WAC 296-843-18010   Handle drums and containers suspected of containing shock-sensitive (explosive) wastes safely.  

     You must:

     • Allow only essential employees in the transfer area.

     • Communicate as follows:

     – Signal the beginning and end of shock-sensitive (explosive) waste handling activities with an alarm system that is capable of being perceived above background light and noise.

     – Maintain continuous communications throughout the handing operation:

     ▪ Between the employee-in-charge of the immediate handling area AND the site safety and health supervisor AND the command post.

     ▪ Using portable radios, hand signals, or telephones, as appropriate.

     – Prevent the use of communication equipment or methods that could cause shock-sensitive (explosive) materials to explode.

     • Provide material handling equipment with explosive containment devices or shields to protect equipment operators from exploding containers.

     • Do not move bulging or swollen drums or containers until the cause for excess pressure is determined and you can move the drum or container safely.

     • Consider packaged laboratory wastes or laboratory waste packs shock-sensitive or explosive until the contents have been characterized.

     – Make sure laboratory waste packs are opened only:

     ▪ When necessary.

     ▪ By a person knowledgeable in the inspection, classification, and segregation of the containers within the pack.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 04-02-053, § 296-843-18010, filed 1/5/04, effective 5/1/04.]