The existence of unsafe materials and hazardous waste is something that a building project will quickly disrupt. In terms of time and resources, this means a loss, to be sure. But with a little bit of initial development and coverage, this cost can be reduced, and it’s nothing against the risk of not identifying a threat that later goes on to cause harm.
What Is Hazardous Waste?
Hazards are something which can potentially be a risk and can cause threat to the safety of a person. The Health and Safety Executive has laid out a simple description of hazardous substances: materials that are detrimental to human health or the atmosphere. As a legal standpoint, firms have a duty of responsibility, in almost the same manner as any other legal practitioner, to handle their waste in a way that would not affect others.
What Are The Different Hazardous Waste Substances Found on a Construction Site?
Several hazard categories stand out as equally deserving of particular reference. The list is not overly compact, but it does contain the issues that are likely to be faced by the average company.
Pesticides
Pesticides, specifically target living organisms, are among the most infamous kinds of hazardous toxins. Leakages can severely damage environments and potentially cause permanent environmental damage, so it is necessary to process pesticides with the same focus and concern given to other chemicals.
Batteries
Batteries can be thought of as small containers of harmful substances that are used to produce energy. These substances are completely stored during a battery’s life, unless the battery is mistreated. The safe casing will disintegrate for years if batteries are dumped into the dump, before those chemicals are extracted. Subsequently, at an appropriate location, batteries must be recycled. It is the company’s responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that you can identify in a variety of natural fibres that were used during World War 2 in building and insulation. The concern is that, when disrupted, it is toxic. The chemicals will make their way into the lungs when inhaled, where they can do substantial harm, including pleural disease and lung cancer, which will potentially lead to asbestos lawsuits from injured staff and third parties.
Chemicals
When poorly treated, a whole host of chemicals used in construction may be unsafe. In preparation to comply with the substances being treated, staff should also be supplied with the gloves, goggles and suits required. Chemicals of this type should be kept safely when not in use and subsequently identified with labels.
Why It Is Important To Know Of Hazardous Waste
It is extremely important to have the correct knowledge of handling and dealing with all of the hazardous waste listed above, such as how they should be stored and the appropriate equipment required to be around the dangerous substances safely. Not complying with safe measures around these hazardous substances can cause severe injury and problems. Taking the time to learn about health and safety around the workplace and what you may encounter is extremely beneficial to all employees.
