Hazardous waste poses significant risks to workers and the environment, but these risks can be greatly minimized by following OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard and the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Management guidelines. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how remaining compliant with these standards can keep businesses running smoothly, protect the environment, and keep workers safe.
OSHA & EPA Hazardous Waste Regulations
OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard outlines the protocols employers must follow to keep workers safe while managing hazardous waste. Yet, because the nature of hazardous waste also affects the environment, compliance with the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Management guidelines is also required, which additionally focuses on keeping the environment safe. Due to the transportation of hazardous waste posing additional hazards, the Department of Transportation handles transport standards.
Together, these standards create a framework for businesses that manage hazardous waste, which minimizes the risk posed to people and their surroundings. Generally, this framework includes but is not limited to:
Proper labeling: If waste is hazardous, this must be properly communicated to others to ensure proper handling and to avoid accidental exposure. That’s why OSHA and EPA regulations require waste to be clearly labeled to communicate its contents, hazards, handling requirements, and storage requirements. These labels also ensure the materials are properly tracked during transportation and disposal.
Storage requirements: Storing hazardous waste involves special consideration to prevent leaks, spills, and accidental exposure. These requirements ensure that compatible containers are used to hold each substance, that they’re securely closed, and that they’re stored in proper areas. This can include using secondary containment systems, such as spill pallets, to prevent environmental contamination, as well as conducting regular inspections to ensure safe storage conditions are maintained.
Safe disposal: Unlike ordinary waste, hazardous waste must be processed and disposed of by authorized facilities to prevent harm to people or the environment. As such, businesses are required to track the movement and treatment of hazardous waste through manifests, ensuring proper documentation at every step.
Incident Prevention and Response
To prepare for incidents like spills or exposures, businesses need to develop and implement response plans. These plans should outline evacuation protocols, containment procedures, and medical evaluation for affected workers. Clear roles and responsibilities must be assigned (such as “emergency” or “non-emergency”) to coordinate emergency response and ensure only workers with proper training attempt to address the incident.
To that end, OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard specifies training requirements for any employee who will play a role in hazardous waste management or incident response. While non-emergency responders are trained to evacuate or shelter in place according to emergency response plans, emergency responders require specialized training regarding the handling, containing, and decontamination of hazardous waste and incidents involving it.
