SAFETY / ENVIRONMENT TOOLBOX TALK

HAZARDOUS WASTE
Classifications & Characteristics

WHAT IS HAZARDOUS  Corrosivity:

Acids or bases (pH <= 2, or >=
WASTE? 12.5) that are capable of
Hazardous waste is any material that has served corroding metal containers,
its purpose, but still presents a danger to human such as storage tanks, drums
health or the environment. Because of this threat, and barrels. Battery acid is an
it is important to handle and dispose example
of hazardous waste carefully
spontaneously combustible, or have a flash point less than 60oC
(140oF). Examples include waste oils and used solvents

 TYPES OF HAZARDOUS WASTES:

 EXAMPLES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE INCLUDES:

 Asbestos
 Chemicals, eg. Brake fluid or print toner
 Batteries
 Solvents
 Pesticides
 Oils (except edible oils), e.g. Car oil
 Equipment containing ozone depleting substances, e.g.
Fridges
 Hazardous Waste Containers

 CHARACTERISTICS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE –

HOW TO CLASSIFY WHICH TYPE OF WASTE YOUR
ARE DEALING WITH:

 Ignitability
 Corrosivity
 Reactivity and
 Toxicity

 Ignitability:
 Wastes can create fires under certain conditions, are
 Reactivity: absorbed. Examples include items
Wastes which are unstable containing mercury, lead etc.
under “normal” condition. They can cause explosions, toxic
fumes, gasses or vapours when heated, compressed, or
 HSE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE?
mixed with water. Examples include lithium-sulphur batteries
and explosives  Advice on health and safety issues to duty-holders, employees
and those affected by work activities
 Investigation of work-related incidents and accidents affecting
 Toxicity: the health and safety of individuals
 Wastes which are harmful or  Enforcement when legal duties have not been discharged by
fatal when ingested or duty-holders

ACTION ITEMS

 HSE is tasked with improving the Health and Safety performance of in

 This extends not only to employees, but also to members of the public