7.6.2 Waste recycling, reduction and disposal hazards
Hazardous waste presents a particular safety problem for many organisations but it is not an issue that management must deal with alone. Almost all large organisations have to dispose of large amounts of material that is potentially harmful to people and the environment such as used sanitary products, stationery (e.g. toner cartridges), old fire extinguishers and asbestos wall linings. Waste management is, therefore, not just a concern for heavy industry.
Nor is waste management the sole responsibility of senior management. All employees have a responsibility to be aware of the hazardous nature of the everyday materials that they work with, attempt to minimise the use of these materials and ensure that if these materials are used that they are disposed with appropriately. There are, however, no hard and fast rules for dealing with waste as the way that waste recycling, reduction and the disposal of hazardous waste is carried out will be dictated by the particular type of material in question. Even laws relating to waste management vary from state to state.
If, however, employees are required to work alongside particular hazardous substances, such as chemicals, gases, liquids, poisonous and infectious substances, they must be accompanied by what is known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS will state how these materials are to be treated in relation to recycling, disposal and treatment in case of an accident and it must be stored in a place of easy access.
The MSDS will include the following information:
- Introductory Information
- Product Identification
- Health Hazard information
- Precautions for use
- Safe handling information
- Results of animal toxicity and results of cancer studies or other research
- Contact points for further information
While it is the responsibility of management to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to deal with hazards it is the responsibility of employees to ensure that they abide by these regulations.
Reading 2
The Victorian WorkCover Authority web site provides information on the "safety basics" required in the workplace. This is of benefit to workplace leaders helping to ensure a safe workplace. Review the basics and test your knowledge. http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/dir090/vwa/home.nsf/pages
/so_basics