POL-5750.09 Using acid drain cleaner

Effective Date: July 6, 2007

Approved by: Director of Facilities Management

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to all Facilities Management (FM) personnel using acid-based drain cleaners in any university facility.

Policy Statements

1. Only One Brand of Acid Drain Cleaner Will be Used.

Only one brand and type acid drain cleaner product will be stocked and used to clear campus drains. Only the FM plumbing department will purchase and store acid drain cleaners. Only FM plumbing department personnel will use acid drain cleaners and they will follow all necessary precautions appropriate for handling hazardous materials.

2. Acid Drain Cleaners Will be Used Only If Other Methods Fail to Clear Drain.

Initial attempts to clear blocked drains shall include hand operated equipment (e.g., augers, plungers) followed by powered augers. FM plumbing department personnel will use acid drain cleaners only if other attempts to clear drains are unsuccessful.

3. Acid Drain Cleaner Will Not be Used on Totally Blocked Drains.

Acid drain cleaner will not be used unless the drain is moving some water, even if it is slow. Drain cleaner seldom works on totally stopped up drains. If there is acid drain cleaner remaining in a stopped drain, then it must be removed from the fixture and contained for proper hazardous material disposal.

4. Acid Drain Cleaners Will Not be Mixed and Must be Stored in Approved Cabinets

Never mix types of drain cleaner like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid or explosion can result in severe chemical burns to face, arms, hands, etc.

Acid drain cleaners must be stored in WISHA approved labeled cabinets with secondary containment. They can not be left in trucks or shops unless they meet secondary containment criteria. Empty containers can be rinsed out, placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in any dumpster approved for general trash. (Never leave inside a building in a waste container.)