Copyright Progressive Business Publications Handling Hazardous Wastes
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Highly Regulated Stiff penalties start at $32,500 per day per violation Jail time starts at five years per count Companies are paying these fines
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Inspectors On the Alert RCRA enforcement is increasing More than 22,000 federal compliance inspections State enforcement is on top of this Surprise inspections
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Generator Status Large quantity generator (LQG) Small quantity generator (SQG) Conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG)
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Waste determination Identify all wastes as either: –Hazardous –Non-hazardous, or –Special categories
Copyright Progressive Business Publications What Makes It Hazardous? Regulated under RCRA as: Listed hazardous wastes Characteristic hazardous wastes Exemptions
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Listed Hazardous Wastes Common industrial hazardous wastes: –Spent solvents –Paints –Adhesives –Discarded chemical products –Materials used in cleanups
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Characteristic Wastes Ignitability Corrosivity Toxicity Reactivity
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Universal Wastes EPA rules encourage recycling of: Batteries Fluorescent lighting Certain mercury-containing equipment Used oil
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Mixtures of hazardous wastes Are materials that come in contact with hazardous wastes also hazardous? –Scenario – When rags used to clean up solvent spill aren’t hazardous –Scenario – When rags used to clean up solvent spill are hazardous
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Where Do Hazardous Wastes Go? Hazardous waste storage areas Satellite waste storage areas Treatment, storage and disposal facilities Does NOT go to solid waste landfill
Copyright Progressive Business Publications To Avoid Fines Keep containers closed Properly label all waste containers Keep records of accumulation Keep space between aisles Inspect drums and tanks Keep logs up to date
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Recordkeeping Violations Incomplete recordkeeping Improper hazardous waste determinations Overlooking hazardous traits Lack of waste analysis plan
Copyright Progressive Business Publications In Case of Spills Employ spill response procedures: –Mark the area –Warn employees –Clean up the spill –Call local fire department or emergency response agencies
Copyright Progressive Business Publications HAZWOPER: Awareness Level
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Why is Hazardous Waste Dangerous? Chemical spills or releases can –Injure you or your co-workers –Contaminate drinking water –Cause a massive evacuation –Kill innocent bystanders You can be exposed without knowing Even small spills can cause great damage
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Ways Chemicals Enter the Body Breathe them in through your nose or mouth Make contact with your skin or eyes Swallow chemicals when eating or drinking
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Five Levels of HAZWOPER Training First responders at the awareness level First responders at the operational level Hazardous materials technicians Hazardous materials specialists Incident commander
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Responsibility of First Responders at the Awareness Level Recognize the hazard Evacuate yourself and others Notify the proper authorities Secure the area Help determine the identity of the hazardous substance
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Prevent Spills and Releases Never leave containers open Inspect for damage Place in proper containers Avoid fires Do not overfill
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Recognize Warning Signs of a Chemical Release Liquid on the floor or tables Liquid dripping from hazardous containers New odor Hissing or dripping sound Equipment that has lost pressure or flow
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Evacuate Yourself and Others Warn others Turn off machines and evacuate Stay upwind Don’t attempt to rescue unless trained
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Report the Emergency Wait until out of hazardous area Describe the –Type of emergency –Location –Environmental factors Ask for instructions Report all fires and spills
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Secure the Area Keep out unauthorized personnel Barricade the dangerous area Stay out until trained person declares safe
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Determine the Identity Assist emergency response personnel Look for NFPA labels –Blue is toxic –Red is flammable –Yellow is reactive –Numbers 3 or 4 are very hazardous
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Determine the Identity – Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Use MSDS to get information about: –Chemical name –Physical characteristics –Fire and explosion data –Dangerous properties –Precautions for safe handling –Reactivity data
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Ways You Can Help Cooperate with emergency personnel Gather information about the spill Identify the location of: –Injured people –Potential hazards –Exit and escape routes –The nearest fire extinguisher and first aid equipment
Copyright Progressive Business Publications If Exposure Occurs Inform supervisor Describe chemicals Flush eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes Seek medical attention if swallowed
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Summary Hazardous waste is dangerous Prevent spills Recognize a spill or release Evacuate yourself and others Report the situation Secure the area
Copyright Progressive Business Publications Summary RCRA imposes cradle-to-grave liability Records are key to avoiding fines Procedures to enhance safety