Hazardous waste is a necessity in many industrial settings. While most employees that deal with waste understand the basics of handling these materials; repetition often leads to complacency, and eventually mishaps.
Proper profiling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste are zero-tolerance activities – meaning there is no room for errors in the workplace. Below are some reminders of how to approach certain situations involving hazardous waste, as well as actions to avoid.
Do Practice Safety Signage
Remember, not everyone at your location is going to be directly involved with handling hazardous waste. Storing chemicals and waste is serious, so prominently display safety signs that clearly identify hazardous waste storage. Signage should:
● Be bright and prominently displayed
● Contain clear messaging that prevents unauthorized individuals from entering the area
Do Determine the Type of Waste You Are Handling
Not all waste is created equally. There are several different types of waste, and it’s important to understand the type of waste your business handles in order to ensure compliance and employee safety. TAS suggests taking extra safety measures and regularly training your employees on how to easily identify and store different corrosive, ignitable, reactive, and toxic materials.
There are four types of hazardous waste with unique properties that determine how they should be handled. From corrosives to liquid ignitable materials, hazardous waste must be handled with care and in full compliance as defined by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
Do Properly Store Waste Prior to Pick-Up
It is not easy to dispose of hazardous waste, so storing it safely until it is picked up for disposal is essential. If your organization has questions about storing specific types of waste, our professionals can help ensure your team is practicing proper storage techniques, regardless of waste streams.
Don’t Dump Waste in the Trash
Hazardous waste that is disposed of in the trash or dumped down the drain is extremely dangerous for the local environment. When waste is improperly disposed of, it travels through pipes and systems that eventually lead to exposure of the local air and water reserves. If your waste needs to be disposed of, reach out to an environmental waste services business that can effectively remove waste from your property and dispose of it in full compliance with all regulatory bodies.
Don’t Attempt to Transport Hazardous Waste on Your Own
Even if you are trained to work with hazardous materials, if your business does not specialize in the transportation and disposal of waste, leave these tasks to experienced professionals. Mishandling hazardous waste can easily lead to injuries, property damage, or a spill, that negatively impacts the environment, your reputation, and your bottom-line.
Safely Transport Your Hazardous Waste with TAS
If your organization possesses hazardous materials that need to be transported and disposed of, TAS Environmental Services has the expertise and equipment to help. In addition to properly profiling your waste, TAS ensures your waste safely arrives at the proper disposal destination. Contact us today to learn more about our transportation services.
