Film Processing Lab Decommissioning Procedure

The goal of this procedure is to remove all chemicals and contaminated equipment, plumbing and building materials from a processing lab before the property is sold or a lease ends. The plan provides a standard method that can be expanded for the specific conditions of each facility.

Highlights

• Appoint a team leader to plan, supervise and document the work with the Environmental Closure Checklist
• People without technical skills do not handle hazardous chemicals or power tools
• Silver-bearing solutions should be sent to the silver recovery system as soon as possible after processing stops
• Contact between chlorine bleach and fixer or bleach-fix can release dangerous chlorine gas

Standard equipment

• Air compressor, hose with spray nozzle (3/4" ID), pressure washer and wet vacuum
• Broom, squeegee, mop and bucket
• Safety glasses, face shield, chemical apron and gloves, leather gloves and hard hat
• Working telephone line and emergency eyewash and shower

Safety requirements

• Team familiarity with the chemicals, Hazard Communication training and MSDS kept on site
• Personal protective equipment appropriate to each task
• Emergency numbers posted by the telephone, and fire alarm and emergency lighting systems kept in service
• No working alone with power tools or hazardous materials
• Follow lockout / tagout procedures
• Assess asbestos-containing materials in buildings constructed before 1980

Procedure

1. Review permits and local regulations on notification before shutdown
2. Review the asbestos report, chemical hazards and safe work practices with the team
3. Send silver-bearing solutions (fix, bleach-fix, low-flow wash) to the silver recovery system
4. Drain other solutions from the processors in the week after shutdown, in line with local sewer regulations
5. Triple rinse the processor tanks with circulating water and wash the tank floors
6. Pressure wash processor bodies, trays and platforms
7. Relocate or dispose of the cleaned processors; stainless steel can be recycled
8. Drain primary silver recovery equipment into the secondary system (TMT or MRC), wash it and send the silver sludge to a refiner
9. Send TMT filters and MRCs to a silver refiner with shipping documentation