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Keep HazWaste containers in the game!
2021-11-09T06:00:00Z
Winter can bring on a lot of stress when it comes to keeping hazardous waste containers in good condition. A fluctuation in temperatures can cause some containers to shrink or bulge if they aren’t stored correctly.
Container maintenance
How can you make sure employees keep containers in good condition? At a minimum, you can ask them to:
- Keep containers closed at all times, except when they add or remove waste from the container;
- Be careful when they handle containers; and
- Transfer waste to another container if the original container appears to be in poor condition.
Inspecting containers
Remind employees to inspect hazardous waste containers that are within their control, looking for:
- Leaks or staining;
- Dents, bulging, and/or corrosion; and
- Proper labeling.
Tips for safely managing containers
- Keep containers dry and at room temperature.
- Don’t stack containers containing ignitable or reactive wastes.
- Don’t push, roll, or drag containers. Use the right equipment to move drums.
- Make sure containers are easy to reach. Keep an open aisle space so that people and equipment can move freely when in the area of containers.
- Don’t drive equipment (trucks, forklifts) into container storage areas unless you are moving containers.