Www.safetyontheweb.com. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

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Resource Conservation and

Recovery Act

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.



Because of the responsibilities of handling hazardous waste, you must be familiar with your

facility’s hazardous waste management procedures, including...



• Hazardous Identification

• Handling and Storage

• Marking and Labeling

• Emergency Response Plans



Key PointKey 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.



A hazardous waste is defined as a material that exhibits any of the

following 4 characteristics: toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive.



A waste that is toxic has certain chemicals that may contaminate the

groundwater when discarded.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



The Manifest Document number is added when the waste is readied for

shipment.



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.


Summit Training Source, Inc.

Contact us at:

1-800-842-0466

or at

[email protected]

Www.safetyontheweb.com. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

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