Maintenace of Neutralizing Sumps
The plumbing code of Massachusetts (248 CMR: Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters) requires maintenance of neutralizing sumps (limestone chip tanks).
Note: All persons performing the inspection and maintenance of chip tanks must be a licensed plumber and have current Bloodborne Pathogen training
Preparation for Work
1. Put on personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses/goggles and faceshield, lab coat or apron, and nitrile or other chemical protective gloves are required. Other PPE such as chemical resistant sleeves or respirators may be worn if warranted.
Note: Respirators may only be worn if you have completed respirator training and had a fit test and medical evaluation within the last 12 months. Respirators must be equipped with afresh organic vapor/acid gas cartridge.
2. In areas where chemicals are used: flush the tank out by running water for at least 10 minutes prior to opening.
3. If the sink is a radiological disposal sink, call the Radiation Safety Operations line @ 5-0777 to arrange for a radiation survey prior to doing any work on the tank.
4. In areas where unusual biological hazards may exist, flush the tank for 10 minutes with water. Add a 10% bleach solution to the chip tank (64 oz. for a 5 gallon tank) for 20 minuets. (It is important to use fresh bleach (< 30 days after opening) to ensure it will disinfect appropriately.) After 20 minutes, flush the tank with clean water for at least 10 minutes.
Note: Remember that bleach is very caustic and drains are usually dirty. Under most circumstances, your personal protective equipment should protect you, but if you get bleach or liquid from the drain on your skin, wash for 15 minutes in running water and, if necessary, go to UHS for treatment. If you splash it in your eyes, flush your eyes for 15 minutes in an eyewash and report to UHS for treatment or follow-up.
Doing the Work
1. Remove the tank cover or inspection port slowly.
2. Visually inspect the tank contents.
- If sharps (glass pipette tips, needles, syringes or razor blades) are observed, do not touch them with your hands. Remove them with forceps or similar tool and place them in sharps container. Call the Biosafety Office if you need to arrange for pick up.
- If the chip level is less that 3/4 of the way to the outlet pipe, carefully add additional chips. Avoid splashing any liquids when adding chips.
- If the chips are heavily contaminated with biologic material or sediment, the entire contents of the tank must be changed.
- Replace the tank cover/inspection port and record your actions on the logsheet.
Completion of Activities
1. Clean up your work area.
2. Dispose of all chips and tank liquids as Hazardous Waste. To arrange for disposal call the hazardous waste hotline @ 6-3322.
3. Remove all PPE and wash your hands before doing any other work.
