GLOBAL
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE INC.

Hazardous Waste Generator
Storage Requirements

Hazardous Waste Storage Area: Must have each of the following:

• Internal emergency alarm or communication system;
• Telephone or 2-way radio to call for outside help (fire department, etc.);
• Portable fire extinguishers, other fire control equipment;
• Water supply (hydrants, sprinklers, etc.) and / or foam system for fire suppression;
• Spill control equipment (absorbents, sand, etc.);
• Decontamination equipment (e.g., shovels, squeegees);

• Adequate aisle space for “unobstructed movement of personnel” for fire suppression, spill cleanup, decontamination equipment, other emergency response.

Container Storage:

• Containers must be chosen for compatibility so they do not react with wastes stored in them and are not corroded by the wastes;

• Containers must be kept closed except to add or remove wastes;
• Containers must not be handled in such a way as to damage them;

• Containers must be marked with the date the first waste entered the container and the words “Hazardous Waste”;
• Dikes, berms, walls, etc must separate containers of wastes, which are incompatible with other wastes in the storage area, from them.

Tank Storage

• Wastes must not be put into storage tank that would cause tank failure or leak;

• Hazardous waste storage tanks must be within secondary containment (such as a dike) capable of holding the whole capacity of the largest tank in the containment area;

• Containment must have no cracks or gaps, be impermeable, and compatible with the waste stored;

• Containment must prevent run-on of spills and precipitation from outside;
• Piping and other equipment must also have secondary containment;

• Tank equipment and procedures must provide protection against spills and overfilling;

• Tanks must be inspected every day they contain waste to ensure spill and overfill protection equipment is in good working order, containment system is intact, tanks are in good condition, no wastes are leaking or spilled, and monitoring equipment shows tank operation is within design parameters;

• Spills and precipitation inside containment system must be removed within 24 hours;
• Waste must be removed from a leaking tank within 24 hours.

This summary is offered for the use of GLOBAL customers is intended to answer common questions asked by generators. It does not address all possible regulatory situations and is not meant to constitute legal advice.