Radioactive Wastes
Drums and containers containing radioactive wastes must not be handled until their hazard to employees is properly assessed.
Drums and containers containing radioactive wastes must not be handled until their hazard to employees is
properly assessed.
Shock Sensitive Wastes
As a minimum, the following special precautions must be taken when drums and containers containing or suspected of containing shock-sensitive wastes are handled:
- All non-essential employees must be evacuated from the area of transfer.
- Material handling equipment must be provided with explosive containment devices or protective shields to protect equipment operators from exploding containers.
- An employee alarm system capable of being perceived above surrounding light and noise conditions must be used to signal the commencement and completion of explosive waste handling activities.
- Continuous communications (i.e., portable radios, hand signals, telephones, as appropriate) must be maintained between the employee-in-charge of the immediate handling area and both the site safety and health supervisor and the command post until the handling operation is completed. Communication equipment or methods that could cause shock sensitive materials to explode must not be used.
- Drums and containers under pressure, as evidenced by bulging or swelling, must not be moved until the cause for excess pressure is determined and appropriate containment procedures have been implemented to protect employees from explosive relief of the drum.
Caution: Shipping of shock sensitive wastes may be prohibited under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Employers and their shippers should refer to 49 CFR 173.21 and 173.50.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-8. When may drums and containers under pressure, as evidenced by bulging or swelling, be moved?
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