Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know Management of Hazardous Waste:
To effectively manage hazardous waste, it is essential to collaborate with the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Fire Departments, and HAZMAT teams to identify facilities within the affected area that have HAZMAT on-site, including Tier II facilities, and to determine the specific locations in the community where these HAZMAT are present. Hazardous Waste Generation : Generators must determine if their waste is hazardous and oversee its fate. Generators must ensure proper identification, management, and treatment of hazardous waste before recycling or disposal. The level of regulation depends on the amount of waste generated. Hazardous Waste Transportation : Transporters move hazardous waste from generators to recycling, treatment, storage, or disposal facilities. Transporters must comply with the EPA’s HAZMAT regulations and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) HAZMAT regulations. Regulations apply when moving hazardous waste on public roads, highways, rails, and waterways. Hazardous Waste Recycling, Treatment, Storage, and Disposal : EPA regulations balance resource conservation with protecting human health and the environment. Recycling hazardous waste reduces raw material consumption and waste volume that requires treatment and disposal. Improper storage can lead to spills, leaks, fires, and soil and drinking water contamination. EPA regulations ensure safe and environmentally sound recycling practices. Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) : TSDFs provide temporary storage and final treatment or disposal of hazardous wastes. TSDFs are strictly regulated due to large waste volumes and potentially higher-risk activities. TSDF requirements establish facility management standards, provisions for hazardous waste management units, and precautions to protect soil, groundwater, and air resources. Best Practices Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) * Full-face or half-mask, air purifying respirators (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved) Hooded, chemical-resistant clothing (overalls; two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical- resistant overalls) Coveralls
Gloves (outer) chemical-resistant Gloves (inner) chemical-resistant
Boots (outer) chemical-resistant steel toe and shank Disposable boot covers (outer) chemical-resistant Hard hat Escape mask Face shield *Appropriate PPE will depend on the incident.
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