Hazardous Waste Safety: Know It, Follow It, Live It!

Hazardous Waste Safety Training - Know It, Follow It, Live It!

🎧Know It, Follow It, Live It!

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Hazardous Waste Management Process

Step 1: Identification

Properly identify and classify hazardous waste using EPA guidelines. Check for characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.

Step 2: Segregation

Separate incompatible wastes to prevent dangerous reactions. Never mix different waste types without proper authorization.

Step 3: Containerization

Use appropriate containers that are compatible with the waste. Label immediately with contents, hazards, and accumulation start date.

Step 4: Storage

Store in designated areas with proper ventilation, secondary containment, and access control. Follow time limits for accumulation.

Step 5: Documentation

Maintain manifests, inspection logs, and training records. Ensure proper chain of custody documentation.

Step 6: Disposal

Transport only with licensed haulers to permitted facilities. Verify proper treatment and disposal methods.

Hazardous Waste Categories & Safety

Ignitable Wastes

🔥

Flash point less than 140°F (60°C) or capable of causing fire through friction. Examples include solvents, oils, and alcohol-based wastes.

DANGER: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Store in cool, well-ventilated areas.

Corrosive Wastes

⚗️

pH less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12.5. Can corrode steel and cause severe burns to skin and eyes.

WARNING: Use acid-resistant containers. Always wear appropriate PPE including face shields and chemical-resistant gloves.

Reactive Wastes

💥

Unstable under normal conditions, react violently with water, or generate toxic gases. May explode under certain conditions.

EXTREME CAUTION: Handle minimally, store separately, and never mix with other chemicals without expert consultation.

Toxic Wastes

☠️

Contains substances that are harmful or fatal when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Identified through EPA Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP).

TOXIC: Prevent all exposure routes. Use appropriate respirators and ensure proper ventilation at all times.

Emergency Response

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In case of spills or exposure:

Evacuate the area immediately
Alert emergency response team
Provide first aid if trained
Contain spill if safe to do so
Report incident to authorities

Classify the Hazardous Waste

Drag each waste type to its correct hazard classification:

Waste Materials

Used Paint Thinner

Battery Acid

Lead Paint Chips

Sodium Metal

Acetone Waste

Caustic Cleaning Solution

Mercury Thermometers

Explosive Lab Chemicals

Hazard Classifications

🔥 IGNITABLE
Flammable materials

⚗️ CORROSIVE
Acids and bases

💥 REACTIVE
Unstable chemicals

☠️ TOXIC
Poisonous substances

⚠️ Workplace Safety Quiz ⚠️

1. What should be your first action when encountering a chemical spill?

Clean it up immediately

Alert others and evacuate the area

Identify the chemical first

Call your supervisor

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hazardous waste?

Ignitability

Corrosivity

Viscosity

Toxicity

3. How should incompatible hazardous wastes be handled?

Mixed together for easier disposal

Diluted with water

Segregated and stored separately

Neutralized with household chemicals

4. What information must be included on hazardous waste labels?

Only the name of the waste

Only the hazard type

Only the accumulation date

Waste name, hazard type, and accumulation date

5. Who can transport hazardous waste for disposal?

Any employee with a driver's license

Any commercial trucking company

Only licensed hazardous waste haulers

Any supervisor with proper training

Safety Is Good Science