Prof. Kevin Chipman group.
Biosciences
Disposal of Acrylamide Waste
Any person working with acrylamide should be familiar with schedule 3.2, 3.3 and 7.1 of the
University hazardous substances policy Control measures (UHSP/15/HS/03). Enhanced
good chemical practice MUST be applied when handling and disposing of acrylamide. For
further information refer to http://www.hsu.bham.ac.uk/univ/az.htm. and the University’s
HAZDAT Hazardous Substances database.
Acrylamide is TOXIC- category 2 carcinogen; category 2 mutagen
Risk Phrases:
May cause cancer
May cause heritable genetic damage
Toxic if swallowed
Irritating to eyes and skin
May cause sensitisation by skin contact
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
Possible risk of impaired fertility
Personal protection
Always wear suitable protective clothing, chemical resistant gloves and face/eye protection
when handling acrylamide or waste.
Disposal
a)
Unwanted chemical stocks of acrylamide are classified as Hazardous Waste. Contact
the Hazardous Waste Coordinator in Stores. These should be labelled as below.
b)
Solid polymerised acrylamide waste (e.g. low levels* in gels, contaminated paper
towels etc.) be should be placed into a suitable, leak-tight container and then into a
yellow bag and treated as clinical waste for incineration.
b)
Aqueous solutions or buffer containing acrylamide may be disposed of in shatter
proof bottles using the carrier provided, via Stores as Hazardous Waste and clearly
labelled as shown in labelling section below.
c)
Alternatively, acrylamide waste in solution may be mixed with a combustible solvent
and disposed of via the School’s solvent waste procedure. Or waste solutions may be
polymerised and the resultant solid waste disposed of as in b). above.
Labelling of disposal container.
Name of chemical:
Acrylamide TOXIC H4, H6, H7, H10 and H11 16 05 06
School :
School of Biosciences.
Lab. no:
Date:
In case of accident inform a member of staff. If you feel unwell seek medical advice
immediately. Show the label where possible.
COSHH assessments and material safety data sheets (MSDS) should be kept in each
laboratory.
* For definition of low levels refer to Hazardous Waste: Guidance on Assessment,
Guidance/11/HWGA/05 on the Health and Safety Unit web page. You should also consider if
any mixed waste meets the cumulative criteria of CHIP2.
File: User/ Shrikant / disposal doc./ disposal / Acrylamide