Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University (ANNU) affirms its institutional commitment to environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and responsible waste management through the establishment and implementation of this Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Policy.

This policy ensures the safe handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of all hazardous materials and waste generated from academic, research, clinical, and maintenance activities. It aims to prevent harm to humans, animals, and the environment and to ensure full compliance with the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) regulations, ISO 14001 environmental management standards, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Provide a unified institutional framework for the management of hazardous materials and wastes, including chemical, biological, radiological, and physical agents.

2. Prevent pollution and minimize environmental impact through waste reduction, reuse, and safe disposal.

3. Protect the health and safety of faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

4. Ensure compliance with national and international regulations and ethical environmental practices.

5. Promote awareness and capacity building among university personnel on sustainable and safe waste practices.

Scope

This policy applies to all university entities, including:

• Academic departments, laboratories, workshops, and research facilities.

• Medical and clinical laboratories in the An-Najah National University Hospital and affiliated health centers.

• Engineering and maintenance units.

• Contractors and external partners engaged in campus activities involving hazardous substances.

Definitions

• Hazardous Material: Any chemical, biological, radiological, or physical substance capable of causing harm to health or the environment.

• Hazardous Waste: Waste that exhibits toxic, reactive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, or radioactive properties requiring special handling.

• Waste Minimization: Efforts to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous waste produced through improved processes and responsible material use.

Policy Objectives

1. Establish and maintain an Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) across all campuses.

2. Implement waste minimization and substitution strategies, including the use of non-toxic alternatives where possible.

3. Enforce segregation, labeling, and proper storage of hazardous waste at the point of generation.

4. Facilitate collection, treatment, and final disposal only through licensed and authorized handlers, in accordance with EQA regulations.

5. Maintain a traceable documentation system for hazardous material inventory, usage, and waste flow.

6. Develop and deliver training and awareness programs for faculty, staff, and students.

7. Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.

Procedures and Practices

1. Identification and Classification

All hazardous materials and waste shall be identified, categorized, and recorded by type (chemical, biological, radiological, pharmaceutical, or sharps). Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible in all relevant facilities.

2. Segregation and Labeling

• Waste must be segregated at the source into color-coded, clearly labeled containers.

• Containers must indicate content, hazard symbol, date, and responsible person.

• Mixing incompatible wastes is strictly prohibited.

3. Storage and Transportation

• Temporary storage areas must be well-ventilated, fire-resistant, leak-proof, and secured.

• Internal transport must be done using sealed, secondary containment.

• Waste must be collected routinely by trained Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel.

4. Treatment and Disposal

• Chemical waste is treated through neutralization, encapsulation, or authorized collection.

• Biological and medical waste is autoclaved or incinerated under Ministry of Health guidelines.

• Radioactive waste is stored in controlled areas until safe decay or removal by certified contractors.

• Electronic and battery waste is recycled through approved e-waste partners.

5. Emergency and Spill Response

• Any spill or accidental release must be reported immediately to the EHS Unit.

• Emergency procedures include evacuation, containment, and decontamination.

• Spill kits, PPE, and emergency contact information must be available in all laboratories.

6. Training and Awareness

• All laboratory users and maintenance personnel must complete annual hazardous waste management training.

• New employees and students must receive orientation on environmental safety and sustainability practices.

7. Documentation and Reporting

• All hazardous waste transfers, manifests, and disposal certificates must be recorded and retained for inspection.

• The EHS Unit will prepare an annual report summarizing quantities generated, disposal methods, and audit findings.

Roles and Responsibilities

Entity	Responsibilities
Public Safety Office	Develops procedures, provides training, conducts inspections, and maintains records.
Deans and Department Chairs	Ensure departmental compliance and assign trained waste coordinators.
Laboratory Supervisors	Oversee proper waste segregation, labeling, and storage within labs.
Facilities and Maintenance Department	Manage internal waste transport and storage facilities.
All Staff and Students	Follow established procedures, wear appropriate PPE, and report unsafe conditions.

 

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review

• The Public Safety Office conducts internal audits and submits annual reports to the Sustainability Council.

• The policy is reviewed every three years or earlier if new regulations or technologies emerge.

• Continuous improvement is achieved through performance indicators, feedback, and updated training modules.

Compliance and Enforcement

Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, suspension of laboratory access, or termination of hazardous work privileges. The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal dumping, burning, or unsafe disposal practices.

References

• Palestinian Environmental Law No. 7 (1999) and EQA Waste Management Guidelines.

• ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems.

• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes.

• UNEP and WHO Hazardous Waste Management Guidelines.

• UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

Related Policies

Sustainable Waste Management Policy

 

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Last Review Date: Jun 18, 2024