Hazardous Chemicals and Hazardous Waste...
Why all the fuss about Hazardous Chemicals and Hazardous Waste?
It is a lot of bother keeping up with all those rules and paperwork. Besides, most chemicals can be hazardous, if treated improperly.
Every day, the news tells about a new incident with hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste. As the knowledge base increases, the more we discover about the mistakes and under-estimations of consequences made in the past. The true impact of chemical exposures may not be know for many years.
Vinyl Chloride, Lead, Creosote, Benzene, and Mercury are just a few of the chemicals that have been in common and wide-spread use in the past and we now see the damage to human health they have done.
Chemicals that are used in laboratories and manufacturing must be properly stored, used and disposed of. The cost of complying with regulations is constantly increasing, however the cost of not complying is worse.
The EPA and OSHA have made the fines for non-compliance very expensive and the settlements of lawsuits for liability and clean-up of contamination sometimes bankrupts companies.
We must all comply with the proper procedures and programs developed for the safe and lawful handling of hazardous chemicals.
The following is a list of fundamental procedures to follow when dealing with hazardous chemicals and waste:
+ Label chemical containers and make sure the labels stay legible.
+ Organize and maintain MSDSs on all the chemicals in use and storage.
+ Make a list of all the chemicals and product names and keep the list current.
+ Store chemicals in segregated areas, according to classification (i.e., corrosives, acids, flammables, etc.)
+ Wear and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, Always.
+ Maintain proper spill cleanup supplies and waste disposal containers.
+ Call for, and demand proper waste disposal.
+ Make it your business to demand that others follow the proper procedures.
For more information on hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste, contact the EH&S office or see OSHA HazCom and Hazardous Waste Programs in this website.
Updated 3/6/08 by freplogle