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                                                                           A Quarterly Newsletter by the Environmental Health and Safety Office

National Safety Month 07: "Celebrating Safe Communities"

Volume 1, Issue 3 May. 07

Since a person inhabits many different communities throughout the day – work, home and every stop in-between – the National Safety Council encourages businesses and individuals to take advantage of the safety education they provide, and reduce the risk of unintentional injury and death in everyday life. To learn more about National Safety Month 07, visit the National Safety Council website, http://www.nsc.org.

Here at UIC, campus-wide safety initiatives are directed through the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO). The department takes a respected and serious approach to the following campus issues: air contaminants, asbestos, biological safety, chemical safety, chemical redistribution, chemical waste disposal, construction safety, ergonomics, fire safety, food safety, fume hoods, hazardous materials, heat stress illumination, indoor air quality, laboratory audits, lasers, microwaves, noise, personal protective equipment, radiation safety, respiratory protection, sanitation, ventilation, and waste minimization. Any questions regarding campus safety can be found on the department’s website or by calling 6-7411.

Newsletter Spotlight

  • National Safety Month
  • Chemical Redistribution
  • Ladder Safety
  • Chemical Safety Training
  • Word Match
  • Radiation Training
  • Lessons to be Learned
  • What's inside your laboratory
  • Extension Cord Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • Safety Cartoon
   

Chemical Redistribution Program

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle imageUIC is committed to reducing both the amount and toxicity of hazardous wastes that are generated as a result of University operations. One way to accomplish this is to redistribute unwanted chemicals to those that need them. To facilitate this concept the EHSO Health and Safety Section maintains a Chemical Redistribution Program. It allows labs the opportunity to contribute unwanted chemicals to the program as well as receive needed chemicals for free as long as they are found in inventory. Along with more efficient use of the chemicals on campus, it also saves thousands of dollars in disposal and purchase costs.

First, local redistribution of chemicals should be attempted within each department or building. This can be done by emailing a list of surplus chemicals available to researchers in the area. This is a good option for someone that is retiring or leaving UIC. If chemicals still remain after local redistribution, contribute unwanted chemicals to the Chemical Redistribution Program. Utilize the Chemical Removal Form which can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety Office website http://www.uic.edu/depts/envh under “Waste Disposal.” The chemicals should be unused and in the original bottle. Occasionally, large quantities of an opened, but unused material will be considered for redistribution.

To receive free chemicals, search the current chemical redistribution list on the EHSO website, http://www.uic.edu/depts/envh, “Free Chemicals” link. When the chemical (s) is found, the order form found at the bottom half of the screen needs to be filled out. Once the form is complete, click on “Submit Request” and the order will automatically be emailed to the Hazardous Waste Facility.

Once received by the Hazardous Waste Facility allow 7-10 business days for
delivery.
       
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