Whether it is in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, if it poses a threat it is considered hazardous.
When it comes to handling hazardous waste, you’ll always have some questions to answer. But how can you identify substances that are considered to be hazardous waste? Determining your responses to these questions can help.
Is It Hazardous?
The first and most important question to answer is whether or not the materials you’re handling are hazardous. If they present some type of risk to the people, buildings, or environment in the area around you, then it’s likely that it can be considered dangerous. Whether it is in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, if it poses a threat it is considered hazardous.
Does the EPA Recognize It?
If the Environmental Protection Agency defines the material as hazardous, then that’s all you need to know. The EPA has four different codes depending on the waste you are classifying. P and U codes indicate how toxic a substance is with P being extremely toxic and U being toxic. F codes refer to hazardous industrial waste that comes from an unknown source, and K codes refer to hazardous industrial and manufacturing wastes that come from a known source.
What Properties Does It Exhibit?
The third question you’ll have to answer involves the properties of the material. Can it ignite? Or is it corrosive? Does it react when introduced to something else, such as water or even air? These are all critical factors to take into account so a terrible accident doesn’t happen.
Is It Mixed With Something Non-Hazardous?
Some of the most awful incidents in public memory have to do with oil spills and other situations that take a toll on the environment and can sicken or injure the people responsible for cleaning it up. Is the hazardous material mixed with something that is normally non-hazardous? This problem can affect water, soil, and other substances that can take in the leaking chemicals or other wastes you are attempting to contain.
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR HAZARDOUS WASTE TRAINING AND DISPOSAL. CONTACT US TODAY!
No matter what kind of environmental issue you may have, AEG Environmental can help. We handle every situation with care, dedication, and a commitment to exemplary customer service. When you have an emergency, you can rely on us! Need training? We can handle that too! We train in a wide variety of environmental management areas so that your company can remain compliant with EPA, DOT, and OSHA. Make sure to check out our blog for the latest and greatest in the waste management world! You should also follow us on social media for updates.
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