Rules for Working with Chemical Carcinogens and Other Regulated Chemicals
As of July 1, 1987, the following chemicals are listed as carcinogens by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA):
- 2-Acetylaminoflourene
- Acrylonitrile
- 4 -Aminodiphenyl
- Arsenic Compounds
- Asbestos
- Benzidine
- Bis(chloromethyl) ether
- 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane
- 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
- 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
- Ethyleneimine
- Ethylene oxide
- Methyl chloroethyl ether
- 2-Naphthylamine
- 3-Naphthylamine
- 4-Nitrobiphenyl
- N-Nitrosodimethylamine
- b- Propiolacetone
- Vinyl Chloride
This list changes occasionally. If you are in doubt, check with the Environmental Health and Safety Office (Suzanne Howard, x 3882).
Precautionary Procedures:
- It is the intent of the Wellesley College Science Center Safety Committee that the agents on this list not be used at the College.
- If they are to be used, you must contact the EHS Office in advance and all rules and regulations in Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910 are to be observed. A copy of these regulations are filed in the Science Center Stockroom. The approval of the Safety Committee for their use is required.
In addition, OSHA regulates the use in laboratories of the following chemicals:
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Lead
A copy of the regulations applying to these chemicals is on file in the stockroom. OSHA is also evaluating the following chemicals for addition to this regulated list:
- 1, 3-Butadiene
- Cadmium Dust and Fume
- 2-Ethox ethanol (Cellosolve)
- 2-EthoxyethylAcetate
- Ethylene Dibromide
- Methyl Cellosolve
- Methyl Cellosolve Acetate
- Methylene Chloride
- 4,4'-Methylenedianiline
Chemical Disposal of Carcinogens and Other Related Chemicals
Strict federal, state, and local regulations dictate the rules for the safe disposal of chemical wastes. The College contracts with government-approved disposal companies for transporting and recycling/disposing of these materials. We are required to adequately label our wastes as to their hazard potential. The groups of chemicals that must be segregated and identified are:
- Flammable solvents
- Halogenated hydrocarbons
- Oxidizers
- Poisonous
- Corrosive
Continuing changes in the regulations now require that these containers must be labelled with the specific chemicals and their percentage in the mixture. "Phantom" wastes will no longer be accepted by disposal companies and therefore must be identified before collection. Do not dispose of chemical wastes down the drain unless laboratory instructors specifically approve. All identified hazardous wastes are to be returned to the Science Center Stockroom for proper disposal.
Disposal rules for radioactive wastes and scintillation vials are covered in the section on Radiation Materials.