Incineration and Disposal of Ash
204. Incineration and Disposal of Ash
Incineration
Incineration is the recommended method for disposal of infected animal carcasses and biohazardous wastes. The incinerator is located on the roof of the Life Science Building.
BMP
- Prior to incineration of any material, the following information must be entered in the log books located in the Biology or Psychology Offices:
- Date and time
- Weight and type of material
- If material is radioactive, record approximate activity
- Print name and initial entry
- The incinerator is designed to destroy up to 100 pounds per hour of special waste. Incinerator should not be overloaded!
- The incinerator should be operated during daylight hours only.
- Aerosol cans, closed containers, flammable liquids, and paper such as office records, computer paper, or telephone books should not be incinerated.
- Incinerator can be preheated by setting the timer for approximately 30 minutes prior to use. If the main charging door is opened while the incinerator is operating, the primary burner will be shut off by the door safety switch.
- When loading waste into the incinerator, be sure that all waste is on the burning chamber hearth and not on the door block.
- After closing the incinerator door, the timer is set for a minimum of two hours, and the waste is left to burn down.
- Incinerator door should not be opened or more trash added until the load has burned down. This could cause two problems: 1) overloading of the incinerator and 2) the possibility of explosion which could injure the operator.
- After incineration is complete, the door can be opened and incinerator loaded with the next material.
- Do not use water to cool hot refractory or brick.
- If ashes build up above the bottom of the burner port or obstruct air passages, contact Environmental Health & Safety.
Disposal of Ash
The ashes generated during the operation of an infectious waste incinerator must meet some regulatory requirements prior to disposal.
BMP
- Conduct TCLP analysis of all incinerator ash annually.
- Prior to disposal, contact the UT Arlington EH&S Biological Safety Specialist.