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Publication: September 2006. For information about changes, please see the Revision History.

Chapter 32: Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Overview

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are most commonly found in electrical equipment such as transformers, klystrons, capacitors, and fluorescent light ballasts that were manufactured before 1979. PCBs are a diminishing hazard at SLAC because PCB-containing equipment is maintained in a manner that reduces PCB contamination, and in many cases such equipment has been replaced. As of 2004, approximately 24 pounds of the material remains in transformers, and systematic replacement of equipment will eventually eliminate PCBs from other sources completely. PCB-containing equipment or PCB-contaminated material is strictly regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and it must be handled and disposed of in accordance with the requirements described in this chapter.

Hazards/Impacts

PCBs are known to cause chronic reproductive effects, gastric disorders, and skin lesions in laboratory animals, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified PCBs as probable human carcinogens. In humans and animals, PCBs accumulate in fatty tissues. In the environment, PCBs degrade very slowly, so they pose a risk to animals all along a food chain because they bio-accumulate.

At SLAC hazards associated with PCBs include

• Exposure. If PCB-containing oil or material leaks or is accidentally released or spilled, workers may be exposed through skin contact or by accidental ingestion.
• Exposure to PCBs and toxic by-products due to fire or explosion. PCBs and highly toxic dioxin may be inhaled when PCB-contaminated oil or equipment burns.
• Slippery surfaces. Oil leaking from electrical equipment containing PCBs could cause slips or falls.

Typical PCB-containing items at SLAC are

• Transformers
• Capacitors
• Fluorescent light ballasts

Scope

The PCB program applies to all persons managing or working with PCB-containing equipment, fluids, or material. The PCB program aims to replace PCB-containing equipment and maintain equipment in a manner that reduces PCB contamination.

PCBs are considered a hazardous material/waste. For general requirements on handling, containment, transportation, and disposal, see Chapter 17, "Hazardous Waste", and Chapter 40, "Hazardous Materials". For spill response requirements, see Chapter 16, "Spills". PCBs in radiologically controlled areas (RCAs) are mixed waste. For requirements concerning these, see the SLAC Radioactive Waste Manual [pdf].

Exemptions

There are no exemptions to the requirements of this program.

Implementation

The requirements of this chapter are effective upon publication (September 15, 2006) unless otherwise noted here.