Recently, a Facilities Trash Truck was emptying the dumpster behind Worrilow Hall. While compacting the load, they heard a pop, then smelled a very strong chemical odor. They spoke with a staff member at Worrilow, who stated that the material smelled like acetone.

The Trash Truck Personnel contacted DEHS. Kevin Eichinger and Leslie York-Hubbard responded. With the assistance of the Trash Truck Personnel, DEHS was able to remove the suspect material as well as all contaminated debris. The material was bagged and analyzed shortly thereafter. The material was a mixture of chemicals, but the main constituent was Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). MEK has a similar sweet odor like acetone. The material and personal protection equipment was managed through the University Hazardous Waste Program.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All chemical waste must be managed through the University's Chemical Waste Program. Improper disposal of chemicals place all University Personnel, especially Trash Truck and Custodial Personnel, at extreme risk for serious injury. It is very easy to have chemical waste removed from a laboratory. Simply contact DEHS to have the material removed. Please contact Kevin Eichinger at x2103 or eich@udel.edu with questions on the waste management process or to set up chemical waste training. According to Federal and State Law and University policy, all personnel who work with chemicals must be trained in proper chemical waste management. Visit the following sites for more information on waste management and training: http://www.udel.edu/EHS/chemical.html http://www.udel.edu/EHS/safetytraining.html