3 Keys to Handling Hazardous Waste
If you work in a business that handles hazardous waste, you are going to want to make sure that you understand some of the keys to managing hazardous waste to protect yourself and ensure you are following all applicable laws.
Key #1: Use the Right Storage Materials
You can't just dump hazardous waste into any container that is lying around your place of business. Hazardous waste has to be handled correctly. It has to go into the right container to prevent the release of the waste from getting into the environment.
Different hazardous waste requires the use of different types of containers. It is essential to verify that the waste you are putting into a container can properly seal that waste and prevent harmful chemicals from being released.
The containers should also be corrosion and weather-resistant, as you don't want the container breaking down and exposing the waste inside.
Key #2: Have a Designated Storage Area
Hazardous waste shouldn't just be placed next to regular everyday chemicals and items. It should be stored in a designed storage area, where only people who know how to handle the waste have access to it.
You don't want someone to access the hazardous waste and be harmed by it accidentally. So it would help if you had a designed storage area that is clearly marked and easy for anyone to identified.
Key #3: Have a Contingency Plan
Next, you need to have a contingency plan for dealing with hazardous waste should something happen. You need to plan what to do if the waste leaks out — how will you clean it up? Do you need to evacuate the area?
You need to have a plan on how to deal with an explosion or fire. You need to have the right equipment on hand to clean things up, and you need to make sure that emergency responders are notified that you have hazardous materials that exploded or are on fire so they can bring in the right protective equipment.
When you run or work with hazardous material, you need to make sure that you have the right storage containers to put the material into. You need to have a separate and clearly identifiable storage area. You need to have a detailed contingency plan on what to do if something negative were to happen to the hazardous material you have stored on-site, and you need to make sure that multiple people know the details of this plan.
If you need help managing your hazardous materials, you can contact a hazardous waste management company, such as Ohana Environmental Construction Inc to assist you.