Davidson College is classified by the state of North Carolina as a “conditionally exempt, small-quantity waste generator. It is the policy of the College to fully comply with all federal regulations governing hazardous waste management and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina. To ensure that state and federal requirements are met, the College’s Public Safety Office is responsible for assessing hazards relating to all aspects of Davidson’s operations, including that of any on-campus research activity involving the use of radioactive materials and/or disposal of animal or chemical waste.

Each employee of the College is offered training and periodic retraining in the handling of hazardous wastes in accordance with the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Communication Standard, 13 NCAC 7C.0101(a). The control and storage of hazardous waste is the responsibility of each project director and department generating toxic materials. Disposal of hazardous waste is coordinated by the Public Safety Office.

Radiation Safety
Principal investigators planning to use radioactive materials or x-ray units during the course of a research project should contact Davidson’s Public Safety Office to obtain a list of licensed individuals and the specific radioactive materials each individual is licensed to handle. Licenses are obtained from the Division of Radiation Protection, North Carolina Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources.

Chemical Compliance Review
Principal investigators preparing research proposals involving the use of carcinogens, potential biohazards (viruses, recombinant DNA), or chemical hazards (poisons, explosives, flammables) are required to submit a list of substances and their quantity to the Grants and Contracts Office prior to proposal submission. The Director of Public Safety will review the list for state and federal regulatory compliance and will provide an estimated cost of disposal that should, when allowed, be charged against the grant under direct costs. Questions concerning the proper handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous waste and radioactive materials should be directed to the Director of Public Safety prior to proposal submission.