PCB Management

• Refer to Safety and Health Office policy for Safe Handling of Capacitors Containing PCB's
• Refer to WorkSafe's Safe Handling of PCB's in Fluorescent Light Capacitors

Preamble

Removal of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB's) on University property by trades staff or contractors must be carried out in accordance with 1996 Occupational Health and Safety requirements on hazardous substances.

Policy

To ensure the disposal of PCB's in a safe manner and in accordance with environmental guidelines set by the Health Department and WorkSafe WA, staff must follow the procedures outlined below.

Identification

PCB is most commonly found in metal-cased capacitors manufactured prior to 1976 and is fitted in fluorescent light fittings, ceiling fans, dishwashers, air conditioners, washing machines and clothes dryers. Plastic-cased capacitors usually do not contain PCB.

The most common form of PCB is a straw-coloured liquid, however, it ranges in colour from almost clear to black and comes in various viscosities.

PCB was used as insulation in transformers and removed at a later date and filled with transformer oil. If the transformer is of unknown origin, the oil must be treated as contaminated until it is tested for PCB.

Procedures