U.S. General Services Administration
Chemical Handling, Storage and Disposal
Federal agencies can count on GSA's property management teams to oversee the daily operation and maintenance of federally owned buildings and leased space in a sustainable manner. The Rocky Mountain Region's system provides guidance to ensure GSA accomplishes program objectives and targets. GSA is responsible for properties owned by GSA, it is the responsibility of leased agencies to oversee leased property.
Building operations and maintenance uses sustainable chemicals everywhere possible in activities such as:
- cleaning,
- equipment maintenance,
- pest and weed control,
- snow removal,
- renovations and alterations
GSA counts on the tenant Agency Safety Officer to keep the GSA Building Manager informed of any potential safety matters. Always follow jurisdictional local codes and keep local fire departments aware of any potential dangers in your work area(s). Chemicals are always stored in fire rated cabinet. Use placards and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDA) in a centralized location, such as a fire command center within the building or a predetermined location (e.g. mechanical room, administration area). The ideal situation is to eventually place the information on line for your local fire department to have access, in case of an incident.
The GSA at the DFC does not permit more than 50 gallons per chemical on site. The amount of Chemicals per pounds is determined by Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and approval is on a case by case basis. GSA's Fire Safety department, Alan Antonio (303-236-2366) or Joseph Carruth (303-236-2946), wishes to be consulted before chemicals are brought onto the Denver Federal Center (DFC).
| Observance | When |
|---|---|
| Chemical Awareness and Toxic Injury | Month of May |
| Fire Prevention Week | The week of October 9th |
| National Poison Prevention Week | 3rd week of March |
American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
| Objectives | Reduce reportable spills |
|---|---|
| Reduce hazardous chemical use | |
| Limit the environmental impact | |
| Targets | Educate all personnel who handle any chemicals in their job |
| Zero reportable spills | |
| Increase use of "green" products by 10% annually | |
| Identify and repair freon leaks within 30 days |
Federal, State, and Local Policy and Regulations
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); also known as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Additional Resources
For additional information on storage of chemicals or batteries contact either Alan Antonio or Chris Alden listed above; the following links are for general information only:
- OSHA Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Manual on Safe Storage of Hazardous Chemicals [PDF], University of California, Berkeley
- Chemical storage cabinets, University of Alaska at Anchorage;
- Chemical storage and classes of incompatible chemicals [PDF], Stony Brook University, the State University of New York
- US Army Battery Safety Reference Guide [PDF]
Procedures
| File Name | Date Revised |
|---|---|
| Chemical Storage & Disposal [PDF - 302 KB] | 05/14/2012 |
| EPCRA SARA Title III [PDF - 295 KB] | 05/16/2012 |
| Grounds Maintenance-Chemical Usage [PDF - 273 KB] | 06/21/2012 |
| Hazardous Waste Management [PDF - 449 KB] | 06/11/2012 |
| Spill & Emergency Response [PDF - 214 KB] | 07/22/2015 |
For more information about this program please contact:
Alan Antonio
alan.antonio@gsa.gov
303-236-2366.