Strategies for Safe Storage and Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are items, agents or substances that have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals or the environment. Hazardous materials include chemicals, toxic substances, flammable materials and biohazards. 

It is necessary to safely store and dispose of hazardous materials across a range of settings including workplaces, hospitals, laboratories and farms. Certain hazardous materials can also be found in the home. 

In this article we will look at the importance of safe storage and disposal practices when dealing with hazardous materials to minimise the chances of an accident, biological incident or contamination. We will consider what constitutes a hazardous material, how to handle hazardous materials safely, tips for best practice and the importance of education and training. Lastly, we will highlight some common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding Hazardous Materials 

Some of the common types of hazardous materials and examples of each are:

• Chemicals – acids, solvents and cleaning agents 
• Flammables – petrol, diesel, alcohol and propane  
• Toxic substances – pesticides, heavy metals and asbestos 
• Biohazards – medical waste, infectious materials, animal waste, microbiological waste, bioactive substances and toxins from biological sources  
• Radioactive materials – nuclear materials, radioactive waste, radioisotopes 

Due to their hazardous nature, it is vital that the above examples of hazardous substances, plus many more, are correctly identified, labelled and categorised in line with standards, such as the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification.

• The United Nations (UN) adopted the Globally Harmonised System in 2003
• The GHS allows chemicals to be easily identified by the types of hazards they pose 
• It recommends harmonised hazard communication methods, including symbols, labels and safety data sheets

The GHS provides a foundation for the harmonisation of rules and regulations on hazardous substances at a national and international level. This system allows users all over the world, regardless of literacy or age, to be able to understand the health hazards posed by substances or chemicals and the precautions to take. It also helps make international trade safer.

The GHS breaks hazards down into three broad groups:

• Physical hazards – these hazards pose a physical risk to users. Examples include corrosives and flammables 
• Health hazards – exposure to these hazards can have an adverse effect on health such as acute toxicity 
• Environmental hazards – these hazards can have a negative effect on the environment when released via air, water or soil. They may be toxic to aquatic life

The GHS exists alongside the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods system.

Under UK legislation, namely the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), some substances are represented with different symbols to the international ones. In the UK, it is helpful to understand both.

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) play a fundamental role in the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials. The data sheets list: 

• The hazardous ingredients of a product
• The hazardous characteristics (corrosivity, flammability, explosive properties etc)
• Potential effects on human health
• Substances that the material can interact with negatively
• Handling precautions
• Recommendations for control measures
• Emergency and first aid protocols 

If an accident or incident occurs, the safety data sheet provides vital (potentially lifesaving) information that will inform the next correct steps to take to ensure a safe response. 

Best Practices for Safe Storage

Best practices for the safe storage of hazardous materials include:

• Proper containment and segregation of materials 
• Keeping incompatible items apart 
• Ensuring storage areas have adequate ventilation 
• Using correct temperature and environmental controls 
• Using specialised storage cabinets and containers 
• Performing regular inspection and maintenance of storage areas 

Proper containment and segregation of materials 

It is vital that hazardous materials are stored in approved containers that are clearly labelled. Containers should be robust, leak proof and compatible with the material so that they will not cause a chemical reaction. Materials should be properly segregated to keep incompatible items apart.

It is a good idea to use a secondary container or tray in case of spills or leaks. 

Keeping incompatible items apart 

Incompatible items should be kept apart so that they cannot come into contact with one another and cause a dangerous reaction such as an explosion, fire or the release of toxic fumes. 

Flammable wastes should always be kept isolated and away from potential sources of ignition to reduce the chance of an explosion or fire spreading.

Ensuring storage areas have adequate ventilation 

Storage areas that contain hazardous materials require good ventilation systems to ensure safe air quality. Poor ventilation may lead to a build-up of toxic fumes, dust or heat which can pose both a health hazard and an increased risk of fire.

Using correct temperature and environmental controls 

Hazardous materials should never be stored in extreme temperatures. They should be kept in temperature and humidity controlled conditions to reduce the risk of them becoming unstable or causing a fire. 

Some chemicals have a flash point. A flash point is the lowest temperature a chemical can be stored at before chemical vapours are released into the air which may catch on fire. Other materials pose a risk if the temperature is too high. 

Temperature controlled environments mean that a safe temperature can be pre-set. This temperature should be monitored and recorded by a competent person. 

Using specialised storage cabinets and containers 

Storage areas that contain hazardous substances should have clear signage and some kind of security measure to prevent unauthorised access (such as locks, code entry system or biometric system). 

In addition to providing security, using specialist storage cabinets or containers also helps to keep storage areas neat and tidy. Good housekeeping is essential to prevent hazards and control risks. 

Performing regular inspection and maintenance of storage areas 

Storage areas need to be checked to ensure they: 

• Are safe and secure
• Have the correct humidity and temperature 
• Are tidy and well organised 
• Are free from additional hazards  

Containers should be regularly checked for signs of wear and tear or degradation, for example:

• Cracks/holes
• Dents
• Rust 
• Leakage 

Ensure that you have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) on before performing any maintenance or inspection of storage areas. Any problems that you find should be treated as a hazard and addressed immediately to make the area safe. 

Additionally, checks should be made to ensure that containers with hazardous materials inside are properly labelled, stored in the right place, properly segregated and have not expired. Records of routine inspections should be updated daily. 

Safe Disposal of Hazardous Materials 

It is essential that hazardous materials are disposed of correctly and safely in order to minimise the chance of them posing a health hazard or causing damage. For example, a significant number of tip and bin lorry fires are caused by people placing batteries in their household rubbish. In reaction to the 1,200 lithium-ion related fires in the previous year, a new Stop Battery Fires campaign from Recycle Your Electricals and the National Fire Chiefs Council has been implemented, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of proper electricals and battery recycling.

Tips for disposing of hazardous materials safely include:

• Classify your waste (to check if it is hazardous) and separate and store hazardous waste separately to general waste. 
• Check legal and regulatory requirements in your district or country. Failure to comply with the law on disposing of hazardous materials may result in prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
• Consider using a specialist, licensed waste disposal service. 
• Ensure any carrier services are reputable, licensed and have transparent policies. 
• Check waste sites have environmental permits. 
• Keep accurate documentation that contains identifying information about acts of hazardous waste disposal (and retain them for at least three years).
• Use proper waste disposal containers. 

Different materials have different handling requirements, for example:

• To dispose of chemicals, you should refer to the information on the relevant MSDS. 
• Flammable materials may need to be neutralised or diluted prior to disposal.
• Biohazards and medical waste should be disposed of in appropriate containers (such as yellow waste bags or sharps boxes) and should be disposed of by medical waste services. 
• Make use of e-waste recycling services to get rid of spent batteries or old electronics to prevent fires and toxic materials from entering landfills (battery bins are located in most supermarkets and local tips usually have a specialist area to dump electronic items).

It is essential to have a spill response plan in the event of an incident or contamination event. This includes conducting emergency response training and ensuring workers have access to PPE and spill kits. A competent person should be appointed to contact emergency services and notify environmental agencies about the incident, if necessary.

There are different options for hazardous waste treatment (the process some waste has to go through prior to disposal), for example:

• Physio chemical treatment
• High temperature incineration 
• Blending of secondary liquids 

By partnering with licensed and reputable waste disposal companies, you increase the likelihood of your hazardous waste being removed, treated and disposed of safely and in a way that causes the least harm.

Innovative Approaches to Hazardous Material Management 

In the last 60 years, over 90% of the radioactive waste that has been generated in the UK is ‘low level’ waste. This can be safely disposed of at a dedicated Low Level Waste Repository such as the one in Cumbria, England. 

This leaves the remaining less than 10% of intermediate or high level waste that is currently being stored in more than 20 different sites around the UK. It cannot stay there indefinitely as the sites require constant monitoring and eventually the waste will need to undergo the delicate and costly process of repackaging. 

The innovative plan to dispose of this waste requires it to be sent to a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). A GDF is the best solution to permanently dispose of the most hazardous radioactive waste. It is a purpose-built network of vaults and tunnels built hundreds of metres underground in solid rock. Putting the waste so far below ground should ensure that harmful radiation does not reach the earth’s surface. 

Other emerging areas within hazardous material management include:

• Developing green chemistry solutions which aim to change or improve manufacturing methods and chemical processes, with the goal of eliminating or reducing hazardous waste substances.
• Leveraging the power of technology and digital tools or artificial intelligence to track waste, perform inventories, schedule disposal and remotely monitor high-risk areas.
• Recycling and waste to energy technologies which are aimed at reducing waste and creating energy. They can convert waste into energy (e.g. electricity or biogas).

Training and Education 

Staff training and education is essential for safe working practices, including the use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. 

• Successful staff training programmes give workers the knowledge and skills that can help them to work competently and safely.
• Regular safety drills and continuing education can help keep staff up to date with best practice and emergency protocols. 

Workplaces must provide information, training and equipment that protects workers from harm and teaches them how to work safely. This may include formal training, including a COSHH training course. COSHH covers harmful substances, risk assessments, control measures, chemical safety data sheets and employer responsibilities under law. 

COSHH covers hazardous substances including:

• Chemicals
• Products that contain chemicals 
• Nanotechnology
• Gases 
• Biological agents 
• Germs 

Lead, asbestos and radioactive substances are not covered under COSHH because they have their own separate legislation. 

COSHH also covers the use of PPE. This is equipment that people must wear to handle hazardous substances to reduce the risk of an accident or injury. 

Different types of PPE protect different parts of the body, for example the skin, head or lungs. Examples include:

• Gloves 
• Goggles
• Masks 
• Respirators 
• Hazmat suits 
• Helmets 

In addition to COSHH, other key laws and legislation that relate to the use and storage of hazardous materials include:

• The GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) Regulation
• UK REACH Regulation 
• Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH)
• GB Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)

Laws and regulations relating to hazardous waste management include:

• Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 
• Environmental Protection Act 1990

It is important to understand which pieces of legislation relate to the industry you operate in and the type of hazardous materials that you manage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Hazardous Material Management 

Common mistakes to avoid in hazardous waste storage:

• Unsuitable storage containers
• Disorganised spaces and poor housekeeping 
• Failure to conduct proper risk assessment and put controls in place 
• Lack of training or understanding 
• Not securing the storage space properly or allowing access to unauthorised personnel
• Failure to properly plan and train staff for an event such as an accidental spill

Common mistakes to avoid in hazardous waste disposal:

• Poor or illegal disposal methods (either through cost saving, ignorance or deliberately cutting corners)
• Not labelling waste correctly, leading to people accidentally coming into contact with hazardous waste during disposal 
• Not keeping proper records and documentation 
• Inadequate PPE
• Not sealing waste containers properly which increases the risk of contamination and spills during removal or transport 

Conclusion 

To protect humans, animals and the environment from harm, it is important to adhere to the fundamental safety principles of hazardous material management. This includes proper use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, proper use of PPE and seeking out expert advice when needed.