Hazardous Materials Safety & Disposal

Audience: Employees, student workers, supervisors, laboratory users, facilities, and custodial staff.

Purpose: Provide role-specific guidance for handling, reporting, and disposing of hazardous materials at BYU–Hawaii. This page supplements, but does not replace, required training.

Overview

Hazardous materials are used in many campus operations, including laboratories, maintenance, custodial services, medical response, construction, and academic programs. Improper handling or disposal of these materials can pose risks to human health, safety, and the environment.

Only trained and authorized individuals may handle hazardous materials or respond to spills. If you are unsure how to proceed in any situation, do not act—report the issue and follow instructions from Safety & Risk Management or Campus Security.

Chemical Waste

Chemical waste includes materials such as:

• Laboratory chemicals
• Cleaning agents
• Paints and coatings
• Pesticides
• Industrial solvents
• Acids
• Mercury-containing substances

Chemical Spills

Uncontrolled releases of chemical materials, including spills or leaks, present a risk to human health and the environment.

If a minor chemical spill occurs and you are trained to respond:

• Alert individuals nearby to distance themselves from the area.
• Use a spill kit to limit the spread of the chemical, if trained to do so.
• Set up a barrier (such as traffic cones or yellow tape) to restrict access.
• Notify your supervisor immediately.
• Contact BYU–Hawaii Safety & Risk Management.

If a major chemical spill occurs, or if you are unsure of the material:

• Evacuate the area immediately.
• Call 911.
• Notify BYU–Hawaii Campus Security and Safety & Risk Management.

Reporting Contacts

• Safety & Risk Management office: (808) 675-3281 
• Safety and risk manager: (808) 675-3411
• After hours – Campus Security: (808) 675-3503

Universal Waste

Universal waste is a subset of hazardous materials that are common on campus but pose lower risk when handled properly. These materials still require regulated disposal.

Universal waste includes:

• Batteries
• Fluorescent lamps
• Items containing mercury

Do not place universal waste in regular trash receptacles.

Reporting and Disposal

Notify your supervisor and contact Safety & Risk Management for guidance on proper disposal.

• Safety & Risk Management office: (808) 675-3281 
• Safety and risk manager: (808) 675-3411
• After hours – Campus Security: (808) 675-3503

Biohazardous and Medical Waste

Biohazardous waste includes materials contaminated with infectious substances, such as:

• Blood
• Body fluids
• Other potentially infectious materials

These materials must be handled and disposed of according to established safety procedures.

Training Requirement

Employees and student workers who handle biohazardous materials must complete required training. Training resources are available through Workday.

If a biohazardous spill or exposure occurs:

• Secure the area if safe to do so.
• Notify your supervisor immediately.
• Contact Safety & Risk Management or Campus Security as appropriate.

Paint, Solvent, and Oil Waste

Paints, solvents, oils, and related materials:

• Must not be poured down sinks or storm drains
• Must not be disposed of in regular trash

Improper disposal can cause environmental contamination and regulatory violations.

Disposal Guidance

Contact BYU–Hawaii Safety & Risk Management for proper disposal instructions.

• Safety & Risk Management office: (808) 675-3281 
• Safety and risk manager: (808) 675-3411
• After hours – Campus Security: (808) 675-3503

Training and Responsibilities

Employee and Student Worker Responsibilities

• Complete required hazardous materials training before handling materials.
• Follow established handling, storage, and disposal procedures.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Report spills, releases, or unsafe conditions immediately.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Ensure employees and student workers complete required training.
• Maintain awareness of hazardous materials used in their area.
• Report incidents promptly and cooperate with Safety & Risk Management.

When in Doubt

If you are uncertain whether a material is hazardous or how to respond:

• Do not attempt to handle or dispose of it yourself.
• Contact Safety & Risk Management or Campus Security for guidance.

This page is for internal use by BYU–Hawaii students and employees.
Always follow instructions from Safety & Risk Management and emergency responders.