Almost each and every industry generates hazardous waste; no matter how small or big. It is their properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health and the environment that makes it vitally important to make sure that hazardous waste disposal is done with utmost care.
Hazardous waste is usually defined by one or more of the following characteristics:
Ignitable: These type of hazardous waste is highly inflammable. It is capable enough to burn at or below 140o F. Unwanted gasoline is an good example.
Explosive or Reactive: Such kind of waste is capable of causing an explosion or releasing poisonous fumes when exposed to air, water or other chemicals. Old medicinal ether and out-dated ammunition are some reactive wastes.
Corrosive: It burns the skin, causes irritation in the eyes and is capable of destroying living tissue when any contact occurs. It corrodes metals,rubber or plastics. Automobile battery is a corrosive waste.
Toxic: These wastes are fatal if swallowed. Heavy metals like lead and mercury are toxic wastes.
Radioactive: This type of waste is capable of damaging and destroying cells and chromosomal material in the human body and other living organisms. It can also contaminate the air and the surrounding environment.
Hazardous waste can be in the form of solid,liquid, contained gases or sludge. It can cause injury, illness or even death and also destruction of environment. Because of its potential risks, hazardous waste is treated differently from the ordinary wastes.
For the protection of the workers those work in hazardous conditions OSHA has issued HAZWOPER certification. According to this, workers must train on a number of specific levels related with the involvement with hazardous waste materials to ensure their health and safety.
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