Background
Recent incidents involving the disposal of acidic 'piranha' solution (sulfuric acid, H2SO4 and hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) indicates a heightened potential for serious injury to campus researchers, EH&S staff and staff of hazardous waste disposal vendors for UCR that handle piranha waste for final disposal. As a result, increase safety procedures are required.
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Piranha solution should only be used when there are no other alternatives.
- Substitutes such as potassium hydroxide/ethanol bath or NochromixTMsolution are safer alternatives and present less difficulty in disposing.
- Piranha solution should never be used or handled by individuals working alone in the laboratory.
- Principal Investigators are responsible for developing standard operating procedures for using piranha solution specific to their laboratory.
- Ensure each researcher is trained on the following:
- PPE
- Preparation
- Handling
- Transfer and Storage
- Spill Cleanup
- Ensure each researcher is trained on the following:
Distribution of Waste Management Supplies
As part of the waste management safety supplies distribution process, researchers must be provided guidance on the safe storage and handling of piranha solution. Research groups that have been identified as piranha solution users will be contacted by EH&S to schedule an in-person consultation. Each participating research group will receive the following waste management supplies for piranha solution waste:
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Guidance
Procedures must be implemented by all campus research groups that use piranha solution in order to help ensure the safe handling and disposal.
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Cool Solution No visible evolving gas. |
Transfer Solution Use clear poly-coated bottle. (EH&S provided) |
Use Vented Caps Cap poly-coated bottle with a vented cap. (EH&S provided) |
Fill Line Leave at least 2" of head space in each container. |
Post Signage Place signage next to the bottle of piranha waste to warn others of its presence. |