Toxic Hazards
Hazardous waste spill management for businesses
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1.
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Know beforehand what hazardous materials you have on the premises.
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| 2. |
Make sure both the product and waste product are properly labeled and stored.
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| 3. |
Keep the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available and well organized.
- Flammable materials should be stored in an appropriate cabinet.
- Obtain advice from local fire officials on storage of flammable materials.
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4.
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Reduce the amount of waste stored on site.
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5.
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Be able to tell the response people:
- Which chemicals are on site
- Where the chemicals are located
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| 6. |
Chemical compatibility is an important consideration in all cases. |
| 7. |
Know if your building contains asbestos.
- Asbestos contamination can keep a business closed long after the initial emergency situation is settled. In King County, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is the lead agency for asbestos clean-up.
- Click here for more information about asbestos.
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| 8. |
Health hazards vary with each toxic substance. By keeping MSDS sheets available and in good order, you will know what hazardous situations to expect. |
Have a "Spill Plan"
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1.
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Have a "spill plan" and train employees to follow it in an emergency.
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| 2. |
Secondary containment of both product and waste is always a good idea. This can be as simple as a bermed area which is capable of containing a spill.
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| 3. |
If you need help to develop a plan, call one of the following:
- Business Waste Line -- (206) 263-8899
- HAZ MAT, Department of Ecology -- (425) 649-7000
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If you have a spill
Remember that when dealing with hazardous materials in an emergency situation, there are no second chances. The following are places you can call for assistance in dealing with a spill:
- For safety or fire hazard, call 911.
- For a spill that could reach surface water, ground water, or a storm drain, call the Department of Ecology at (425) 649-7000.
- If a spill flows into a sewer, call King County Industrial Waste at (206) 263-3000 or your local sewer utility.
- If a spill has occurred in open water, call the US Coast Guard (206) 286-5400.
- If a spill is to soil, call the Department of Ecology at (425) 649-7000.
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related sites
 Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air in your home can impact your health or the health of those you live with. Mold can contribute as a trigger for respiratory problems.
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 Green Cleaning
Green Cleaning is using cleaning products that don't endanger you, children or the environment. This is especially important for people who have asthma.
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