Hazardous materials are present in many workplaces. When these materials are disturbed, workers face a severe risk of injury and illness. That’s why it’s so important to prevent spills from occurring in the first place. Along with having access to a reliable hazmat service, you and your workers should have a plan in place to prevent spills. The list below can help you with hazardous waste management.

How to Avoid Hazardous Waste Spills at Work

1. Make Sure Waste Is Stored Properly

Waste must be stored in proper containers until they’re ready for disposal by your hazmat service. If the containers are kept outside, ensure they’re safeguarded from weather elements like rain and snow. Also, clearly label all containers holding potentially hazardous substances. 

2. Implement a Spill Response Plan

Despite your best efforts, you might still be subject to a waste spill. A spill response plan is highly beneficial in this case, as it will prevent the incident from worsening. Plans should include emergency contact information for all staff and hazmat services, a list and the location of safety gear for spills, evacuation routes, and the location of fire suppression equipment.

3. Train Your Staff on Proper Procedure

It’s up to you and your staff to uphold any emergency spill response plans. Regularly educate your staff on hazardous waste spillage procedures. This training should be extended to all staff—even those who won’t be working with the materials directly. Procedures to go over can include proper handling, how waste should be stored, and the importance of labeling hazmat containers. 

Environmental Hazmat Services can help workplaces in Ashford, AL. They offer emergency hazmat services to assist you during a spill and training on hazardous material best practices. Their health and safety lessons include first aid, industrial chemical spill response, lockout/tagout procedures, and rescue methods for tight spaces. They’ll also create a customized lesson plan to address your needs. Call (334) 702-1603 to learn more. You can also visit the website to see the full listing of hazmat services.