FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly receive questions regarding environmental, health & safety issues. Some of the questions which we are most frequently asked can be found below. The FAQ section is intended as a first resource, but if there are any other questions which you think should be added, please let us know. If you still can't find what you're looking for, or if you want more information, please contact our department.
Where do I get waste labels?
There should be a supply of labels in the Hazardous Waste facility or you can stop by the SHERM office.
Does SHERM supply containers to collect hazardous waste?
SHERM supplies containers for sharps waste and for biological waste such as animal carcasses. Call SHERM at extension 3108 if you require one of these waste containers.
What do I do with empty chemical containers?
Empty containers that contained chemicals must be triple rinsed with clean water. Dispose of the rinse water in to the hazardous chemical waste. If there is no residue left in the container after three rinses, it may be disposed of into the municipal waste. If residue remains in the container, take further action (i.e. rinse with a solvent, or physically scrape out chemicals) to clean the container before disposal.
I have regular alkaline batteries. Can’t I just throw them in the trash?
We recycle alkaline batteries. We have a collection container in the hazardous chemical facility. All other batteries must be collected as hazardous waste in the containers located in the hazardous waste facility.
I found a fluorescent light bulb in my office. What should I do with it?
Please call Physical Resources at 6280 and they will remove them or call SHERM and we will arrange for their proper disposal.
What type of shielding should I use for the waste inside the lab?
For beta emitters, a plastic waste container is sufficient to block the radiation. For gamma emitters, a lead or concrete shield is necessary. Before radiation work can be completed, an internal radioisotope permit must be issued which will address waste storage will be completed.
What do you actually pick up when radioactive waste request is submitted?
For dry waste, the waste management company will pick up the bags from the plastic containers. For liquid waste, they will pick up and replace the containers. For LS vials waste, the lab technician must collect them in a 5-gal container and then transported and transferred into the drum which is located in the hazardous waste facility.
How do I purchase isotopes for a lab that is authorized to use radiation?
Complete a Purchase Requisition form and forward it to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for approval. When the isotope is received, send the Radioisotope Usage Form with the isotope use information completed to the RSO.
Who is required to attend Bloodborne Pathogen training?
All grounds and trades personnel that may work in Health Services, residences, laboratories or any area of campus that may encounter blood or other body fluids.
Does lab equipment need to be decontaminated prior to disposal, repair or servicing?
Yes. See BIO-008 and BIO-009 for a procedure and decontamination certificate of equipment contaminated with biological agents.
I would like to work with a Risk Group 2 organism in the laboratory. How do I obtain approval for this type of work?
Refer to Standard Operating Procedure BIO-011, “Importation of Human Pathogens”.
What PPE is required for working in the lab?
See Section 9 of the Laboratory Health and Safety Manual.
I have laboratory generated waste that I am unsure how to dispose of. What should I do?
Refer to the Laboratory Waste Disposal Table for descriptions of waste types and disposal methods. If your waste is not represented on the table or you have further questions, call SHERM at extension 3108.
How do I set up my laboratory for use of radiation or biological agents?
Contact SHERM at extension 3108 for details regarding the procedures for new laboratory setups.
Where can I find laboratory procedures and forms?
Hard copies of all procedures can be found in the SHERM office in a binder labelled “Controlled Documents”. Electronic copies will be available online at a later date.
How do I gain access to the online WHMIS training?
If you have an account through MyLearningSpace; log in to MyLearningSpace using your Novell username and password then click on the “Self Registration” link at the top of the page to register for WHMIS.
If you do not have an account, please contact Sarah Lamb at slamb@wlu.ca to have an account set up for you.
Complete either the Basic or Comprehensive version of the course and print the certificate that appears in the news section of the course when you have passed the quiz. The certificate should be given to your supervisor as your record of training.
If you have any questions about online WHMIS training, please contact Sarah Lamb at slamb@wlu.ca.
