Avoid the majority of risks associated with hazardous waste by using proper safety storage for these materials.

Improper safety storage of hazardous waste materials can lead to some serious, life-threatening issues in the home or workplace. The sad thing is that most of the emergencies associated with hazardous waste could actually be avoided if the materials were stored properly in the first place.

Proper Labeling of Hazardous Waste

The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to hazardous waste storage is that proper labeling will prevent a lot of safety issues. Earth 911 recommends the following tips for labeling hazardous waste:

o    Read the label before storing any hazardous waste. The label provides a lot of really important safety storage information. This information includes whether or not the item must be stored in a well-ventilated area. It also provides information about the temperature range that is safe for storing the materials.

o    Never remove the safety label on a container of hazardous materials. You may need this information in the future. Also, it allows others that enter the area to be readily aware of the risks associated with the product.

o    Properly label any new containers where you store hazardous materials. In some cases you may have to transfer hazardous materials out of their original containers. Avoid doing this if at all possible. If it is necessary, take extra care to properly label the new container with all of the important safety information contained on the old label.

Tips for Hazardous Waste Storage Locations

When selecting the location where you will be storing your hazardous waste, keep the following tips in mind:

o    Never store hazardous waste near your food. Even if the containers are safely sealed, vapors can affect the safety of your food. Hazardous waste should always be stored as far away from kitchens, food preparation and food storage areas as possible.

o    Look out for any sources of heat or flame. You never want to store hazardous waste near anything that produces heat or flame. Doing so causes the risk of fire or explosion.

o    Never store hazardous waste in damp or wet areas. This can cause the containers that the waste is stored in to corrode which can lead to leaks of dangerous materials.

o    Always make sure that the storage area is out of reach of pets, children and anyone else who may not understand the special precautions necessary when dealing with such materials. This may mean putting the materials in a storage area that is up high and out of reach. Alternatively, it may mean putting the materials in a locked room. Regardless of where items are stored, they should always have childproof, tightly secured lids.

Additional Tips for Storing Hazardous Waste

Finally, some other general tips to keep in mind when storing hazardous waste include:

o    Keep an eye on the containers over time. If you don’t regularly use these materials then schedule a regular time each week or month to check on them. Look for signs of corrosion or leakage. Also look to make sure that the containers aren’t bulging as this can be a sign that the container may be about to explode.

o    Be aware that there are different types of hazardous waste and they should not be stored together. For example, you should not store a corrosive waste material next to a flammable waste material.

o    Never mix hazardous waste materials for any reason. Even if you have two items that appear to be the same, you shouldn’t mix them. It’s an unnecessary risk that shouldn’t be taken.

o    Keep the poison control number readily available in the area where hazardous waste is stored. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it but it should be easy to find just in case.

What is your biggest concern about storing hazardous waste? Share your answer in the comments!

About the Author:

Vera Mosley is a blogger, tweeter, and writer for a safety storage company.  In her spare time, Vera is an avid decorator and Do-It-Yourself expert. Vera can be reached at www.twitter.com/VMosley.

Technorati Tags: Hazardous Waste, Properly Store Hazardous Waste, safety, storing waste