use a Universal Waste Label (provided by EHS).	Environmental Health and Safety	Typically 3 days or less from the date of your pickup form submission	EHS does not typically provide containers. You can contact EHS for recommendations. Containers may be provided for special circumstances.(Large accumulation at a single point)	Currently EHS is not charging for Hazardous, Universal or Biological Waste Removal.

Fire Safety

1. Is there any training available for fire safety on campus?
Answer: Yes there are fire extinguisher training classes given twice a month. Employees can enroll in these classes through the HRIS portal.

2. If we have used an extinguisher and need it serviced who do we contact?
Answer: Call us at 532-5856 and we will get someone out to you as soon as possible.

Fume Hoods

1. What should I do if the fume hood alarm keeps going off?
Answer: Stop all experiments and close hood sash completely. Call Facilities Customer Services at 532-6389 to let them know that the hood alarm is going into "Alarm". Make sure to tell them the building, room # and the hood #.

2. Whom do I contact to have a chemical fume hood inspected?
Answer: Chemical fume hood inspections are conducted annually by EHS. Inspection labels are placed next to the sash identifying the date of the last inspection, whether or not the hood passed the inspection, the average face velocity and when the next inspection is due. If the fume hood is overdue for inspection, was recently repaired or if you have concerns about how the hood is functioning, please call 532-5856 to have your fume hood inspected.

Hazardous Waste

1. What training do I need if I create (generate) or handle hazardous waste?
Answer: You need to take Hazardous Waste Awareness training once per year. The initial class and Refresher training can be taken on-line. This training must be also be taken by all personnel who fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form, fill out a Hazardous Waste label or work in a lab, shop or studio where hazardous waste is present.

2. Does EHS provide containers for waste chemicals?
Answer Part 1: No. EHS is unable to provide containers for waste chemicals. You may reuse containers that your chemicals were shipped in. Make sure the previous contents of the container are compatible with the contents you will be placing in the container. If they are incompatible it could cause a severe reaction. It’s best to wash the container before using it for another chemical. Make sure to wash around the threads at the top of the bottle and wash the inside of the lid.

Empty containers should be rinsed three times and then properly discarded to a trash dumpster. Deface the label on empty containers so there is no question about hazards.

Do not rinse containers that held P-listed waste. These containers are considered hazardous waste and should be managed as such.

Answer Part 2: We do provide containers for formalin, halogenated solvents and non-halogenated solvents if the following conditions are met:

There are no solids in the solvent
The solvent is not water
The pH is neutral

Items not allowed in solvent containers:

Corrosives
Gloves
Paper towels
Desiccant

Solvent Container

It is EXTREMELY important to identify ALL of the chemicals in the solvent container. We mix your solvent waste with many others (a process called “bulking”). If you have something incompatible with another chemical that we are mixing it with it could cause a reaction and endanger our staff.

Answer Part 3: EHS will provide 30-gallon and 55-gallon drums for certain large-volume wastes. Call EHS for information (785-532-5856).

3. Does EHS pick up empty container?

Answer: EHS only picks up empty containers that once held a P-listed waste. These empty containers are hazardous waste and must be handled and labeled as hazardous waste. Do not rinse these containers.

All other containers should be rinsed 3 times and placed in the trash. Deface the label on empty containers so there is no question about hazards.

4. Does EHS provide Hazardous Waste labels?
Answer: Yes. You can request additional labels on the Hazardous Waste Pickup Form or you can call the EHS office at 785-532-5856 and they will send labels to you through campus mail.

5. How do I label used oil?
Answer: Write “Used Oil” on the container or use a Used Oil label. Do not use the words “Waste Oil.” This has a different meaning. Do not use a Hazardous Waste label.

6. How many container of the same hazardous waste can I have?
Answer: You may only have 1 container of each type of waste (waste stream). However; once you fill a waste container, fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup request and fill in the Full Date on your label, you may then begin filling a 2^nd container of the same type of waste.

Medical Waste

1. Do medical waste containers or bags need a hazardous waste label?
Answer: No. Medical waste containers are only required to have a biohazard symbol. Sharps containers must say “sharp” and have the biohazard symbol.

2. Does EHS provide any form of biohazard sticker or label?
Answer: No. However, there are options available through Fisher and Grainger in various sizes.

Training

1. What is the difference between Hazard Communication and Hazardous Waste Awareness training?

Hazard Communication is for chemicals you will be using.

Hazardous Waste Awareness training is for chemicals you want to discard. They may have been used, are no longer unusable or are unwanted.

Hazard Communication training (HazCom):

Teaches you how and where to identify the hazards of the chemicals you will be working with.
Is required for all employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals when working.
Is required before you work with a hazardous chemical.
Online training course.

Hazardous Waste Awareness training (or HW training):

Teaches you how to manage chemicals once they become a waste.
Is required for everyone who generates, handles, has responsibility for, or works in a lab that generates chemicals or materials that can become HW. It's also required for those who fill out a Waste Pickup Request.
HW training is required within six months of employment or transfer of job duties that involve hazardous materials management.
There's an Initial course and a Refresher course. Both are available on Vivid.

HW Refresher training

Is required every year after you've completed the Initial HW training.