Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Why These Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety Once a hazardous waste is generated, your facility is not only responsible for it onsite – but forever.

Why These Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety Because of the responsibilities of handling hazardous waste, you must be familiar with your facility’s hazardous waste management procedures, including...

Why These Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety Hazardous Identification Handling and Storage Marking and Labeling Emergency Response Plans

Why These Guidelines are Vital to Your Safety Key Point As a person who handles hazardous waste, you play an important role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Hazard Identification The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines the criteria for determining what is a hazardous waste.

Hazard Identification A hazardous waste is defined as a material that exhibits any of the following 4 characteristics: toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive.

Hazard Identification A waste that is toxic has certain chemicals that may contaminate the groundwater when discarded.

Hazard Identification An ignitable waste has a flash point less than 140 degrees. Flash point is the temperature at which a liquid will give off enough flammable vapor to ignite.

Hazard Identification Corrosives are wastes with a pH level that is less than 2 or greater than 12.5, such as pure sulfuric acid or caustic soda.

Hazard Identification A waste that is reactive is normally unstable, explosive, or water reactive, such as nitroglycerine. Reactive substances can self-explode or react violently when mixed with other substances, or under certain temperatures, pressure, or shocks.

Hazard Identification Non-hazardous materials can become hazardous waste if they are mixed, or come in contact, with a hazardous waste.

Handling & Storage Procedures There are specific procedures and safe work practices you need to follow when handling and storing hazardous waste.

Handling & Storage Procedures Moving Hazardous Waste Before moving a 55 gallon drum of hazardous waste, make sure both bung caps are tightly secured. Check the drum for rust, dents, and other signs of potential leakage. When moving the drum, use straps or some other form of restraint to securely hold the drum down.

Handling & Storage Procedures Transferring Hazardous Waste When transferring liquid from a can to a drum, always use a funnel. The area where you perform transfers should be well ventilated and contain an exhaust system. When transferring a hazardous waste that could be set off by a static charge, you should ground everything that comes in contact with the waste.

Handling & Storage Procedures Satellite Accumulation All containers in the satellite area must be closed unless waste is being added or removed from the drums. Containers that meet the Department of Transportation’s requirements should be used. All debris and other material that could be exposed to the waste should be kept clear of the area.

Handling & Storage Procedures Storing Hazardous Waste Drums should be protected from extreme heat and cold, and grounded if static electricity could occur. Aisles should be wide enough to prevent collisions with other drums and allow for inspections. All containers in storage must be properly marked and labeled. Non-compatible wastes should be clearly segregated.

Marking and Labeling All containers of hazardous waste must have the proper markings and labels.

Marking and Labeling If the waste is shipped, the containers must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) marking and labeling requirements, in addition to the EPA requirements.

Marking and Labeling The label must include the following: The proper DOT shipping name A 4 digit identification number that begins with “UN” or “NA” The required DOT hazard class label The EPA ID and EPA Waste numbers are required by some states

Marking and Labeling The Manifest Document number is added when the waste is readied for shipment.

Marking and Labeling The Hazardous Waste Manifest also serves as the shipping papers. Only certain people can sign a Hazardous Waste Manifest.

Emergency Response Plans If an accidental release of hazardous waste occurs at your facility, you should know and follow the proper procedures outlined by your facility’s emergency response plan.

Emergency Response Plans Report the incident to the proper personnel identified in the emergency response plan. You will need to provide the following: Location of the incident Identification and severity of the release Any exposures, injuries, or missing people

Summary Minimizing waste and proper disposal are necessary to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Summary Procedures and regulations are established to ensure your safety and health. As a person who handles hazardous waste, you play an important role in this process.

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