PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-611

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 611

OCTOBER 2003
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-611 - Page 29 of 33
•
Remember, when you package hazardous wastes, the container must be compat-
ible with the waste material. For example, strong acids or caustics should not be put
in steel containers. They corrode steel and that leads to leaks, spills and sometimes
even fires.
•
Before using a drum for hazardous
waste, mark it so everyone knows
what’s inside. Check with your envi-
ronmental coordinator for specific
marking and labeling requirements.
Your environmental coordinator
can also help identify what’s inside if
you’re unsure of a drum’s contents.
•
Drums can be reused, but must be clean, in good condition, and empty. Your local
hazardous waste SOP should give details on cleaning drums. If not, check with your
environmental coordinator.
Make sure you remove or paint over all previous labels or markings so there’s no
confusion about the drum’s current contents.
•
Check the lids, bands and
bungs. Keep them tight to prevent
contamination. If any are missing
or damaged, replace them or use a
different drum.
Need a bung wrench? Get one
•
Never fill a drum all the way to the top. Allow about four inches for expansion.
•
Check with your environmental coordinator on how much of each type waste you
can store in the motor pool. States have different interpretations of just how much
waste can be stored at the unit level before it must be moved to the installation’s haz-
ardous waste storage facility.
•
Never use a dented or leaking
drum. Replace worn-out drums
with ones from this list:
PS 611
OCT 03
55
HAZMAT…
•
Before using a drum, wipe off water, oil or grease from the top and sides with a
clean cloth. They can hide damage and may contaminate the waste you plan to put
in the drum. Contaminated rags should be placed in a covered, flameproof contain-
er and disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
•
Look for rusty spots, par-
ticularly on the bottom of
the drum. Rusty drums—
even
those
that
seem
sound—may not be accept-
ed by your installation’s haz-
ardous waste storage facility.
•
Don’t put different wastes
in the same container. Some
things, such as antifreeze
and used oil, can be recycled
as long as they haven’t been
mixed with anything else.
Mixed waste may have to be
treated as hazardous waste.
00-254-5713
00-254-5714
00-366-6809
00-866-1728
01-302-4252
00-030-7780
00-292-9783
01-150-0677
01-101-4055
01-101-4056
6-gal, removable cover, steel
7-gal, removable cover, steel
30-gal, removable cover, steel
30-gal, removable cover, steel,
enamel-coated
55-gal, removable cover, steel
55-gal, closed head, steel
55-gal, closed head, polyethylene
85-gal, open head, steel (for solids)
85-gal, open head, steel (for liquids)
95-gal, removable cover,
polyethylene
NSN 8110-
Description
Don’t use
rusty drums
Never mix wastes
Get open head…
…or closed
head drums
Label drums to prevent confusion
Tighten
loose
bungs
I don’t
feel so
good!
I’m so
full…
I could
pop!
Your plan for collecting
and disposing of hazardous
waste at the motor pool is
only as strong as the
drums you use.
So march
to the PM
drumbeat
with these
tips…
HAZMAT…
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