An official website of the United States government.

This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program

Safety and Waste Management for SAM Chemistry Methods

It is imperative that safety precautions are used during collection, processing and analysis of environmental samples. Laboratories should have a documented health and safety plan for handling samples that may contain the target chemical, biological and/or radiological (CBR) contaminants. Laboratory staff should be trained in, and need to implement, the safety procedures included in the plan. In addition, many of the methods contain some specific requirements, guidelines or information regarding safety precautions that should be followed when handling or processing environmental samples and reagents.

These methods also provide information regarding waste management. Other resources that can be consulted for additional information include the following:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 72 (42 CFR 72). Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents
  • CDC – 42 CFR part 73. Select Agents and Toxins
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) – 49 CFR part 172. Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training Requirements
  • EPA – 40 CFR part 260. Hazardous Waste Management System: General
  • EPA – 40 CFR part 270. EPA Administered Permit Programs: The Hazardous Waste Permit Program
  • OSHA – 29 CFR part 1910.1450. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
  • OSHA – 29 CFR part 1910.120. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response

Please note that the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) is available for viewing. See: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

Top of Page