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Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) focuses on preventing, minimizing, or eliminating the introduction of hazardous material (HM or HAZMAT) into the Navy system, substituting less hazardous HM for HM already in the Navy system, safely using HM in the workplace, and safely handling and disposing of hazardous waste (HW or HAZWASTE). HMC&M incorporates the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Standard, the OSHA Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). HMC&M involves a variety of local organizational and functional elements due to the federal, state and local right-to-know laws, overlapping requirements of the laws, and regulations that affect HM use and the logistic aspects of supply and material disposition.

HMC&M reinforces the importance of many basic Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) objectives and functions. All SOH personnel have a crucial role in support of the HMC&M program. Active participation of SOH staff in the program should reduce unnecessary functional overlaps and duplication of effort within the activity or region organization. Further, active and aggressive safety, HMC&M, and HAZCOM efforts are an optimal means to eliminate or control personnel exposures to HM in the workplace, as well as reducing Navy liability related to HM use. Management leadership and the active involvement of employees and supervisors in implementing HMC&M-related programs are essential.

Disposal Procedures:

If HAZMAT is found in your space, contact your Department HAZMAT Coordinator.

If you don’t have a HAZMAT Coordinator, then contact your Department Safety Representative.

If you don’t have a Department Safety Representative contact NPS Safety (Mr. Martin Hitson, martin.hitson@nps.edu, 831 656-7661. You can also email safety@nps.edu .

Linked is a copy of a Hazardous Waste Form that will need to be filled out and turned in to one of three above mentioned. (Please reach out to Mr. Martin Hitson for a fillable version of the Hazardous Waste Turn-In Form).

If you have regular Alkaline batteries, or Lithium batteries they can be dropped off at any of the locations on the list, (Please ensure that the lithium battery leads are taped with clear tape, failure could result in causing a fire). Disposal of Used Batteries SOP.

For all other items HAZMAT they will likely need to be turned in using the Hazardous Waste Turn-In form, these items may include, Car/Auto Batteries, Fire Extinguishers, Bulbs, Used Toner Cartridges, Certain Appliances.

Toner Cartridges

Unused – coordinate with NPS Personal Property.
Used – See toner cartridge disposal. Or call NAVFAC Environmental Division at 656-7746/2850/3312

Note: For further questions or assistance please reach out to Naval Postgraduate School Safety Office. safety@nps.edu

WHAT IS HAZMAT?

Hazmat stands for "hazardous materials". It refers to any substances or materials that pose a risk to human health, safety, property, or the environment if not properly controlled.

It encompasses solids, liquids, gases, biological agents, radioactive materials, explosives, flammables, corrosives and other dangerous goods.
Common hazmat examples include gasoline, propane, acids, pesticides, asbestos, lead, mercury, and infectious medical waste.
Hazmat is classified and regulated based on its hazardous characteristics like explosiveness, flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, etc.
There are strict rules for labeling, packaging, handling, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous materials.
Emergency responders like firefighters receive special hazmat training to handle spills or releases safely.
Regulations like the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and OSHA standards govern hazmat.
Personal protective equipment like suits, respirators and containment are crucial when working with hazmat.

HAZMAT encompasses any materials that require special precautions and procedures to minimize dangers to people, assets, and the environment. Proper hazmat management is critical across industries.

LIST OF COMMON HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS.

Cleaning Materials:

Bleach
Ammonia
Oven cleaners
Drain cleaners
Toilet bowl cleaners
Floor strippers

Automotive Products:

Motor oil
Gasoline
Antifreeze
Brake fluid
Car batteries

Paints/Solvents:

Oil-based paints
Paint thinners
Turpentine
Varnishes
Wood stains

Lawn/Garden Chemicals:

Fertilizers
Herbicides
Insecticides
Fungicides

Batteries:

Lead-acid car batteries
Household alkaline batteries
Lithium-ion batteries

Electronics:

Old computers/TVs with CRT screens
Devices with mercury switches/thermostats

Compressed Gases:

Propane cylinders
Aerosol spray cans
Fire extinguishers.

LIST OF COMMON LABORATORIES MATERIALS.

