Used Oily Rag Handling (Environmental)

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to describe the responsibility and procedures for handling oily rags in or on campus operations.

Background

Rags are used by facilities personnel in Automotive, Maintenance, and Central Plant. The oil residue on the rags requires special handling, cleaning, and disposal to minimize the introduction of the oil components into the water system.

Applicability

This document applies to the St. Mary’s Facilities Services (Automotive, Maintenance, and Central Plant).

References

• Definition of Hazardous Waste (40 CFR Parts 261.3)
• Regulatory Exclusions and Alternative Standards for the Recycling of Materials, Solid Wastes and Hazardous Wastes

Procedure

• The auto shop will collect the oily rags from each division and have a count of each division to return the same amount.
• Each division will be allocated the same number of rags (100).
• Each division will have one contact person to exchange the oily rags with the clean ones.
• On a weekly basis the division contact personnel provider will exchange the oily rags with clean rags found in the Grounds Shop
• Heavily saturated oil rags must be treated as an oil filter; allowed to drip into used oil container and disposed in same manner as used oil filters.
• The oily rags must be stored in a container that has a self-containing lid. The lid may be able to open with a foot control and hand control.  The container to be used will be similar to Grainger part # 2AX55.
• Each container must be labeled with “Used Oily Rags” or “Hazardous Waste” and include the accumulation start date.
• The facilities contract service provider will launder the rags and return them to campus when they are clean and hazard free.

Responsibilities

The Ground Division/Automotive shop is responsible for the collection and distribution of the rags for the three divisions for which this procedure is applicable.

Training

All personnel responsible for the requirements of this procedure have been trained on this procedure.

Record Keeping

Record all invoices in a log. The log should include dates and counts of any rags that are being exchanged. The log must be signed by the Grounds Manager or designated representative. Records will be maintained and filed in the Facilities Services Office for a minimum of 30 years.

Glossary

Hazardous Waste: A waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment.