Characteristics of Hazardous Waste-On the Job Tool Box Talks

Download the full article
Download the RMA Sign In Sheet. DOC Format
Download the RMA Sign In Sheet. PDF Format

Overview

A waste is any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous material that you no longer use. Such wastes are hazardous if they have the potential to cause injury or pollute land, air, or water. A solid waste that exhibits any of the following properties is considered a hazardous waste:

Ignitability

1. A liquid, except aqueous solutions containing less than 24 percent alcohol, that has a flash point less than 60 degrees Celsius.

2. A nonliquid capable, under normal conditions, of spontaneous and sustained combustion.

3. An ignitable compressed gas per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

4. An oxidizer per DOT regulation.

Corrosivity

1. An aqueous material with pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5.

2. A liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 1/4 inch per year at a temperature of 55 degrees Celsius.

Reactivity

1. Normally unstable and reacts violently without detonating.

2. Reacts violently with water.

3. Forms an explosive mixture with water.

4. Generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes when mixed with water.

5. Contains cyanides or sulfide and generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes at a pH of between 2 and 12.5.

6. Capable of detonation if heated under confinement or subjected to a strong initiating source.

7. Capable of detonation at standard temperature and pressure.

8. Listed by DOT as a Class A or B explosive.

From Assurance Agency