When you have a hazardous waste inspection, these are some of the items you should have on your checklist.
If you want to keep your employees and facility safe, then proper management of hazardous waste will play a crucial role in preserving that safety. If you don’t abide by all of the local regulations when managing hazardous waste, there could be serious consequences. To see if you’re putting the proper safety measures in place, you can take a hazardous waste inspection. When you have a hazardous waste inspection, these are some of the items you should have on your checklist.
Visually Inspect Your Containers
When you perform visual reviews of your hazardous waste containers, you have to review them thoroughly. Make sure your containers don’t have any leaks in them and check if they are dripping or stained in any way. If your container is leaking, immediate action needs to be taken. To minimize the likelihood of leaks, all of the gaskets and lids on your containers need to be firmly fitted and secured. Poorly-fitted gaskets and lids make it more likely for waste to leak out.
The condition of the container itself also needs to be monitored. Ones with dents, bulges, or signs of corrosion cannot be trusted. You also have to give people sufficient space to move around these containers. Certain containers, such as ones that hold combustible materials, need to be isolated in specially designated spots away from the other containers you have. Putting them behind blast walls is often a good choice for these containers. If you have waste that gets stored on-site, the EPA requires you to inspect that waste every week.
Detailed Labeling
All hazardous waste containers need proper labeling. You should have many details on them, including the materials inside of them, the potential dangers associated with them, the start date, and proper management procedures. Make sure to have the words “hazardous waste” labeled on these containers so that everyone understands that these containers are dangerous.
Use the Right Safety Equipment
Sometimes, depending on what type of hazardous waste is being stored, you might have to wear personal protective equipment or PPE. Such equipment may include goggles, gloves, and respirator masks to give you sufficient protection against any damage hazardous waste can do to you.
As part of a successful hazardous waste inspection, there should also be other safety measures around, such as fire extinguishers and eye and handwashing stations. These are in place in case something goes wrong when dealing with hazardous waste. All of these safety features should be easy to access in a pinch, just in case you have to access them in an emergency situation. To get the best idea of what safety equipment you need, consult a hazardous waste management company for advice.
Call AEG Environmental for Hazardous Waste Management Services!
AEG Environmental has the skills, resources, and training to solve any environmental issue you may face. Our team has over 27 years of experience transporting and disposing of non-hazardous, hazardous, infectious, and universal wastes. We welcome projects big and small and pride ourselves in our exceptional customer service. If you need help remaining in compliance with hazardous waste training, contact us today!