From: Joseph Biscardi
Date: April 1
Subject: March/April 2026 Safety Newsletter


Issue #23                                                                                   March/April 2026

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Incorrect way to handle containers

Safety Moment- Handling Containers Safely

Chemical containers are not much different from other containers, but if something goes wrong the stakes are much higher. When handling chemical containers:

  • Use two hands! One hand near the top, the other hand supporting the weight of the container on the bottom.
  • Do NOT use the glass loop as a handle! That is just for helping maneuver the handle when pouring.
  •  Use a cart or carrier if you are moving between buildings or labs. Make sure the chemical is in secondary containment.
  • Wear appropriate PPE. 
  • Make sure tops are secure and tight before moving. Never pick containers up by their tops. 

Incident Spotlight- Chemical Spill at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center

Emergency teams were called to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center following a formaldehyde spill in the hospital's surgery department. The spill occurred around 8:45 am on Feb 3, 2026 and was contained to a single operating room, which was subsequently closed for neutralization and cleaning. While no patients were exposed to the chemical, one employee suffered exposure and received immediate treatment in the emergency department. The West Burlington Fire Department and local Hazmat teams assisted in the mitigation efforts, and the hospital has since returned to normal operations.
Full article can be found here

Spill Kits- Are you prepared?

Environmental Health and Safety provides and stocks spill kits to each lab on campus. These spill kits are available for you in case there is a reportable spill in your lab, but also they are there for us to use in case we get called in and need to respond quickly. 
If you havent recently (or ever) opened your spill kit, take a moment to open it and look through to make sure everything is there. There is a full stocking list on the outside, and if you are missing anything please let us know.

Three C’s of Waste Container Management

Always remember your three C’s: Condition, Compatible, and Closed

  • Condition: waste containers travel a long distance once they depart your laboratory. Using sturdy containers, like lab-rated HDPE plastics, non-dented metal containers, and glassware that has no visible cracks are ideal for safe transport of your waste.

  • Compatible: there is no such thing as a “one-type-fits-all” container for waste. Here is a helpful guide from ThermoFisher  that your lab can use for identifying the correct container material for your waste stream.

  • Closed: The EPA is clear with this rule, stating: “A container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during storage, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.” 

Thanks for this email!