Knowledge Base

Semi-annual unannounced off-hour security inspections are conducted. “Off-Hours” are defined as 5:00 pm –8:00 am, lunch-time (11:00 –1:00) and weekends. All radioactive materials must be secured from unauthorized access or removal when not under constant surveillance. This can be achieved by making sure the laboratory is locked when nobody is in the lab or by locking all the radioactive material (including waste) within the lab in lockable refrigerators, freezers and cabinets. 

Closing Out Radioactive Material Use Laboratories

1. Close-out of labs posted for use of RAM normally will be performed only by written request of the Approved Supervisor, the University Radiation Safety Officer (URSO) or the University Radiation Safety Committee (URSC).

2. Upon receipt of a request or order to close out a lab, Radiation Safety (RS) staff will contact the Approved Supervisor and insure that the following tasks have been performed:

What is a hazardous waste?

The first step in any pollution prevention plan is to understand what is a hazardous waste. Once you know what constitutes a hazardous waste, then you are able to evaluate your processes to determine whether you are a generator of hazardous waste. At this point you can put into practice your strategies for reducing your waste generation.

Infectious waste spills must be contained and cleaned up immediately.

I. A spill kit containing absorbent material, bleach or another USEPA registered tuberculocidal disinfectant,
biohazard bags, gloves, eye protection, and a biohazard sharps container must be accessible in the laboratory.

The table below lists some possible alternatives to chemicals routinely used in the laboratory. The alternatives represent less toxic or non-hazardous materials that will help in reducing hazardous waste generation.

Hazardous materials are commonly used throughout the University for research, teaching, and maintenance related work. The utilization of these substances often requires the transportation of the material from one location to another. It is during the transportation phase that containers are most vulnerable to breakage and spillage. When a hazardous materials spill occurs, it frequently can create unsafe conditions, which can interrupt normal activities.

The collection, transportation and characterization of hazardous chemical waste at the Ohio State University falls under the direction of the Environmental Affairs program. In accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) the program encourages generators to utilize various chemical minimization methods to reuse, reduce the quantity and toxicity of chemical waste.