Hazardous Waste Training

Although there is a lot of variation in handling techniques when it comes to disposing of a hazardous waste there is a shared trait.  It can’t be disposed of in the same way as a non-hazardous waste.  Not following this basic, yet important rule puts many people in danger. Here’s some important information on hazardous waste training.

It’s important to fully understand the effect hazardous wastes have on individuals who come into contact with them.  The effects differ greatly, based on the substance that’s involved and the amount. Effects can happen instantaneously, or exposure can slowly accumulate in your body over time.  Hazardous wastes can be inhaled.  They can also be ingested, or absorbed through the skin or eyes.

Providing safety training on hazardous wastes is the best way to prevent unnecessary exposures and empower workers on what to do if an exposure happens.  It can be helpful to provide different training based on the activities of your employees.  An employee who moves hazardous wastes should receive a different level of training than someone you simply works in an environment where it is present.  A critical element to any safety training on hazardous waste is the personal protective equipment, or PPE, to use with the hazardous waste.  And, knowing how to use a PPE also means knowing how to inspect the PPE to ensure it will work as intended.  Even after a safety training has been provided about hazardous materials, it’s still important to keep workers informed about hazardous wastes.  If something changes workers need to be informed.  Every employee should know where the MSDS are located for the hazardous materials present.

Don’t question if you are providing adequate safety training on hazardous wastes.  Contact proActive Safety to help.  They can inspect what’s already been done and help you achieve your safety goals and be in compliance.  Hazardous wastes are often a neglected topic because it isn’t as obvious as other training.  This makes hazardous wastes all the more dangerous.  Construction and hazardous wastes are a common occurrence, so make sure your team has the training to keep safety a priority.