Broken Bulbs
Overview: Hazardous Wastes, Satellite Accumulation Areas, and Fluorescent Bulbs
Waste can be hazardous in two ways. It can be on a hazardous waste list, or it can be hazardous because of its characteristics. Characteristics of hazardous waste include, toxicity, reactivity, ignitability, and corrosivity. We collect most of our hazardous waste streams at satellite accumulation areas (SAA). An SAA is typically a 55-gallon drum but can also be anything that is compatible with the waste that needs to be held such as an IBC tote. Once an SAA has reached its 55-gallon limit, it must be transported to one of our central accumulation areas (CAA) within 3 days.
Fluorescent bulbs utilize a very small amount of mercury vapor to create light. Typically, this poses no threat as it is trapped within the bulb, however, if the bulb breaks it releases that small amount of mercury vapor into the air. Mercury is known to be highly toxic to human and environmental health. Therefore, we must treat broken bulbs as a hazardous waste.
Broken bulbs must be disposed of at the warehouse.
BMP: Clean-up Procedure
1. If a bulb breaks, block off the area and ask others to leave the vicinity for 5 minutes. Open any relevant doors or windows.
2. After the time has passed, scoop/sweep the glass into a container.
3. Use tape to pickup any remaining fragments or powder.
4. Wipe the impacted area with a damp paper towel.
5. Leave doors and windows open for an extended period in order to allow the mercury vapor to escape.
6. Place all glass and any disposable materials used to clean the blub into the “Broken Lamp” container in the warehouse.
7. Make sure the lid is secure, label is legible, and drum is in good condition.
SAA Drum Management
When the drum reaches its 55 gallon capacity, notify the environmental department immediately.
Hazardous wastes must be identified by the yellow “HAZARDOUS WASTE” label. These labels contain the waste name, our generator information, the type and classification of hazards of the waste, and the date that the container started accumulating waste.
Flammable or corrosive liquids must also have a flammable or corrosive label.
Toxic materials must also have a toxic label.
Lids must be closed, drums must have readable labels and must be in good condition.
SAAs cannot be moved from their location without notifying the environmental department.
Once an SAA is full, please notify the environmental department.
If a drum is missing a label, leaking, or in poor condition please contact the environmental department.
If you have a question, stop what you’re doing and ask a supervisor.
