ASP / CSP Preparation

Domain 7
Environmental Management

Self Exam 02
Correct answer: Date of expiration

Every container of hazardous chemicals leaving the

workplace should be labeled, tagged, or marked. Information that
should be typed or written clearly includes a product identifier; a
signal word; hazard statements; pictograms; precautionary
statements; and the name, address, and telephone number of the
chemical manufacturer or another responsible party.
The date of expiration is important for quality.
Correct answer: Hydrostatics
Hydrostatics, also known as fluid statics, is the science of fluids at rest—
a subfield within fluid mechanics. It embraces the study of the
conditions under which fluids are at rest in stable equilibrium.
Hydrostatics is about the pressures exerted by a fluid at rest.
Hydraulics is a topic in applied science and engineering dealing with the
mechanical properties of liquids; it is used for the generation, control,
and transmission of power by the use of pressurized liquids. Hydrology
is the study of the movement and quality of water. "Hydromatics" is a
fabricated term.
Correct answer: To regulate the use and sale of pesticides to protect human
health and preserve the environment
The objective of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA) is to provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. All
pesticides used in the United States must be registered (i.e., licensed) by the
EPA. Registration assures that pesticides will be properly labeled and that, if
used in accordance with specifications, they will not cause unreasonable harm
to the environment. The use of each registered pesticide must be consistent
with the usage directions contained on the label or labeling.
The first pesticide law, enacted in 1910, was primarily aimed at
protecting consumers from ineffective products and deceptive labeling. In
1947, FIFRA established procedures for registering pesticides with the US
Department of Agriculture and established labeling provisions, but it was
still primarily concerned with the efficacy of pesticides and did not regulate
pesticide use.
Correct answer: Class 4.3
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) identifies hazardous materials,
specifically for transportation purposes, into nine different classifications. Class 4.3
materials are considered to be dangerous when wet, referring to substances that—in
contact with water—emit flammable gases.
Class 5.1 materials are oxidizers. Class 3 materials are flammable and combustible
liquids. Class 2.3 materials are poison gases.
The nine hazard classes used by DOT to classify hazardous materials are as follows:
•Explosives
•Compressed Gases
•Flammable Liquids
•Flammable Solids
•Organic Peroxides/Oxidizers
•Toxic Materials
•Radioactive Materials
•Corrosives
•Miscellaneous
Correct answer: Open dumping of solid waste is prohibited
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established three
distinct yet interrelated programs. One of these is the solid waste
program, which encourages states to develop comprehensive plans to
manage nonhazardous industrial solid waste and
municipal solid waste (MSW), prohibiting the open dumping of
solid waste.
In addition to prohibiting the open dumping of solid waste, the solid
waste program sets criteria for MSW landfills and other solid-waste
disposal facilities.
Correct answer: Potentially responsible party
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) regulation, the EPA is able to identify potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) for hazardous material sites. The PRP may be
responsible for all or part of the cleanup costs associated with the site.
Under CERCLA's joint and strict liability, any PRP may be held fully
responsible for the cost of the cleanup.
See OSHA EPA/Labor Superfund Health and Safety Task Force: OSHA
Audits Of Superfund Sites From 1993 to 1996.
Correct answer: D-codes
D-codes, or characteristic codes, are applied to waste based on a
threshold quantity. If the waste doesn't meet the threshold, then it is
not "characteristic waste."
U and P codes only apply to unused waste. If the material is spent or
has been used, these codes do not apply.
F-codes are for generic process waste. If the waste was generated in
this type of process, it will carry the code, regardless of its
characteristics. K-codes are similar, although they only apply to specific
process waste.
These codes are part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) regulations.
Correct answer: Inhalation
Physical hazards associated with materials or waste include
engulfment and overpressurization, which can occur as a result of an
increase in the ambient temperature surrounding a container, or from
other systematic failures. Physical hazards also include slips, trips, falls,
crushing hazards, fire and explosion hazards, corrosion hazards,
thermal decomposition, and water reactivity hazards.
Inhalation is a health hazard, not a physical hazard.
Correct answer: 1,000 kg per calendar month
A generator is any person who produces hazardous waste as listed or characterized in part 261 of title 40 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Recognizing that generators produce waste in different quantities, the
