Do you operate a business that works with hazardous materials? If so, ensuring that you are storing your hazardous waste correctly should be a crucial step in your production process.
Any business that processes, produces, generates, carries, or receives hazardous waste should always ensure that it is storing hazardous waste safely and in compliance with regional legislative guidelines.
Doing so ensures that you are keeping your business compliant, as well as maintaining a safe work environment for all of your employees. In this blog, we will discuss four best practices on how to store hazardous waste correctly.
#1 – Labeling Your Hazardous Waste
When labeling your hazardous waste, it is essential to follow all legislative guidelines, including communication standards like the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Standards like this help to ensure consistency between classifications, identification, labeling, worker education and training.
In addition, ensure that your labels are displayed prominently so that they are easily visible, and use label material that is long-lasting and water-resistant to avoid deterioration and prolong legibility.
#2 – Containing Your Hazardous Waste
When selecting containers to hold your hazardous waste, research which containers are safe to use for the specific chemical. Different chemicals may have adverse reactions with certain containers, so be sure to select the right combination. Additionally, ensure that your containers have a strong seal, are weatherproof, and corrosion-resistant to prevent leaks and limit unwanted chemical interactions.
#3 – Managing Your Hazardous Waste
After labeling and placing your hazardous waste in a container, store it in an area accessible only by authorized personnel. Clearly signpost the area as a hazardous waste storage area, and use a containment system to store all hazardous waste and equipment used in hazardous waste processing. Keep an ongoing record of all waste present on your property and track the total volume of waste to limit the amount of hazardous waste on-site.
#4 – Training Your Employees
Ensure that all employees are trained to handle and store hazardous waste to avoid potential accidents. Keep employees up to date on any new training, and train all employees in emergency situations in addition to their regular training. Maintain a hazardous waste contingency plan, including emergency contacts and procedures.
Making Hazardous Waste Storage Simple
Storing hazardous waste safely and in compliance with regulations can be a challenging task, but working with a hazardous liquid waste treatment and disposal company like Maratek Environmental can make it easy.
Maratek Environmental has a skilled team at our facility in Bolton, Ontario that will handle all your waste needs, from pick-up to treatment or disposal, ensuring compliance with local and provincial regulations. We offer customized pick-up schedules, access to your account history, treatment of your hazardous waste, compliance support services, and all-inclusive pricing.
Maratek is a leader in hazardous waste recycling, with over 40 years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction. Contact us today, and we will help you put together a reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly waste solution.