Hazardous Materials

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

Phillip Hayes

Hazardous Materials Specialist
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Waste
Waste Disposal

Improper Hazardous Material Disposal

September 30, 2002
What Happened?

A can of epoxy hardener was included in a salvage cart (see photo) and spilled at some point in the process of moving the salvage cart. An employee came in contact with the spilled material and was instructed to immediately wash with soap and water. EH&S then cleaned up the spill (see photos).

Lessons Learned

Please remind your staff of proper disposal methods for hazardous materials.

Researcher Smells Toxic Fluorine Gas When Changing Out Gas Cylinder

April 30, 2007
What Happened?

Two researchers were changing out a gas cylinder containing a low concentration of fluorine used in an excimer laser. After reconnecting the regulator, researchers opened the cylinder valve, heard a hissing sound, and smelled a pungent odor. They quickly turned off the cylinder valve and reported the incident to their department safety coordinator (DSC). Fluorine is a very toxic and reactive gas, but fortunately, the concentration was dilute, less than 0.1% fluorine. The DSC contacted EH&S and was advised that researchers involved should be medically evaluated because of...

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...

Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Main Campus

City of Berkeley
2013

Download Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Main Campus

Environmental Area: Hazardous Materials
Permit/Plan: Permit
Agency: City of Berkeley Toxics Management Division, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs


Hazardous Materials Permits Main Campus...

Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Richmond Field Station

Contra Costa County
2013

Download Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Richmond Field Station

Environmental Area: Hazardous Materials
Permit/Plan: Permit
Agency: City of Berkeley Toxics Management Division, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs


Hazardous Materials Permits Main Campus...

Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Regatta

Contra Costa County
2013

Download Hazardous Waste Generator Permit - Regatta

Environmental Area: Hazardous Materials
Permit/Plan: Permit
Agency: City of Berkeley Toxics Management Division, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs


Hazardous Materials Permits Main Campus...