08 Mar Hazardous Material Disposal

Hazardous Material Disposal

Many workplaces generate wastes that can be harmful to employees, the public, or the environment. Hazardous wastes may be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic and require special handling from the time they are generated until their final treatment or disposal.

Employees who generate or handle hazardous waste must understand the hazards involved and follow company procedures for collection, containerization, labeling, storage, spill response, and disposal. Hazardous waste must never be disposed of in ordinary trash, poured onto the ground, or discharged into drains or sewers unless specifically authorized by applicable regulations and company procedures.

Handling and Container Requirements

Hazardous waste must be placed in containers that are compatible with the waste and capable of safely containing it.

Employees shall:

• Use approved containers that are compatible with the waste being collected.
• Inspect containers for leaks, corrosion, bulging, deterioration, or other damage before use.
• Keep containers closed except when waste is being added or removed.
• Use funnels or other appropriate equipment when transferring liquids to minimize spills.
• Do not overfill containers; maintain adequate headspace when necessary for expansion.
• Never mix wastes unless the compatibility of the materials has been established and the procedure is authorized.
• Immediately report leaking or damaged containers and take appropriate action in accordance with spill-response procedures.

Labeling

Hazardous waste containers must be properly identified in accordance with applicable federal, state, and facility requirements.

Labels and markings shall be legible and maintained throughout the storage period. Depending on the applicable requirements, information may include:

• The words “Hazardous Waste.”
• Identification of the contents.
• Applicable hazard information.
• Accumulation start date when required.
• Other information required by the facility’s hazardous waste procedures or applicable regulations.

Never place hazardous waste into an unlabeled container or remove or obscure required labels.

Storage and Segregation

Hazardous wastes must be stored in designated areas and protected from conditions that could damage containers or cause a release.

• Segregate incompatible wastes to prevent fire, explosion, toxic gas generation, or other dangerous reactions.
• Keep flammable wastes away from heat, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources.
• Maintain adequate aisle space for inspection and emergency response.
• Protect containers from physical damage.
• Use secondary containment where required or appropriate to control leaks and spills.
• Provide required fire protection and emergency equipment.
• Ground and bond containers during transfer of flammable or combustible liquids when required to control static electricity.
• Do not stack containers in an unstable manner.
• Observe all applicable accumulation and storage time limits.

Accumulation requirements can vary according to the type and quantity of waste, generator category, accumulation area, and applicable federal or state regulations. Employees shall follow the requirements established for their specific facility.

Inspections

Hazardous waste accumulation and storage areas shall be routinely inspected in accordance with applicable regulatory and facility requirements. Where weekly inspections are required, they shall be documented as necessary.

Inspections should identify:

• Leaking or deteriorated containers.
• Improper or missing labels.
• Open containers.
• Incompatible materials stored together.
• Evidence of spills or releases.
• Improper accumulation practices.
• Blocked access or emergency equipment.
• Problems with secondary containment.

Deficiencies shall be corrected promptly.

Spills and Releases

Employees who discover a hazardous material or waste spill shall immediately notify their supervisor and follow the facility’s spill-response procedures.

Employees shall not attempt to clean up a spill unless they are trained, authorized, and properly equipped for the type and size of release involved.

Appropriate spill-control materials should be readily available where hazardous wastes are handled. Used absorbents, contaminated PPE, cleanup materials, and recovered material must be evaluated and managed appropriately based on the waste involved.

For significant or uncontrolled releases, employees shall evacuate or isolate the area and obtain emergency assistance as required.

Documentation and Disposal

Hazardous waste must be managed through approved disposal procedures. Employees shall not independently dispose of hazardous waste or arrange transportation unless specifically authorized.

Where required, the company shall use appropriate EPA identification numbers, hazardous waste manifests, records, and authorized transporters and treatment, storage, or disposal facilities.

Only employees who have received appropriate training and authorization shall prepare, review, or sign hazardous waste shipping documentation.

Records shall be maintained in accordance with applicable regulatory and company requirements.

Employee Training

Employees who generate or handle hazardous waste shall receive training appropriate to their responsibilities. Training should address:

• Hazard recognition and waste identification.
• Proper container selection and compatibility.
• Labeling and marking requirements.
• Waste segregation and storage.
• Required PPE.
• Spill prevention and response.
• Emergency procedures.
• Applicable accumulation requirements.
• Inspection procedures.
• Documentation and manifest requirements applicable to assigned duties.

Employees shall ask their supervisor if they are uncertain whether a material is hazardous waste or how it should be handled.

Remember

Hazardous waste must be properly managed from the point it is generated through its final disposition. Identify it, contain it, label it, segregate it, store it safely, and dispose of it only through approved procedures.