Chemicals:

Acids (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid)
Bases (sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide)
Solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol, hexane)
Oxidizers (hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid)
Toxic compounds (formaldehyde, phenol, benzene)

Compressed Gases:

Nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, argon
Flammable gases (hydrogen, methane)
Toxic gases (ammonia, carbon monoxide)

Cryogenic Liquids:

Liquid nitrogen
Liquid helium

Proper training, containment, personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and disposal procedures are critical when handling these hazardous lab materials to minimize risks to personnel and the environment.

LIST OF COMMON HAZARDOUS METALS.

Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Cadmium (Cd)
Chromium (Cr)
Arsenic (As)
Beryllium (Be)
Barium (Ba)
Nickel (Ni)
Silver (Ag)
Copper (Cu)
Zinc (Zn)
Cobalt (Co)
Manganese (Mn)

These metals can be hazardous due to their toxicity, ability to bioaccumulate, carcinogenic properties, or other adverse health/environmental effects. Exposure routes include inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium are among the most tightly regulated due to their extremely toxic nature. Proper protective equipment, engineering controls, and disposal methods are mandated when handling these hazardous metals in industrial, construction, manufacturing, and laboratory settings.

LIST OF HAZARDOUS LIGHT BULBS.

Fluorescent Tubes/Lamps
1. Contain mercury vapors which are toxic and can contaminate the environment.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
1. Also contain a small amount of mercury
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
1. Include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium lamps.
2. Contains mercury and other metallic vapors.
Neon Lamps
1. Contains argon, neon, and sometimes mercury.
UV Lamps
1. May contain mercury, lead, or beryllium.
Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)
1. Old TV and computer monitor tubes contain lead oxide.

While energy-efficient bulbs save electricity, many contain mercury or lead which are environmental toxins. When these bulbs break, they can release vapors or dust that require careful cleanup procedures. Approved handling methods like using a mercury spill kit, avoiding skin contact/inhalation, and proper disposal through recycling or hazardous waste facilities is crucial. Dumping these lamps into regular trash can lead to soil and water contamination.

LIST OF ITEMS CONTAINING POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs).

Older electrical equipment and transformers.
1. PCBs were widely used as insulating fluids in transformers and capacitors until the late 1970s.
Old fluorescent light ballasts
1. PCBs were used as insulators in ballasts of fluorescent lights manufactured before 1979.
Caulk and sealants.
1. PCBs were added to certain caulking materials used in buildings constructed or renovated between 1950-1979.
Oil-based paints and coatings.
1. Some older oil-based paints and coatings contained PCBs before they were banned.
Thermal insulation and insulating materials
1. PCBs were used in some thermal insulation products like fiberglass insulation.
Old appliances and electrical devices
1. Remnants of PCBs may be present in old appliances like televisions and refrigerators.
Recycled paper products.
1. PCBs can sometimes be found in recycled paper products if the original sources contained PCBs.

PCBs are environmentally persistent and toxic. Their manufacture was banned in 1979 due to bioaccumulation and links to cancer/reproductive issues. Proper disposal through hazardous waste facilities is required for PCB-containing items.

LIST OF ITEMS CONTAINING CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFCs).

Air Conditioners (Central and Window Units)
Refrigerators and Freezers
Dehumidifiers
Chillers for commercial buildings
Older vehicles with air conditioning systems (pre-1994 models)
Refrigerated trucks and transport refrigeration units.
Commercial refrigeration units for food storage
Vending machines and water coolers with refrigeration
Commercial freezers and ice cream makers
Refrigerated display cases in grocery stores.
Older heat pumps for residential/commercial heating and cooling
Fire suppression systems and equipment.
Insulating foams and foamed plastics

Freon refers to a group of ozone-depleting refrigerant gases like CFCs and HCFCs that were once widely used as coolants. However, their production was phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to environmental damage. When equipment containing freon reaches end-of-life, the refrigerant gas must be carefully recovered by certified technicians before disposal, following EPA regulations. Venting freon is illegal and harmful to the ozone layer.

HAZMAT Resources

DoD Instructions and Manuals:

Navy Instructions:

Local Instructions:

Forms:

OSHA Guides and Fact Sheets:

NPS Process Charts:

Other:

Safety

HAZMAT - Safety