Guidelines for care & Use of Dry Solvent Stills [Example]

8. Dr. Paul Jones – Lab Room # 14
SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR SAFE REMOVAL OF HIGHLY TOXIC WASTE
Consult with your research advisor concerning proper methods for packaging and storing extremely
hazardous waste. Research usually involves working with selective types or classes of chemicals. Prepare
brief summaries in this section for handling spent chemicals peculiar to your lab.
In addition to safe handling and disposal of routine chemicals described elsewhere in this document (i.e.,
Section III.C, Procedures for Handling Hazardous Waste,) , the following information applies specifically
to this Lab. Please consult this safety manual for general guidelines and MSDS sheets for detailed
guidelines for particular chemicals.
Occasionally, Osmium/Chromium oxidations of alkenes to carboxylic acids are carried out in this lab.
Osmium and Chromium reagents must be handled extremely carefully as both are highly toxic metals.
Always wear gloves when working with these reagents and for any neat Osmium or Chromium compound,
handle the material only in a fume hood. Any waste generated from the reaction that contains either metal
must be placed in a sealed container and clearly marked as containing the metals. Prior to this, reduce
any remaining Chromium(VI) by adding a large excess of 2-propanol. Once the waste container is 3/4 full,
seal it securely, be sure the identification is still clear (along with your name, lab, lab phone number, and
date), and place the container in the solvent disposal room (Salem 20).
Under no circumstances should waste containing Osmium or Chromium be placed in routine solvent
waste or go down the drain.
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