Guidelines
for the
Management of Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls
These guidelines have been developed to provide school personnel with general, practical information about substances (materials) that are sometimes found in school environments. They are designed to assist School Principals regarding issues relating to the management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and to assist staff whose role may occasionally include the management of school facilities. In view of the potential hazards that these substances may pose in the workplace, School Principals are advised to always seek expert advice.
1Polychlorinated biphenyls - PCBs
Since 1930 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been extensively used in the manufacture of electrical capacitors, as insulating material in electrical transformers, for heating media, for plasticisers, in hydraulic and lubricating fluids, various inks, adhesives and paints and for a multitude of minor uses.
PCBs are virtually insoluble in water, are chemically inert, are not flammable and are unaffected by acids, alkalis or other corrosive chemicals. These properties often contributed to its importance in industrial use, but on the other hand made disposal of PCBs very difficult. The presence of PCBs in the environment is extremely widespread; they have been found in the air, water, soil and sediments and in human and animal tissue. PCBs are very resistant to biological decomposition.
The majority of buildings built between the 1940’s and the late 1970’s having expansion joints are likely to contain PCBs in the caulking compound. These caulking compounds may contain up to 30% PCBs. Although PCBs ceased to be added in 1974, the use of existing stocks containing PCBs continued on construction sites until about 1980. The normal life of caulking compound is 15-20 years. From a safety perspective unless the original supplier or laboratory analysis confirms the absence of PCBs it may be prudent to assume the presence of PCBs in building caulking compounds.
Because of the significant potential for environment contamination the use of PCBs was restricted and banned. The importation of PCBs was prohibited in 1976. Since then the accumulation of PCB wastes has decreased.
People may be exposed to PCBs in the working environment. It is possible for the effects of occupational exposure to PCBs to include cancer, respiratory damage, liver damage and thyroid gland damage. Immediate contact with PCBs can cause skin rashes. PCBs have been found in various components and equipment used throughout Australia.
PCBs are assumed to be present in capacitors in older fluorescent light fittings (behind the fluorescent tubes and metal backing plate) and this is the most likely place in the school environment where PCBs might be found. Another source might be in electrical equipment (e.g. capacitors in ceiling fans). It can be assumed unless a more detailed inspection and/or sample analysis indicates otherwise that PCBs are present in older fluorescent light fittings and ceiling fans.
1.1Guidelines for the Management of PCBs
- All leaking capacitors are replaced with non-PCB capacitor. A licensed electrical worker must carry out replacement work;
- Non-leaking PCB capacitors can be left in place, however, plans should be made for their replacement if required;
- Regular walk-through surveys should be made to check for oil leaks under light fittings;
- Unless accurate information on PCB content is available all leaking capacitors must be treated as if they contain PCBs:
- Isolate the area immediately;
- Ensure appropriate PPE is being worn (safety goggles and nitrile gloves, as a minimum);
- Ensure that no one is smoking is in the area and that there are no open flames nearby (while PCBs are not highly flammable, they can vaporise during fires. By-products from PCB vapours are highly toxic);
- Absorb the fluid with absorbent material, such as pet litter, cloth, sand, sawdust, straw or soil;
- Clean the affected area and any equipment using a suitable solvent, such as kerosene or mineral turps. DO NOT USE WATER. Do not allow any liquid to go down the drain;
- If the spill has occurred on soil or gravel, dig up the affected area;
- Place the waste in a strong polyethylene bag and seal. Waste includes PPE equipment, contaminated cleaning solvent and contaminated soil or gravel;
- If the spill has occurred from a leaking capacitor, remove the capacitor (while wearing the appropriate PPE) and place it in the bag;
- Place the bag in a sound metal drum, with a sealable lid. Seal the drum;
- Label the drum with ‘CAUTION –CONTAINS POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCB);
- Store the drum in an adequately ventilated area away from flammable liquid stores. If the drum contains significant amounts of liquid and is to be stored for any length of time awaiting disposal, ensure the drum is bunded;
- DO NOT store the drum near any drains;
- If more than 500mL of PCB have been spilt, call the EPA;
- Arrange for a licensed company to pick up the drum and dispose of it at a licensed facility. Ensure that appropriate disposal documentation is received from the company.
- Protective clothing including eye protection, nitrile gloves and appropriate clothing (to prevent skin contact) are to be worn. If there has been a fire, respirators with an organic vapour cartridge are ESSENTIAL;
- Any light fittings that show signs of oil staining from capacitors are to be disposed of as PCB contaminated waste;
- Prior to demolition when power is disconnected, inspection of light fittings should be made. Metal PCB containing capacitors are to be removed, placed in plastic lined 200 litre drums and disposed of as PCB Scheduled Waste; and
- Contractors licensed to transport and handle PCBs must be used for transport and disposal. PCBs are a scheduled waste with strict guidelines regarding transporting and handling.
2References
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- WorkHealth and Safety Regulation 2011
- Any other relevant Standards or Codes published by the responsible Authorities or the Standards Association of Australia
Reviewed: April 2014 1 | Page