The University of Kentucky is committed to managing all hazardous materials used and stored at its facilities in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The University of Kentucky is also committed to maintaining a safe work environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This manual contains the proper, safe and environmentally responsible procedures for managing and disposing of wastes, thus reducing or eliminating the potential for accidents and release of hazardous materials.
With the enactment on November 19, 1980, of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes became strictly regulated under federal, state and local laws. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to closure of facilities, as well as civil and possibly criminal penalties against the University and the persons generating the wastes.
The University has assigned the management of hazardous, biological and mixed wastes to the Environmental Management (EM) department. This department has personnel who have the technical training and experience to handle the wide variety of wastes produced by the University.
All persons in supervisory or management positions are responsible for proper handling and management of waste in their areas and for ensuring that University guidelines for hazardous wastes are followed. Supervisory and management personnel are responsible for ensuring that all persons in their respective areas that handle hazardous waste (1) have been through the training class offered by the EM department and (2) have been trained and understand the waste handling procedures in their individual lab or work area.
Ultimately it is the individual using these materials who is responsible for following the guidelines contained in this manual. With your cooperation, knowledge, professionalism and responsible actions, the University of Kentucky can continue to safely and responsibly manage its hazardous waste.