Materials that pose a risk to human or environmental health fall under the category of hazardous waste, which can also comprise inherently dangerous materials. Examples of these materials include toxic substances, harmful chemicals, radioactive materials, and other types of potential pollutants requiring safe disposal and handling.
When determining how to safely and properly store and move hazardous materials, it’s important to have an understanding of the various chemical hazards they pose. For instance, hazardous chemicals might be toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive, with specific types of dangers associated with each.
In facilitating effective handling and storage of chemicals, you might use safety data sheets (SDSs) to detail the properties of each substance, along with proper documentation and labeling, emergency protocols, and precautions for handling. We’ve also shared some key considerations in this guide on choosing a chemical tank and the role sustainability plays in ongoing tank management.
Considerations for Selecting Proper Chemical Tank
When storing and transporting any hazardous or reactive material, choosing the right container material is crucial. The ideal container will be able to properly house materials to mitigate the risk of adverse chemical reactions, spills, and leakage.
An example here would include the use of stainless steel bulk containers for containing harsh or corrosive materials. Stainless steel offers numerous benefits for chemical storage due to its durability, ease of cleaning, and corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, tanker trucks and ISO chemical tanks are necessary for transporting bulk chemical materials, with many of these chemical tanks requiring certifications from the United Nations (UN), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and other organizations to verify compliance. Regularly inspecting containers for any indications of gradual wear and tear is important to further prevent potential safety issues over time.
Sustainable Waste Management Practices
While sustainable manufacturing of chemical tanks focuses on optimizing for durability and maximizing lifespan, sustainable practices for handling and disposing of hazardous materials come with additional benefits, including:
- Reduced carbon footprint. Responsibly managing hazardous waste will support environmental health by reducing carbon emissions, preventing contributions to climate change. Reducing waste production, using energy-efficient disposal techniques, and promoting recycling all help to keep businesses’ carbon footprint at a minimum.
- Improved public health and safety. Mitigating the risk of spills and certain accidents also creates a safer environment. Leaks, spills, and exposure to harmful substances could be devastating to people’s health and, on a larger scale, entire communities. Proper containment of these chemicals and sustainable waste management can prevent potential accidents while also creating a generally healthier environment for the public.
Contact N.J. McCutchen for Chemical Tank Management
In making sure that your operations have minimal impact on the environment and prevent potential health and safety risks, you must have effective hazardous waste management measures in place. At N.J. McCutchen, we work to maximize production efficiency while minimizing waste production and enabling effective recycling for many types of hazardous materials, helping you contribute to sustainability efforts and a healthier environment.
Learn more about our various fabrication services and their environmentally friendly processes, and find out how we can help you maintain sustainable operations on our site. You can also reach out to speak with a member of our team and discuss your specific project needs.