Tag Archives: proper disposal

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF HARMFUL MATERIALS (GUEST POST)

Submitted by Mike Zook:

Even eco-crusaders—those who valiantly turn off their TV upon leaving the room, make sure all the lights are out before they go to bed, and meticulously sort through their rubbish to find anything that can be recycled—may dispose of harmful materials carelessly. In our electronic world, we deal with toxic substances more often than we realize, and we frequently dispose of these substances without a second thought. 

Here are some harmful materials that you can find in almost every American home, as well as a list of appropriate ways to dispose of those items.

Batteries.

There are two harmful components to standard batteries: First, the battery itself contains toxic metals (both mercury and cadmium are often used). Second, if the battery leaks, its fluid can toxify the air and local water supply near the landfill. In other words: Don’t just throw your batteries away! You can properly recycle your batteries by doing the following:

  • Check with your local recycling organizations. While most do not accept batteries regularly, some run special programs that allow you to hand over your batteries on specific days of the year (a “hazardous waste drop-off day”). 
  • Talk to representatives at local automotive stores. Since these companies do a large amount of battery recycling already, they are often able to recycle household batteries on your behalf. 
  • Use a web-based or local service to recycle your rechargeable batteries. Call2Recycle, RadioShack, and Staples all have programs as of 2012. 
  • Use a “battery box” recycling service such as Big Green Box or BatteryRecycling.com. You should only do this if you have a fairly large number of batteries.

If you’re looking to “save up” your batteries for future recycling, be sure to store your dead batteries inside of resealable plastic bags. This substantially reduces the risk of damage from a battery leak.

CRT computer monitors and TVs.

“CRT” stands for “cathode ray tube,” and each of those tubes contain at least five different toxic substances. To properly dispose of your CRT display system:

  • Donate the monitor. If the monitor is still in working condition, take it to your local Salvation Army (or other thrift shop), freecycle it, or give it to a friend. 
  • Call your local Best Buy. As of 2012, select Best Buy locations will recycle up to three of your electronic items daily. 
  • Contact the original device manufacturer. Some companies have a device recovery program. 
  • Research web-based and local electronics recycling groups. Most of these companies can recycle your monitor for a small fee (typically $5 to $20).

The cathode ray tubes are the only really toxic part of the monitor, but the tubes must be handled with care. Unless you’re an expert, do not attempt to remove the tubes from the monitor.

Printer cartridges.

In its concentrated form, your printer’s ink is a powerful form of chemical waste. It can be toxic to animals and environments alike. To dispose of a printer cartridge, you can:

  • Contact the original cartridge vendor. Many have a recycling program. 
  • Search for charitable organizations. For example, www.recycool.org lets you contribute to public education by donating your used cartridges. 
  • Visit a local university. Many universities have a cartridge recycling program. 
  •  Visit your local Best Buy. Best Buy locations with a toner kiosk accept toner cartridges for in-store recycling.

If you’ve tried handling your toner cartridge, you may already be aware that the ink can easily spill and smudge. Put the cartridge in a re-sealable plastic bag to avoid the mess and the hazard.

These three items are found in almost every home, and yet only a small portion of people are aware of the toxic contents. Spread word of the proper disposal of these items and be sure you take the necessary steps to avoid polluting your environment. If you’re uncertain whether or not an item you are disposing of contains toxic elements, conducting a simple Google search is a fast and easy way to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to help protect the environment.

About the Author: About the Author: Mike Zook writes for a containment solutions company. In his free time, he works on reducing his home’s carbon footprint.

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REDUCES RISKS WHILE WORKING WITH BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.  This requires employers to provide proper personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive extensive training. 

Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  About 8,700 health care workers each year are infected with HBV, and 200 die from the infection.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

  • Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
  • HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
  • Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  Other types of PPE that may be required are shoe covers, surgical caps and hoods.  This gear should be readily accessible to employees, and available in appropriate sizes.  The PPE must be removed by the employee before leaving the work area or if the PPE becomes contaminated.  The employer is responsible to clean or launder clothing and equipment, and repair or replace it as necessary.  Hand washing facilities should also be available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE. 

Should an employee’s skin or mucous membranes come into contact with blood, he or she is to wash with soap and water and flush eyes with water as soon as possible.  In addition, workers must wash their hands immediately after removing protective equipment.  If soap and water are not available immediately, employers may provide other hand washing measures such as moist towelettes.  Employees still must wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  They must refrain from eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in areas where they may be exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials. 

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents. 

Source: OSHA