Hazardous Materials

Helping campus units manage their hazardous materials by providing assistance with shipping, waste pick-up and disposal, and chemical inventory needs.

Accidental Mixing of Bleach and Acid

October 31, 2009
What Happened?

A researcher working in a laboratory glassware washing area thought she should refresh the bleach solution for soaking lab glassware. In an "inattentive moment" she added fresh bleach to what she thought was the bleach soaking tub; unfortunately the tub did not contain bleach but contained 5% hydrochloric acid. The acid solution (with bleach) immediately turned from clear to yellow. She quickly realized that bleach and acid should never be mixed because toxic chlorine gas can be created. She immediately had everyone leave the room; she considered calling 911, but since...

Carcinogens

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2012

The Carcinogens Fact Sheet and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specify minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of carcinogens on the UC Berkeley Campus. This fact sheet has been approved by the Laboratory Operations & Safety Committee and defines carcinogens as chemicals that cause cancer or tumor development, typically after repeated or chronic exposure. Their effects may only become evident after a long latency period and may cause no immediate harmful effects.

Environmental Protection

Helping to protect and enhance the campus environment and providing permit and compliance management services. icon with 3 leaves in a circle How Do I: collapse all expand all Get rid of waste?

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Biological Spill Kits

EH&S will provide one biological spill kit to each lab with an approved Biological Use Authorization (BUA). This kit contains the supplies needed to safely clean up small spills of biological materials.

UC Berkeley Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program Document

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2021

UC Berkeley has a Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program that specifies minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) gases on campus. The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) coordinates this program by performing evaluations of toxic, corrosive and pyrophoric gas usage and offering technical advice on the requirements of the program.

UC Berkeley Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program

UC Berkeley has a Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) Gas Program that specifies minimum requirements for safe storage, use, and handling of Toxic, Corrosive and Pyrophoric (TCP) gases on campus. The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) coordinates this program by performing evaluations of toxic, corrosive and pyrophoric gas usage and offering technical advice on the requirements of the program.

New TCP Gas Users

New potential users...

Minimizing Hazardous Waste

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2011

Waste Minimization Fact Sheet

Waste minimization is any action that decreases the amount of hazardous waste generated or reduces the toxicity of the waste generated in your work area.

Electronic Waste

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2014

Electronic Wastes, Used Batteries & Fluorescent Lights (Universal Waste Management)

Chemical Waste Recharge

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2003

Directions for completion:

Complete all of the information on the form. For additional instructions, double click on the question marks on the PDF. Print one copy to sign and send to EH&S and print one copy to keep for your records. Email, fax, or mail the completed Recharge Authorization Form to the Office of Environment, Health & Safety.

E-Mail: ehsrecharge@...

Dispose of Waste

Master list of waste types is displayed below. Note: If you cannot find the item that you are trying to get rid of in this list, please contact EH&S at ehs@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-3073. collapse all expand all Aerosol Cans

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