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CHAPTER 10 - FIRE CODE
Title 4. Regulations Regarding Hazardous Substances

Chapter 27. Disposal of Dangerous or Hazardous Materials

Sec. 27.001. Scope

This Chapter applies to all materials falling into the classifications and categories listed in Section 27.002 which are disposed of by Safety Office personnel or under the supervision of Safety Office personnel.

Sec. 27.002. Classification of Dangerous or Hazardous Materials

(a) Flammable Materials: The materials which constitute this general classification are those which are capable of being burned in the presence of air or oxygen when they are exposed to a flame, spark, or any other form of hydrocarbons (which contain carbon and hydrogen) such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, napthas, gasolines, oils, organic powders, films, paper and paper materials, powdered solids, such as powdered metals, flour, coal dust, cotton dust, cotton linters, sawdust, plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, synthetic and natural rubbers, aerosols, paints, lacquers, floor cleaning agents, and all other flammable organic material which has not been specifically treated for the purpose of making it flame retardant. Flammable materials can be gaseous, liquid, or solid or combinations of these.

(b) Explosive Materials: For the purpose of this general classification, explosive materials may be considered only those which are inherently unstable chemically with respect to themselves so that they can decompose or react under the influence of heat, light, shock, spark ignition, high-frequency wave motion, or general aging and do this with such a rapid evolution of energy that explosive forces result. Common compounds of this classification are organic nitrates, perchlorates, peroxides, fulminates, oxides, hydrides, and others. Nitroglycerine (dynamite), TNT, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate, and ketone perioxides are examples of this classification.

(c) Toxic, Poisonous, and Corrosive Materials: Materials in this classification can consist of gases, liquids, and solids. The degree of toxicity can range from slight to deadly. Corrosive materials range from mildly active to materials capable of causing deep chemical burns. Examples of toxic materials are Gases: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, bromine, flourine, and others; Liquids: hydrocyanic acid, carbolic acid, oxalic acid, formic acid, benzene, toluene, aniline, nitrobenzene, and others; Solids: arsenic and arsenic compounds, tellurides, beryllium compounds, organic drugs, and others. Corrosive materials include hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, carbolic acid, chlorine, phosphorous, lime, caustin, and others.

(d) Radioactive Materials: Materials in this classification are all of those which emit alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. Radium, cobalt-60, cobalt-14, strontium-90, and all radioactive isotopes are common examples of this classification which might be encountered in laboratories and other locations at The University of Texas at Austin.

(e) Dangerous Materials Formed by Chemical Reaction: There are many materials which represent no particular disposal difficulty provided they are kept from contact with other materials with which they might react forming a dangerous reaction product. Calcium carbide reacts with water to form lime and acetylene, an explosive gas. Sodium, potassium and calcium metals react with water forming hydrogen--an explosive gas when mixed with air. Cyanide salts (used in metal cleaning) form deadly hydrogen cyanide gas when reacted with organic and inorganic acids. All materials reacting with commonly encountered substances to form dangerous materials are considered to be in this class.

(f) Biological Wastes: Materials falling into this classification are those represented by bacterias, viruses, fungi, molds, and biological species of plant and animal (such as amoeba which cause amoebic dysentery) which are dangerous to humans and high animal forms. The sources of these materials are usually hospitals and clinical and research laboratories.

Sec. 27.003. Disposal - General Procedure

(a) The possessor (faculty, staff, or student) of dangerous material to be disposed of or destroyed shall have the primary responsibility for such disposal and destruction. Any agency such as the the Safety Office or member of such an agency called upon to aid in the disposal of dangerous materials takes part in the disposal only to the extent of safeguarding the personnel and property at The University of Texas at Austin as well as the public.

(b) Procedure for Disposal of Dangerous Materials: When dangerous materials are to be disposed of by the Safety Office personnel or through the Safety Office, a request shall be made in writing which includes the name or names of individuals requesting disposal, the date, identity of the material, location, its quantity, nature of the container(s), type of the danger involved, name(s) of possessor or representative who will aid in the disposal with or without other agencies and shall keep the request indicating the date of disposal, personnel taking part and the final disposition of the material.

(c) Participation in Disposal: At least one person representing the owner of the material to be disposed of shall be required to take part in all phases of the disposal procedure, including packaging, transportation to the disposal site, and the actual disposal. It shall be required that personnel having the specific knowledge of the dangerous properties of the material participate in the disposal.

(d) Specific Disposal Methods: Dangerous or hazardous materials falling into the classifications above shall be disposed of in accordance with the best safety practice available. In general, flammable materials will be burned, explosive materials burned or exploded, toxic and corrosive materials burned, dispersed by dilution in air, or dissolved in water and dispersed. Radioactive wastes shall be disposed of by the AEC or its designated agency. Biological wastes may be burned or chemically treated to destroy the living organism.

(e) Disposal Facilities: The University shall furnish a suitable disposal area in a remote location such that disposal procedures can take place at a safe distance from the nearest inhabited building or public road or street. This shall consist of a burning area, burial area, and explosion area.