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Hazardous Waste Compliance Assistance | Procedures

Provide Training to Employees

This is required for small quantity generators, large quantity generators, and treatment, storage, and disposable facilities.1 Training requirements include:

  • Should be administered by a person trained in hazardous waste management procedures through a classroom instruction program or online training.
  • SQGs must ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.2
  • LQG facility personnel must successfully complete training that teaches facility personnel hazardous waste management procedures (including contingency plan implementation) relevant to the positions in which they are employed. The training program must be designed to ensure that facility personnel are able to respond effectively to emergencies by familiarizing them with emergency procedures, emergency equipment and emergency systems.

Following are examples of training documentation and records:

  • A roster with the date and signatures of the employees
  • Certificates with employee name and date
  • Providing actual training materials

Maintain Preparedness and Prevention Equipment

To minimize possibility of fire, explosion or release of hazardous waste, facilities must be equipped with and maintain:

  • Internal communications or alarm system
  • Telephone or walky-talkies capable of summoning emergency assistance from local authorities
  • Portable fire extinguishers, spill control equipment and decontamination equipment
  • Sprinklers, water spray systems or foam spray systems with adequate volume and pressure 
  • Adequate aisle spacing
  • “No Smoking” sign

Examples of improper and proper facility preparedness and prevention | View Photos > 

Develop and Maintain Contingency Plan and Emergency Procedures

All large quantity generators and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities must maintain a contingency plan designed to minimize hazards to public health or the environment from fires, explosions or any release of hazardous waste. The contingency plan:

  • Serves as a guide on how to respond to an emergency within the facility
  • Shoud include all details found in regulation | Learn More >
  • Must be submitted to all police and fire departments, as well as state and local emergency response teams that may be called upon
  • Must be updated when processes change or the Emergency Coordinator is replace (even if only temporary)

Once the contingency plan is updated or amended, the facility must include and submit (to all emergency response teams) a quick reference guide.4

Small quantity generators are required to have a basic plan.5