March Mondays Campaign
During the month of March we will be conducting special pick-ups for peroxide formers on Mondays and we will waive the $100 fee for expired containers or those testing over 20ppm for PFC.*
Please do not bring High-Risk containers to pick-ups, instead email us to assess your container(s) at hazardousmaterials@ehs.ucla.edu
March Monday Pick Up Schedule
*fee waived only for containers turned in on Mondays.
What are peroxide formers?
Peroxide forming chemicals (PFC) are materials that may form potentially explosive organic peroxides; upon prolong storage.
These are not classified under GHS, but are of significant concern. Many of these chemicals are common solvents. A common practice is the addition of stabilizers (e.g. hydroquinone and BHT) that inhibit the chain reaction of peroxide formation.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan covers more information about the safe handling of peroxide formers on pages 24 - 27.
If peroxide formation is expected in a chemical container it must be opened by a special team. This work is dangerous and costly.
Contact Us
Do Not handle PFC containers and contact us if:
- greater than two years past the expiration date and not tested within the past 3 months
- is a Class 1 over 18 months from date of receipt
- date of the container is unknown
- If crystallization is present inside or on the exterior of a container
- Secure the container and contact EH&S for disposal
- Unopened containers within 18 months of receipt or before manufactures expiration dates
- Opened containers within 12 months of opening if uninhibited
- Tested containers with peroxide levels testing under 20 ppm. Review the CHP for testing information.
- Labeling- the following information must be on the container and visible:
- manufacture's expiration or date received
- date opened
- last test date and concentration measure
- Type "Peroxide Former" or "PFC" in comments section on WASTe Tag
There is a $100 (minimum) recharge for each PFC that is disposed of beyond the expiration date, exceeding 20 ppm, or unlabeled.
To turn in expired PFC provide a P39 Recharge From at pick up with your containers.
If your container is:
- Over 18 months past receipt or expiration
- Class 2 to 4 beyond expiration date and exceeding 20ppm
- Missing required labeling information
There is a $100 (minimum) recharge for each PFC that is disposed of beyond the expiration date, exceeding 20 ppm, or for containers not completely labeled. To turn in expired PFC provide a P39 Recharge From at pick up with your containers.
If a container is identified as high-risk, it may require specialized handling by a High Hazmat team.
- Secured Access: The area where the item is stored will be secured and access will be restricted until the Hazmat team arrives. This may take several weeks.
- Remote Stabilization: Materials may need to be remotely opened or stabilized to ensure safety.
- Cost: The minimum cost for this service is $8,000, depending on the complexity and risk level of the operation.
- Purchase minimal quantities
- Stored in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place
- Seal tightly to avoid evaporation
- Label with the date received and the date opened
- Dispose of prior to expiration, 1 year from opening, or with peroxides formation < 20 ppm.
- Avoid evaporation or distillation (distillation defeats the stabilizer added to the solvent). Seek guidance from your Principal Investigator or EH&S if your experiment requires distilled solvent.
- Inspect regularly your container for exterior contamination or crystallization
- Never return unused quantities back to original container
- Clean spills immediately
