Understanding Best Practices in Hazardous Materials Management

Importance and Benefits

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), millions of tons of hazardous substances waste are generated annually. The bulk of this waste comes from industrial activities, such as petroleum and coal production, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. Aside from waste generation, numerous risks persist during collection, transportation, and disposal.

Aside from upholding social responsibility and environmental sustainability, having a robust hazardous materials management system helps companies achieve the following:

• Enhanced risk mitigation – By efficiently identifying and assessing risks associated with hazardous materials, companies across industries can implement preventive measures and mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Effectively managing these safeguards employees, the general public, and the local community they belong to.
• Improved emergency preparedness – Developing and following a comprehensive safety plan prepares organizations for emergencies that expose people to hazards. In-house health and safety professionals can effectively and promptly respond to anything, minimizing damage and potential harm.
• Guaranteed regulatory compliance – Adopting a comprehensive hazardous materials and waste management system ensures compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations. Upholding these stringent standards helps companies avoid costly fines, problematic penalties, and expensive legal battles.

Identification and Classification of Hazardous Materials

The first step in the hazardous materials management process is recognizing substances that pose potential risks to human health, safety, and the environment and categorizing them based on their impact. It’s a critical step because it lays the foundation for handling hazardous materials at every stage.

Types of Hazardous Materials

Hazards encompass a wide range of substances and are very common across industries. Here are some examples of hazardous materials in the workplace:

• Chemicals like acids, bases, solvents, pesticides, and explosives
• Biological substances such as bacteria, toxins, and medical wastes
• Toxins like heavy metals and industrial chemicals
• Flammable gases, liquids, and solids
• Compressed gases, including refrigerants, oxygen, and carbon dioxide
• Radioactive materials such as Uranium 235, Plutonium 239, and Cobalt 60

How to Identify and Classify Hazardous Materials

• Develop and regularly update the comprehensive Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and make this available for all personnel in the facility.
• Use clear and consistent labeling and signage that complies with relevant regulations. Include hazard symbols, warning statements, and appropriate signal words.
• Provide hazard awareness training, including the material’s physical and chemical characteristics, its effect on human health, handling precautions, and exposure control, to name a few.

Safe Handling and Storage Practices

The second component of the hazardous materials management plan involves the proper methods and protocols for using and safekeeping these substances to prevent accidents such as spills, fires, exposures, and contaminations.

How to Handle Hazardous Materials

Reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the significant health risks posed by hazard exposure. Studies have also shown that adequate training about what to do while using these substances can help prevent safety incidents.

• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.
• Use proper ventilation systems to prevent the accumulation of hazardous vapors and gas. Consider installing temperature and humidity controls, preventing negative reactions to environmental conditions.
• Utilize digital Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) checklists to assess the dangers of the materials handled and determine the appropriate mitigation strategy.

How to Store Hazardous Materials

Simply depositing all chemicals, gases, and biological materials in an enclosed space is insufficient to keep the workplace safe. Inadequate or erroneous containment measures may also result in mishaps, such as leaks, spills, and explosions. Here are some best practices:

• Clearly label all hazardous materials according to established systems such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
• Segregate incompatible materials to prevent dangerous chemical reactions. For example, acids should be kept from bases, while flammable materials must be separated from oxidizers.
• Regularly inspect storage areas, containers, and safety equipment to address any issues or deficiencies.

Transportation and Disposal of Hazardous Materials

The final step in the management of hazardous materials is transportation and disposal. There are numerous potential dangers during this phase (e.g., accidental spills and contamination), with severe long-term consequences for the general public and the environment.

How to Safely Transport Hazardous Materials

There are various ways to transport hazardous materials. Trucks and rail cars are the top options when conveying these substances over land. Ships are suitable for transporting hazardous materials in bulk while air freight is for time-sensitive shipments.

• Equip vehicles with safety features, such as spill containment systems, emergency eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers.
• Display hazard placards indicating the nature of the materials transported.
• Review international regulations regarding packaging and documentation requirements.

How to Appropriately Dispose of Hazardous Materials

One of the main goals of hazardous material management is to prevent air, soil, and water contamination, which may result in grave environmental calamities. According to the EPA, improper disposal has contributed to heavy pollution in the United States alone. Finding the best solution to dispose of these substances is crucial. Here are some methods to consider:

• Incineration burns organic waste at high temperatures, converting it into less harmful substances.
• Chemical neutralization utilizes chemicals to treat substances, making them safe to be released into the environment.
• Bioremediation employs microorganisms to break down substances into less harmful compounds. This disposal method is for contaminated soil and water.
• Specially designed landfills with liners and leachate collection systems are for non-reactive and solid hazardous wastes.
• Recycling and recovery, one of the most sustainable disposal methods, is done only after proper treatment.

Regulations for Hazardous Materials Management

Regulatory bodies have specific guidelines that require hazardous materials to be accurately identified and classified, safely stored, and appropriately treated before disposal. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal penalties and hefty fines. Here are some of the most critical regulatory frameworks to observe:

United States

• The EPA develops and enforces regulations for handling, storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials based on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
• The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials by road, rail, air, and water. They also establish packaging, labeling, and transportation documentation for these substances.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety and health standards, particularly in companies that handle hazardous materials. They enforce regulations through inspection, citations, and penalties.

United Kingdom

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the top agency that oversees hazardous materials management across industries.
• Other regulatory bodies administer the rules depending on specific circumstances and locations, such as the Environment Agency of England and the Scottish Environment Agency of Scotland.

European Union

• The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is the principal department implementing various mandates, including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), European Chemical Substances Database (EINICS), and European List of Existing Substances (ELINCS).

Australia

• The Australian Environment Protection Agency (AEPA) develops and implements national environmental protection policies and programs, including the safe management of hazardous substances.
• SafeWork Australia sets national standards for workplace health and safety. In this case, they monitor and assess compliance for workers directly involved in hazardous materials management.