Hazardous Substances in the Workplace: A Disposal Guide
Handling hazardous substances is a significant responsibility for any business. Various industries encounter materials that could be harmful to human health and the environment.
Understanding how to dispose of hazardous substances in the workplace is crucial. We walk you through the process of proper hazardous waste management so you can ensure the safety of your employees and comply with environmental regulations.
What Are Hazardous Substances?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a hazardous substance as any material that may cause harm. These substances can take various forms, including:
- Chemicals (e.g., solvents, cleaning products, and pesticides)
- Biological agents (e.g., bacteria and viruses)
- Dust, fumes, and gases
- Batteries and electronic waste
- Heavy metals
- Materials containing asbestos
- Radioactive substances
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 govern the use and handling of hazardous substances in the UK workplace. According to these regulations, employers must assess the risks associated with dangerous substances. They also need to take appropriate control measures to manage these materials.
Identifying Hazardous Substances and Materials
The first step in proper disposal is identifying which substances are hazardous. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides guidelines for classifying waste as hazardous.
It’s important to note that it’s illegal to mix hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste or different types of hazardous waste. Doing so can create further hazards and complicate the disposal process.
Conducting a COSHH Risk Assessment
Once you understand what hazardous substances you have, you need to assess the risks. This process helps determine the most effective control measures. Your risk assessment should:
- Identify all substances considered hazardous on your business premises
- Evaluate the risks associated with each substance
- Assess the severity of potential harm
- Determine appropriate control measures
- Document your findings
The HSE provides detailed guidance on conducting COSHH risk assessments, which you can find on their website.
Properly Storing Hazardous Substances in the Workplace
Storing hazardous substances correctly is crucial for safe disposal. Here are some key guidelines:
- Ensure you store hazardous substances in containers designed for that purpose. These containers must be clearly labelled with the contents and any relevant hazard symbols.
- Certain substances may react dangerously if mixed. Store incompatible materials separately to prevent accidental mixing. For example, keep acids away from bases.
- Allocate specific areas for storing hazardous substances. These areas should be well-ventilated, secure, and away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
- Use bunded areas or spill trays to contain any potential leaks or spills.
- Ensure that only authorised personnel have access to hazardous substance storage areas.
- Conduct routine checks to identify any leaks, damage, or other issues.
Safe Handling and Staff Training
When handling hazardous substances, it’s vital to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Businesses must also provide comprehensive training to all employees working with these potentially harmful materials. This includes training on:
- Identifying hazardous substances
- Understanding safety data sheets (SDS, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDSs)
- Proper procedures for safely handling waste
- Emergency procedures and spill response
- Correct use of PPE
- Disposal procedures
You should also regularly review and update staff training. It’s important to stay up to date with any changes in hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Methods to Dispose of Hazardous Substances
These are the most common disposal methods and their applications:
1. Recycling
Recycling is often the most environmentally friendly option when available. Some hazardous materials, such as oils and chemical waste, can be recycled or recovered for reuse. The process involves collecting, processing, and converting waste into new materials or products. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources.
2. Incineration
High-temperature incineration is used for many types of hazardous waste. The process involves burning waste at extremely high temperatures (usually above 1000°C). Incineration breaks down harmful substances into less hazardous byproducts.
Incineration is effective for disposing of:
- Medical waste
- Certain chemicals
- Contaminated materials
3. Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatments can neutralise some hazardous substances. This makes them less harmful and easier to dispose of. This method involves adding specific chemicals to the waste to change its chemical composition. Common chemical treatments include neutralisation, oxidation, and reduction.
4. Biological Treatment
Certain organic wastes can be treated using biological processes. This method uses microorganisms to break down organic contaminants into less harmful substances. Biological treatment is often used for contaminated soil or water and certain types of industrial waste.
5. Solidification and Stabilisation
This method involves mixing hazardous waste with binding agents to create a solid, stable mass. This process reduces the mobility of hazardous components. It also makes the waste easier to handle and dispose of in specialised landfills.
6. Landfill Disposal
Some treated hazardous substances may be disposed of in special landfills. These landfills are designed to prevent leakage and contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater.
This method is often the least desirable option due to the risk of long-term environmental contamination. It’s also important to note that many types of hazardous waste are banned from landfill disposal under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.
When choosing a disposal method, consider:
- The type of waste
- Its hazardous properties
- Any relevant regulations
Always consult with a licensed waste carrier or specialist waste disposal company like Packaging Reuse. These experts will help to determine the most appropriate method for your specific waste.
Emergency Procedures in the Event of an Incident
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. It’s essential to have emergency procedures in place for dealing with spills or exposure to hazardous substances. These procedures should outline what immediate actions to take. You also need to provide emergency contact numbers and appropriate evacuation procedures.
Legal Requirements for Hazardous Waste Management
In the UK, the disposal of hazardous substances is governed by several regulations. Primary regulations include:
- The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
- The Environmental Protection Act 1990
- The Special Waste Regulation Act 1996
- The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
These regulations outline specific requirements for businesses dealing with hazardous waste, including:
- Duty of care: You have a legal responsibility to ensure that your waste is stored, transported, and disposed of correctly.
- Waste classification: You must classify your business waste to determine if it’s hazardous.
- Consignment notes: For each movement of hazardous waste, you must complete a consignment note. This documents the type and quantity of waste being transported.
- Licensed waste carriers: You must use a registered waste carrier to transport your hazardous waste.
- Authorised treatment facilities: Ensure your waste is taken to a licenced treatment facility that can handle that specific type of waste.
- Record keeping: Maintain records of all hazardous waste movements for at least three years.
Packaging Reuse’s Expert Hazardous Waste Disposal Services
Properly disposing of hazardous substances in the workplace is a complex but crucial task. When it comes to hazardous waste management, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you are looking for professional assistance, Packaging Reuse & Disposal Services offers expert hazardous waste disposal services.
Our in-house chemist team has 150-200 years of combined experience in hazardous waste management. We have a specialist understanding of the UK and European markets and guarantee full regulatory compliance. Our focus is on providing cost-effective, sustainable waste collection and disposal services. We tailor them to your specific hazardous waste streams and business requirements.
Get in touch with the helpful team at Packaging Reuse today. We can provide more information on how our comprehensive services can meet your hazardous waste disposal needs.
