Chapter 5.1

Hazardous waste handling and storage

TRP Chapter 5.1 1

Links in an integrated in hazardous waste management system Storage Collection/ Transportation Disposal

TRP Chapter 5.1 2

Storage site selection

• • • •

On-site storage: In waste generator premises Not subject to flooding Away from manufacturing/processing areas Away from employee activities

• • • •

Off-site storage: Not subject to flooding Away from residential area Ideally in industrial area Good access to public infrastructure eg roads, emergency services

TRP Chapter 5.1 3

Storage site design criteria 1

• • • •

Minimise risk of explosion or unplanned releases Keep incomatible wastes separate Not < 15m from site boundary (where possible) Away from foot & vehicular traffic .

• •

Impermeable base material Leak and spill containment

Source: David C Wilson TRP Chapter 5.1 4

Storage site design criteria 2

• • • • • • • •

Protection from climate Good ventilation Limit height of stacked containers Eye wash station Provide drainage system or elevate Adsorbent material for spills Re-packaging area Comply with regulations

TRP Chapter 5.1 5

Hazardous waste compatibility 1 Compatibility = the ability of two or more materials to exist in close association with each other without the formation of harmful chemical or physical reactions

•

Need compatibility between:

• • • •

waste & container wastes stored together wastes stored close to each other wastes & environment

TRP Chapter 5.1 6

Hazardous waste compatibility 2

Source: UK DoE (1988) Waste Management Paper No 26 TRP Chapter 5.1 7

Undesirable reactions to mixing incompatible wastes



Generation of heat by chemical reaction



Alkali metals, metal powders



Generation of toxic gases



Hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide



Generation of flammable gases



Hydrogen, acetylene



Generation of gases



Nitrogen oxides, chlorine,sulphur dioxide



Dissolution of toxic compounds



Heavy metals, complexing agents

TRP Chapter 5.1 8

Duration of hazardous waste storage

•

Storage should be for as brief a period as possible

•

Permitted temporary storage duration varies from country to country Western Europe:

•

Typically 28 or 90 days USA:

• •

Up to 90 days for large quantity generators Up to 180 days for small quantity generators Some European countries and Far East:

•

Indefinite period allowed

TRP Chapter 5.1 9

Long term storage

• • • •

For longer term storage, different controls needed If storage may be indefinite, controls should be similar to those for final disposal facilities Long term storage may be a practical solution to the problem of a shortage of hazardous waste treatment and dsiposal facilities Important to avoid ‘storage’ becoming an excuse for uncontrolled disposal

TRP Chapter 5.1 10

Types of storage

• • •

Containerised Bulk liquids in tanks Bulk solids in bunkers, silos, skips

Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002 TRP Chapter 5.1 11

Packaging materials

•

Must be inert and not react with the hazardous waste

•

Must be able to absorb impact

•

Materials which can be used include:

• • • • •

Steel Aluminium Natural Wood Plywood Reconstituted wood

• • • • •

Fibreboard Plastic material Textile Metal (other than steel or aluminium) Glass or stoneware

TRP Chapter 5.1 12

Types of containers

• • • •

Bags Boxes Drums Jerrycans

• •

Combination packaging Composite packaging

Source: Safe hazardous waste management systems ISWA 2002 TRP Chapter 5.1 13

Container selection criteria

•

Inert will not react with contents is impervious to attack from contents

•

Robust and able to absorb impact

•

Good condition , free of leaks, structural defects or rust, clean

•

Able to be kept closed except when waste material being added or removed

•

Contents will not escape in normal handling

•

Suitable for quantity/volume of wastes - not over filled

TRP Chapter 5.1 14

Drums and cans

• •

Drums: Reconditioned drums are cheaper than new ones Inspect quality and type of drum Cans:

•

Useful for vertical free space

• •

Potential problems: Increase in disposal cost Increase in handling risks

TRP Chapter 5.1 15

Tanks

•

Suitable for storage of bulk material

•

Offer rigid and integral containment

•

Easy to inspect

•

Suitable for bulk materials handling systems eg pipelines, belt conveyors

TRP Chapter 5.1 16

Marking and labelling Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Research & Special Programs Administration, 2000

TRP Chapter 5.1 17

All markings

• • • • •

Markings should be: Durable In English and/or native language Unobscured Against a contrasting background Away from other markings

TRP Chapter 5.1 18

Labels All containers must be clearly marked with waste type and hazard Labels should be:

•

Made of good quality materials

•

Durable

•

Weather resistant

•

Well located

•

Recognisable and legible in day and night time

•

Give information about handling precautions and prohibitions

•

At least 100mm on each side

TRP Chapter 5.1 19

Types of labels

• •

Hazard labels: In the shape of a square set at 45 º Required for most dangerous goods except for magnetised materials

• •

Handling labels: In various rectangular shapes Required either alone or in addition of hazard labels for some dangerous goods

TRP Chapter 5.1 20

Record keeping and inspection

• •

Inspection: To ensure proper handling and storage To check integrity of storage

• • • • •

Record keeping: To provide a record of waste generation and movement To inform a subseqeuent disposal option To serve as “chain of custody” document To comply with regulations To ensure duty of care

TRP Chapter 5.1 21

Handling and storage hazards for personnel Accidental injury eg equipment, containers falling, fires, explosions Chemical or biological harm eg respiratory problems, skin complaints Systemic effects:

•

nausea

•

headaches

•

cancer

TRP Chapter 5.1 22

Chapter 5.1 Summary Handling and storage are part of an integrated system - need to:

•

Choose/design storage site carefully

•

Ensure waste compatibility

•

Consider storage duration and types of storage

•

Select appropriate packaging materials and containers

•

Ensure proper marking and labelling

•

Keep accurate records and make regular inspections

•

Consider hazards for personnel

TRP Chapter 5.1 23