The things we seen- hazardous materials - Essay Example

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-THE THINGS WE’VE SEEN Institute Hazardous Materials- The Things We’ve Seen The article “Hazardous Materials- The Things We’ve Seen” has been written in the year 2009 by Elizabeth Peterson who is the Vice President of Clean Harbor Apollo Onsite Services. The article highlights the different environmental flaws by different organizations in the handling of hazardous and toxic materials that have led to the creation of emergency situations. The article indicates the fact that the lay out for the disposal of the toxic materials is good but the carrying out of the plan lacks proper expertise which results in such drawbacks and mistakes in the disposal of these substances.

The article presents with four incidents associated with the lack of knowledge regarding waste disposal which could have been safely avoided if proper regulations and methods were employed in the first place. The article provides for many important suggestions for the Emergency Responders which need to be taken care of when an incident of toxic material disposal comes up. It indicates the fact that an Emergency Responder should have adequate information regarding the different toxic materials and the methods that may be employed for their disposal.

This is because incorrect techniques can result in severe consequences. Proper equipment with the Emergency Responders is also important which include remote drum openers as well as effective apparatus for the checking of the hazardous contents at the sites. The knowledge regarding the mixing of different chemicals should also be known along with the reactions caused by different hazardous substances so that essential decisions can be taken by the Emergency Responder at the site of the incidents.

The article reports of four different cases where inappropriate methods of disposal were used. It presents the first case of an organization that was moving rubidium which is a toxic element along with other stable substances. Rubidium has the potential to light up if it gets exposed to air. It needs to be disposed by being covered by oil and then being burnt. Also it is essential that reactive substances should be handled with care and not moved along with stable substances to prevent accidents.

The second case was that of the addition of a wrong chemical that is acetone to azobisisobutylonitrile for the disposal of this substance. This resulted in flame in the university lab where this procedure was carried out. It is pointed out that proper testing is essential before the utilization of such techniques to dispose the material. The third happening presented in the article was that in an industry where borane-T3-THF was stored inappropriately resulting in inflammation. Proper storage of hazardous substances is important to avoid such situations.

The last case was that of an organization which was actually closing one of its location and it was a case of neglect where the organization had not been concerned about the hazardous material that it had saved. It asked for help for the disposal of the waste and it was analyzed that the organization had kept no record or check of the materials that they had stored. The author in the end concludes that a proper strategy for the handling and disposal of chemical waste is important. The author indicates that the organizations should have contracts with the companies that carry out these activities of disposing of hazardous waste.

This would save the future risks as well as the tedious procedures that would be required if the chemicals become more toxic owing to long time storage and reactivity. The article presents with perfect scenarios which highlight the neglect in the disposal of waste. The author is correct in indicating the fact that disposal of waste should occur at the earliest possible time in collaboration with experts at disposal of hazardous wastes. There should be proper regulations for the companies to maintain proper records of the toxic substances and regulatory bodies should ensure that organizations dispose off their wastes in a timely manner.

References Top of Form Peterson, E. (November 01, 2009). Hazardous materials the things we've seen. Pollution Engineering, 41, 11, 21-23. Bottom of Form