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670 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher for Cleanup Operations
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670 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher for Cleanup Operations

Hazardous Substances

The EPA defines hazardous substances as:

"chemicals that, if released into the environment above a certain amount, must be reported, and depending on the threat to the environment, Federal involvement in handling the incident can be authorized."

A list of the EPA hazardous substances is published in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 302, Table 302.4.

OSHA defines hazardous substances in OSHA 1910.120, which covers emergency response. The term hazardous substance as defined by OSHA is:

"any substance, which [through exposure] results or may result in adverse effects on the health or safety of employees."

A hazardous substance is commonly called a "hazardous waste." A hazardous waste is:

"a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment."

Nearly everything we do leaves behind waste. Hazardous waste is generated from many sources, ranging from industrial manufacturing process wastes to batteries and may come in many forms, including liquids, solids gases, and sludges.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified more than 500 types of hazardous waste and regulates them under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified more than 500 types of hazardous waste and regulates them under the _____.

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