Toxic Solvents and Hazardous Chemical Substances.
Hazardous Chemical Substances (HCS) may be found in many work areas. Some of the substances that may be encountered in different workplaces include acetone (used in some paint thinners), butane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dieldrin, ether, fluorine (used in CFCs), mercury (found in fluorescent light bulbs), napthylene (in mothballs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, trimethyl benzene or toluene (in paint thinners), and turpentine. For a comprehensive list, enter "Hazardous Chemical Substances (HCS)" in the search-box at http://www.acts.co.za/ohs/index.htm
Toxic waste disposal is a costly exercise, and is even more so if the nature of the toxic waste is not made known. Rhodes University requires all staff and students to adhere to its socially and environmentally responsible toxic waste disposal practices:
- Place toxic waste / solvents in 20 litre plastic drums;
- Label the container clearly, including (i) nature of contents; (ii) contact details of person disposing of the waste;
- Ensure that container is properly sealed and kept in a secure place;
- When the container is full, send it to the Chemistry Department (Note: if they have insufficient space for storage, you may be required to store the toxic waste in your own building until the University's toxic waste removal company comes to collect a consignment).
Rhodes University contact for hazardous waste disposal: Mr Don Dondashe, Chemical Store & Safety Officer, Chemistry Department, 046-603.8257 / v.dondashe@ru.ac.za
Go to:
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
