ARCHIVED REPORTS_2005_2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

.a capacitor may be wired to the motor bracket or other component. Ballasts are typically fastened with screws to the light housing and would require the same tools for removal. The wires extending from the ballasts need to be.cut prior to ballast removal. 3.5 Hazards / Safety Precautions All employers must have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any workplace product that contains a hazardous substance(s), and must make it available to employees on request. An MSDS lists the hazardous chemical contents of a product, describes its health and safety hazards, and gives methods for using, storing and disposing of it safely. The employer may obtain an MSDS from the manufacturer of the product which contains PCBs. An MSDS for polychlorinated biphenyls is provided in appendix A. The Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS) produces fact sheets, booklets, avid technical documents on work place chemicals. A HEMS SIS fact sheet regarding polychlorinated biphenyls is provided in appendix B. HESIS fact sheets are designed as an aid for worker training programs and do not take the place of an MSDS. The HESIS office is located in Berkeley, California, and can be contacted at (510) 540- 3138. Employees should be trained on operational and safety aspects of any equipment used during PCB ballast and capacitor removal. Employees should also be trained in first aid. Note: Capacitors are capable of holding an electrical charge up to several hours and have to be discharged prior to removal. Although this may not be the case for units in the disposal or recycling sectors because of the time lapse, the conservative approach is to discharge the capacitor by shorting an insulated screwdriver across the capacitor's terminals. Also, never pull on the capacitor's terminal wires when removing a capacitor (primarily o1-filled) as the terminal seal may dislodge and cause oil spillage's. Also, any footwear should be worn and stored in the area where capacitor removal is taking place. PCBs can be transported via foot wear'. 3.6 Management - Under California Iaw, there are no specific exemptions for PCB wastes due to the quantity or size of the waste material, such as ballasts and capacitors. PCB containing electrical components, therefore, must be managed as a hazardous waste. The generator of PCB ballasts and capacitors will need to acquire an EPA generator I.D. number 14