Haematoxylin (CAS 517-28-2): storage and disposal

One check at the shelf is to separate the jars of powder from the bottles of made-up solution, because they behave differently and need different records. Powder is general stock: keep it in a closed, labelled jar in a dry store, with a date of receipt. Harris and Mayer bottles are ready-made preparations, so keep their own labels and supplier information with them, as they carry ingredients the powder jar does not describe. Because the powder is irritating to the airways, avoid creating airborne dust. If powder has accumulated in the cap thread, record the contamination rather than disturbing it. A tray under each bottle is wise, as the dye stains skin, labels and worktops.

Expect a change over time here, which is what makes this dye unusual. Solutions oxidise to haematein as they ripen, and a metallic film on the surface of a solution is typical of age, so seeing one is not a surprise in an older bottle. What it tells you is that the preparation has been standing a long while, and a heavily filmed, crusted or sedimented bottle should be listed rather than used. Dark stains around the cap, a lowered level and a stained label show seal failure. Powder that is damp or caked has absorbed moisture. A lost label or missing date marks any bottle as unknown.

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a non-regulated or low hazard laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

For the request, record each container separately: powder jar, Harris preparation, Mayer preparation, with size and condition, and flag any with a heavy surface film or crust. A school, college or university store uses 16 05 06* for this dye, while a pathology service clearing human healthcare stock uses 18 01 06*. Ready-made preparations carry their own labelling, which decides how they are described. Neither powder nor solution may be tipped into a sink or put in general waste, and a ripened solution is never topped up with fresh stain to extend its life before collection.

Usually held as: solid, Harris and Mayer preparations.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.