Introduction:

Hazardous waste applies to certain materials that have been generated as waste from processes carried out at industrial facilities. These hazardous materials are harmful to the workers’ health and the environment because they are toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable. Workers must be aware of the proper handling and disposal procedures to protect themselves, co-workers, and the environment.

Discussion Points:

• Does your company store petroleum or petroleum-based products on site?
• You should know what hazardous materials you have on your worksite;
• Contact a professional hazardous material company to clean up a petroleum-based spill;
• Removing the pollution and contaminants from the spill site’s soil, surface water, and
  sediment is the focus of the remediation plans.
  

Discussion:

If your company stores petroleum or petroleum-based products, there is a possibility of an accidental spill occurring. When confronted with a spill of potentially hazardous waste, it is necessary to contact a professional hazardous material company that understands the laws and regulations surrounding biohazard cleanup.

Hazardous materials are defined and regulated in the United States primarily by laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). A material’s manufacturer is responsible for determining whether or not a material is hazardous for the worker, environment, or community.

Professionals must use the proper equipment and materials to ensure the hazardous material is properly removed and disposed of. HAZWOPER trained hazmat specialists have the experience, equipment, and expertise needed to restore the property to a safe environment. The American Chemical Society (ACS) acknowledges that every hazmat remediation situation is unique but emphasizes that it is necessary to use trained professionals.

Environmental remediation is the process of reversing environmental damage that may have occurred as a result of fuel, oil, or other petroleum-based spills. If an inspection of a spill-site determines that risk from contaminants exists after a spill has been contained, further remediation may be required. Removing the pollution and contaminants from the spill site’s soil, surface water, and sediment is the focus of the remediation plans.

It’s important to know what hazardous materials you have on your worksite. If a spill occurs, it should be reported to your supervisor immediately.

As always, stay safe out there!