SOP - BALLASTS, THERMOSTATS, THERMOMETERS, & BATTERIES

This standard operating procedure must be used to track, accumulate, store, and process spent (no longer usable) ballasts, thermostats, thermometers, and batteries. This SOP applies to all USM related campuses. The supportive guide document is our USM policy "Universal Waste."

1.    PCB Ballasts and Thermostats
       A.    Removed by qualified FM trades personnel or outside contractor, taken to campus
               trade shop, and placed in the appropriately marked 5 gallon container (pail).
              NOTE:    Pail labeling to include contents and start date.
              NOTE:    All pails are to remain securely capped.
       B.    Inspection of pails (containers) checked monthly for leakage, capping, labeling, and
               accumulation level.
       C.    Five gallon pails will be transported to the central accumulation site when full and stored
               for shipment accordingly.
              NOTE:    Labeling to include:    Content and Dates: Start-Full
       D.    Appropriate PPE to be used.

2.    Thermometers
       A.    When mercury containing thermometers are to be disposed of and/or broken, call USM
               Occupational Safety & Health Office for assistance (5406).
       B.    Units collected will be taken to the central accumulation site and stored appropriately.
       C.    Labeling to include:    Content and Dates
              NOTE:    Mercury spill kit cleanups and leaking units will be treated as hazardous
              waste.
       D.    Appropriate PPE to be used.

3.    Batteries
       A.    To include the following battery types only:
               (1)    Nicad (Nichol Cadmium)
               (2)    Metal Hydride
               (3)    Small Sealed Lead Acid
               (4)    Lithium
               (5)    Mercuric Oxide
               (6)    Silver Oxide Button Batteries
                       NOTE:    Does not include alkaline batteries.
               (7)    Vehicle batteries are not considered universal waste but hazardous waste.

4.    Handling
       A.    Trades personnel to take spent batteries to trade shops, place in five gallon pails with
               screw tops, and call Recycling for pick up service when full.
       B.    Academic, non-trade units, call Fm Recycling for pick up. Recycling will transport to
               central accumulation site.
       C.    Collected batteries will be taken to the accumulation site and stored as universal waste.
       D.    Labeling to include:    Contents and Date received at the central accumulation site.
       E.    Maximum storage time for spent universal waste storage is 365 days.