Hazardous
waste is a source of risk for the environment and health. These wastes,
generated from industrial, agricultural, service and even domestic activities,
constitute an environmental issue of special importance due to their volume
(increasingly increasing) and as a consequence of the economic development
process and its characteristics. .
Its problems are associated with various causes
such as, for example, the presence of impurities in materials, low process
technology, deficiencies in operational practices or the characteristics of
products and substances at the end of their useful life, among others.
Thus, the producer or manager of hazardous waste is
obliged to keep the waste stored in adequate hygiene and safety conditions
while they are in their possession.
The maximum duration of storage will be six months
(in exceptional cases, the competent body of the Autonomous Communities where
such storage is carried out, for duly justified reasons and provided that the
protection of human health and the environment is guaranteed, may modify this
term). This period that we have mentioned will begin to count from the start of
the deposit of waste in the storage place.
How to
properly store hazardous waste?
Likewise, the following issues must be taken into
account when storing hazardous waste:
- Separate properly and do not mix waste with other
substances, materials or other waste.
- Maintain waste in adequate hygiene and safety
conditions, packaged and labeled in the manner specified in international
standards and current legislation.
- Differentiate the temporary storage area from the
rest of the facility.
- Guarantee that the temporary storage area is
accessible, especially for vehicles that have to remove hazardous waste, and
also ensure that this storage area is clearly identified and identifiable by
users.
It is also necessary that this area be equipped
with a waterproof pavement, and that it have spill collection and containment
systems (containment basins, perimeter drainage network, watertight manhole or
similar) without obstructions.
In addition, the storage area must also have
protection from the elements, be closed perimeter and have mechanisms for
restricting access appropriate to the danger, risk and volume of waste.
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- Comply with the safety and hygiene requirements
that are applicable to maintain the temporary storage facilities in adequate
conditions.
Basic tips
to properly store hazardous waste
However, we also want to give you some basic advice
so that you store hazardous waste correctly.
1. Select a suitable location: Outside under cover;
inside the building itself or outdoors with hermetically sealed containers.
2. Waterproof the area: There must be a retention
basin for spills or an impermeable floor (cement or concrete).
3. Define different areas according to
compatibility: It is necessary to take into account the different types of
stored waste and define different storage areas. It is also necessary to avoid
any type of chemical reaction between the stored products, as well as between the
stored substances and the construction materials.
Finally,
point out other questions that it never hurts to take into account:
- Training of personnel in charge of the storage
facility.
- Have safety signs.
- Have means of extinguishing fires if the type of
our waste so requires.
- Have the necessary PPE for working with hazardous
substances in storage.
- That the storage is sufficiently ventilated to
avoid dangerous atmospheres and also that it has adequate lighting.
To carry out a correct temporary storage of hazardous waste from a company, the
best thing to do is to have the professional advice of your waste management company. We not
only carry out a correct management of hazardous waste, in accordance with the
current legal framework. We also make sure that your company can obtain all the
necessary certificates and successfully pass the inspections.
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