12.2.3 : Policy waste disposal – hazardous materials
Guideline of Chemical Management
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) enforces a robust, prevention-focused policy for hazardous materials disposal through its "Guidelines of Chemical Management" (CMU/GP/01), ensuring all chemical life-cycle stages comply with national regulations. This policy establishes a mandatory process covering the identification, minimization, and required disposal information for all hazardous waste generated from research and teaching activities.
The policy mandates that hazardous waste management begins at the point of procurement, not disposal. Researchers are required to proactively consider the "amount and type of waste generated" from any activity and to prioritize the substitution of chemicals to minimize hazardous waste production, explicitly listing "waste disposal" as a major factor when evaluating safer alternatives. Furthermore, the guidelines enforce a 'reduce the size' principle, stipulating the purchase of minimal volumes to prevent future disposal costs and hazards associated with unused chemicals.
Crucially, the policy integrates regulatory compliance by requiring every hazardous chemical to be accompanied by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The guidelines explicitly highlight that the SDS must contain Section 13: Disposal information. This ensures that specific, correct, and legally compliant procedures for the disposal of every chemical substance are readily available and mandatory for all staff and students. By embedding disposal responsibility and knowledge into the initial stages of chemical management, UTM has a comprehensive policy that strictly governs the entire process of hazardous waste, from its prevention to its legal elimination.
Source :
https://ppmu.utm.my/cmu/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/CMUGP01-GP-Chemical-Management.pdf
Hazardous Waste Management: Ensuring Environmental Compliance and Safety
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) maintains a robust and systematic policy, process, and practice for the disposal of hazardous materials, specifically termed "Scheduled Wastes" (Buangan Terjadual), demonstrating a high level of institutional responsibility toward SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The entire framework, managed by the Chemical Management Unit (CMU), is strictly governed by and compliant with legal requirements, particularly the national Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.
UTM's process ensures a mandatory, multi-step chain of custody for all hazardous waste:
- Mandatory Classification and Identification: Every waste generator (researcher/staff) is required to classify all chemical waste according to the scheduled waste code specified in the national regulation's First Schedule.
- Strict Labeling and Storage: Generators must use specific UTM forms and labels that clearly indicate the waste name, composition, type (Solid, Liquid, Gas, Sludge), packaging method, and the SW (Scheduled Waste) code. This information must be clearly pasted on the container to ensure proper recognition and safe handling. Temporary storage areas must also display the appropriate warning signs.
- Formal Disposal Procedure: The disposal process requires the generator to complete and submit a Scheduled Wastes Disposal Form to an appointed departmental officer, who then applies to the CMU for final disposal. This form mandates the provision of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to ensure all parties are aware of the waste's hazards.
- Continuous Monitoring and Training: The policy requires that all scheduled waste is inspected every two weeks using a formal checklist and mandates training for all chemical users to ensure competent management of hazardous materials.
By implementing this stringent, documented, and traceable procedure from generation to disposal, UTM minimizes environmental contamination risks, safeguards its personnel, and ensures the environmentally sound management of hazardous byproducts from its research and teaching activities.
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