Australia's Science Forum

Hi all,

Can I use a chemical reaction to make a potassium dichromate solution safe for disposal to the sewer, or must it be disposed of via an outside agency? Thanks!

According to CSIS: Add sodium sulphide, sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Stir and pour the mixture into the heavy metals waste bottle. When settled, the clear solution may be decanted and washed down the sink. Hold the precipitate for collection by licensed waste contractors.
Carol

Thanks Whspa. Just for clarity, where in CSIS do I find this info? My copy of CSIS seems to encourage putting it down the sink!!! I'm also wondering if the CSIS update is out yet. Thanks again for your help.

Marama T wrote:Thanks Whspa. Just for clarity, where in CSIS do I find this info? My copy of CSIS seems to encourage putting it down the sink!!! I'm also wondering if the CSIS update is out yet. Thanks again for your help.

Which system are you working in? Independent and Catholic schools don't yet have an updated CSIS package. I had heard that DET schools have access to a draft - but I'm not sure on that.

An independent school, but i still have heaps of contacts in DET, I'll ask about that. Thanks.

I used Appendix E in the CSIS. Potassium dichromate is labelled as 42 in Appendix D, so I would use those instructions. But Appendix D does say it may be disposed of down the sink.
I'm DET, and still using the old CSIS.

There won't be an updated version of CSIS until, at least, late 2018......my understanding after attending a professional learning session with Alan Smith week 1 this term.................

That is appalling, especially if you are told that is what you HAVE to follow! There have been two major changes to the WHS acts in that time and dozens of changes to the safety rating of chemicals. They really are behind the game.

Yep, that's what we in the public system have to follow..................

I would say it is now late 2018. Does that mean the CSIS is nearly ready??!!

THE CSIS is ready, but its the same old one, that I can see.

Labbie, is that true? Is it really ready and finished? I didn't notice any change either. Surely we should have been notified (and rewarded for our patience )
In fact, I am checking my disposal methods and cannot find any reference to Iron ii chloride / Ferrous chloride (under both "i" and "f") - what are we meant to do when there's something missing? And it does make me wonder what other mistakes there might be

I don't believe it is updated - Lead nitrate is still shown as okay for years 7-12

I believe it was only migrated to an online version, not updated. An updated version is supposed to be ready this year..........yeah, well, we will see!!

We use rick assess and DO NOT use it at <.0003M it says 7 - 10 can use it - I had documentation universities removed it due to harm to fertility ... Suggest researching before using ... Here is more information on ASSIST too
https://assist.asta.edu.au/question/373 ... id=6c5cca9