Material Storage
Properly storing and disposing of materials greatly reduces the potential for environmental contamination.
The following is a list of recommendations for storing and disposing of materials in order to prevent environmental contamination and container deterioration, both of which can result in expensive clean-up costs.
- All containers (drums, pails, boxes, etc.) should be closed when not in use.
- All containers should be stored off the ground and under cover to protect them from the rain.
- All liquid chemicals and petroleum products should be stored with secondary containment. Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Agency's Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation, 40 CFR 112.7 (c), all 55-gallon or larger containers of petroleum products must be on secondary spill containment (110% capacity) if being stored outside or inside with the potential to reach navigable waters. Pallets that provide 110% containment are available through a number of safety vendors.
- Drums that contain solid materials (lime, dry fly ash, etc.) should be stored on wooden pallets to protect the base of the container from moisture.
- The type of cover can vary from a permanent roofed structure, anchored plastic tarps or any other means that protects the container tops and sides from exposure. Managing deteriorated containers is very difficult in terms of moving and disposal.
- All drums/containers must have a legible content label. The label should be easily understood and visible to the public. Labels that are illegible must be replaced with new ones.
- Contact the Division of Research Safety at 217-333-2755 prior to providing any materials to a non-university location.
- Contact the Division of Research Safety at 217-333-2755 prior to disposing any materials.