Hazardous materials like chemicals, commercial cleaners, and toxins need to be handled differently than non-hazardous materials. Managers of businesses and commercial properties must ensure that dangerous substances are controlled and protected.
Know The Local Laws
Some municipalities restrict what types of hazardous materials can be used within a given locality. A business should be aware of the laws and make sure it’s allowed to handle the types of hazardous materials it expects to use. If you are near a residential area, you could be fined or even shut down if you have materials on your property that could pose a risk to your neighbors.
Hazardous Training Program
You should have trained personnel on-site who know how to handle hazardous materials. A training program should include how to store, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials you may come in contact with during the course of operation. The personnel should also know what type of protective gear to wear.
Separate Hazardous Materials
Different types of hazardous materials should be kept separate from each other. Failure to properly separate materials could result in serious reactions, like fires and explosions.
Choosing The Right Container
It’s important to understand the different types of containers that should be used for specific materials. For instance, common industrial mineral acids like sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids should be stored and disposed of in plastic drums. If you put these acids into a metal container, they would eat through the metal and cause a spill that could endanger you and your employees. Organic acids like acetic acid, on the other hand, should be stored in glass containers. Always have the proper containers for the types of materials you are handling readily available.
Disposing Of The Waste
It is unlawful to take hazardous waste to a landfill or dispose of it in a regular trashcan. You will need to contact a hazardous waste hauler to properly and lawfully remove hazardous waste from your property.
Before beginning a project resulting in hazardous waste, be sure you understand the laws and have the supplies and trained personnel you need to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
For more information on hazardous materials and how to handle them, contact USI online to find a branch near you. USI believes in excellence in every step of the process and ensures timely completion and quality of service, time after time.