SOP - LAMPS

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

1.    Original lamp shipping containers are to be used in each building by USM Environmental
        staff, trades, etc., to store used lamps. Used lamps are to be placed in the box carefully, and
        place an X on the end of each used tube.
        NOTE:    Container box to be carefully placed to avoid breakage.

2.    When used lamps are collected, carefully place in shipping container to avoid breakage.
        NOTE:    If a lamp breaks during the placing procedure, the custodian or supervisor will
                        immediately seal and label, including the tube count, and contact FM Recycling
                        for pickup.

3.    When the individual shipping container is full, that is the quantity of lamps the container was
        designed to hold. Building staff will make ahd full date on the box container end and notify
        USM Recycling for transport to the central accumulation site.

4.    The building staff is to count tubes, indicate the number of used tubes on the container, seal
        with tape, and place your initials on the container end. Building staff will take the box to the
        designated recycling site in that building.
        NOTE:    Project work employees are responsible for transporting used lamps to the
                        building recycling area.

5.    When arriving at the central accumulation site, USM Recycling staff is to respond to pickup
        request, log the entry on the pickup form, and carefully transport to accumulation site. Then
        log into receiving manifest. This includes all boxes broken or otherwise.

6.    When arriving at the site, the box(es) are to be placed carefully on the shipping pallet in the
        designated lamp storage area, and mark the container storage date on the end of the
        box(es).
        NOTE:    All documentation dates (start and full) must be marked on container end and
                        stacked so all ends can be read from the same pallet side. Then box information is
                        recorded on site inventory form.

7.    Stacking specifics:    maximum container height - 5 boxes
                                      maximum container width - 5 boxes
        NOTE:    Each layer perpendicular to the previous.

8.    Each completed pallet will then be stretch wrapped.

9.    Lamp Breakage Handling
       A.    Ten or less lamps - do not require reporting.
               (1)    Always wear appropriate PPE when handling.
               (2)    Place the broken or leaking universal waste item(s) carefully into the shipping
                        container, call Recycling for pickup, and transport to the accumulation site.
               (3)    Vacuums are not to be used for mercury/lead spills.
                       NOTE:    When a box contains one or more broken lamps, the following
                       information must be marked on box end: the number of whole lamps and the
                       number of broken lamps; a vital necessity. Please place broken lamp sticker on
                       box end and later on stretch wrap.
               (4)    Lamps that are broken prior to box containment are to be cleaned up and placed
                        in 5 gallon pail receptacles ASAP.
                        (a)    one pail will be kept in each building.
                        (b)    only trained personnel are certified to do clean up.
        B.    Eleven or more lamps - do require reporting.
               NOTE:    The spill is now treated as a hazardous waste.
                (1)    DEP is to be notified immediately by the USM Office of Occupational Safety &
                        Health, 800-452-4664.
                (2)    Clean up will be conducted by a certified environmental contractor.
                         NOTE:    A documented record is to be kept by USM Occupational Safety &
                         Health.

10.    Outside Contractors - working on campus must adhere to USM universal waste policies.
         Special Consideration - certain lamps containing mercury or lead including fluorescent, high
         intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure, sodium and metal halide bulbs.