Hazardous Wastes
A hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is generated from many sources, ranging from industrial manufacturing process wastes to batteries and may come in many forms, including liquids, solids gases, and sludges.Hazardous waste management involves reducing the amount of hazardous substances produced, treating hazardous wastes to reduce their toxicity, and applying sound engineering controls to reduce or eliminate exposures to these wastes. to reduce environmental hazard, proper attention is required during storage, segregation, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste, because it cannot be disposed as off in the environment. Here are 4 quick tips to keep your operations up to date, and reduce hazardous waste in our environment.
1.Use Proper Storage Materials
In order to properly store hazardous materials, make sure to use appropriate hazardous waste storage containers. Use sealable containers that prevent the release of harmful chemical substances. Make sure that containers are compatible with the waste being stored and are manufactured with weather and corrosion resistant materials.
Ensure that all drums and storage containers have hazardous waste labels and are properly labeled with weather resistant labels.
2. Maintain Appropriate Storage Areas
Hazardous waste should be stored in a designated storage area that is inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. The area should be clearly identified as a hazardous waste storage area and should be designed to prevent secondary containment.As part of your company procedures one of the most important practices is establish, perform and document weekly inspections of hazardous waste storage areas. A regular and thorough inspection will quickly reveal small problems that are easy to fix and prevent them from turning into large costly issues down the road.
3. Understand Your Requirements
What type of hazardous waste generator are you?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a hazardous waste generator as “any person or site whose processes and actions create hazardous waste.” Most businesses create waste in one form or another, therefore it is crucial for organizations to understand your hazardous waste generator status.
4.Keep and up-to-date contingency plan
Every hazardous waste generator is required to have an emergency contingency plan. A written Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan is a program designed to minimize hazards to human health and the environment from fires, explosions or an unplanned sudden release of a hazardous waste.A proper contingency plan is developed by each facility owner or operator and establishes actions that must be immediately implemented during an emergency situation.Your plan should lay out an organized, planned and coordinated response to an emergency. The type of contingency plan required for a facility depends on your hazardous waste generator status.