EPA established three categories of generators in the regulations:
•very-small-quantity generator
•small-quantity generator
•large-quantity generator
The volume of hazardous waste each generator produces in a calendar month determines which regulations
apply to that generator.
Very-small-quantity generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less per month of hazardous waste, or
one kilogram or less per month of acutely hazardous waste.
•VSQGs must identify all the hazardous waste generated.
•VSQGs may not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time.
Small-quantity generators (SQGs) generate more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of
hazardous waste per month.
•SQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a
distance greater than 200 miles).
•The quantity of hazardous on-site waste must never exceed 6,000 kilograms.
Large-quantity generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms or more per month of hazardous waste, or more
than one kilogram per month of acutely hazardous waste.
•LQGs may only accumulate waste on-site for 90 days; certain exceptions apply.
•LQGs do not have a limit on the amount of hazardous waste accumulated on-site.
Correct answer: Sawdust
One criterion of the EPA's standard for used oil is based on whether the oil
is contaminated with either physical or chemical impurities. This aspect of
the EPA’s definition includes residues and contaminants generated from
handling, storing, and processing used oil. Physical contaminants could
include metal shavings, sawdust, or dirt.
Saltwater, solvents, and halogens are all examples of chemical,
not physical, contaminants.
Correct answer: Once they have received adequate training
Employees should not enter a hazardous waste site until they have been
trained to a level commensurate with their job function and
responsibilities and with the degree of anticipated hazards.
General site workers should be trained in the site safety plan; safe work
practices; nature of anticipated hazards; handling emergencies and self-
rescue; rules and regulations for the vehicle; safe use of field equipment;
handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials; employee
rights and responsibilities; use, care, and limitations of personal
protective clothing and equipment; and safe sampling techniques.
Correct answer: F-codes
According to the RCRA regulations, F-codes apply to generic process
wastes. U-codes and P-codes apply to acutely toxic or hazardous
wastes, and K-codes apply to specific process wastes. D-codes apply
to characteristic waste.
When environmental professionals refer to hazardous waste, it is
characteristic (D-codes) or listed (U-, P-, K-, or F-codes).
Correct answer: CERCLA
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) is also known as Superfund. CERCLA outlines
actions to clean hazardous waste sites and address liabilities.
Correct answer: It is ignitable, corrosive, or reactive
Waste may be considered hazardous if it is ignitable, corrosive, or
reactive. Waste may also be considered hazardous if it contains
certain amounts of toxic chemicals. In addition to these characteristic
wastes, the EPA has also developed a list of more than 500 specific
hazardous wastes. Hazardous waste takes many physical forms and
may be solid, semi-solid, or even liquid.
A waste that is unable to be reused or recycled might not be
hazardous. Some hazardous waste may have been recalled or
banned, but this is not always the case.
Correct answer: They include specific materials and those that exhibit a
hazardous waste characteristic
RCRA hazardous wastes include the specific materials listed in the
regulations (commercial chemical products, designated with the code “P”
or “U”; hazardous wastes from specific industries or sources, designated
with the code “K”; hazardous wastes from nonspecific sources,
designated with the code “F”) and materials that exhibit a hazardous
waste characteristic (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity),
designated with the code “D.”
Not all materials that have an adverse effect on humans are considered to
be hazardous.
Correct answer: ISO 14000
The ISO 14000 is the international standard for environmental
management systems. ISO 14000 helps organizations minimize
environmental impacts from their operations and meet legal and
other environmental requirements.
Correct answer: Abandoned Hazardous Waste Sites
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) focuses only on
active and future sites and does not address historical or abandoned
hazardous waste sites that are covered under CERCLA. RCRA
regulatory requirements include the following:
•Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste
•Universal Waste
•Used-Oil Management Standards
•Underground Storage Tanks
Correct answer: 8.34 lb/gal
Water, or wastewater, weighs 8.34 lb/gal. There are 7.48 gallons per
cubic foot; therefore, 1 cubic foot of water will weigh 62.4 lb. With
metric units, the weight of water is 9.8 kN per cubic meter.
Correct answer: Bases
LDRs are regulations prohibiting the disposal of hazardous waste on
land without prior treatment. Under 40 CFR 268, materials must
meet treatment standards before placement in a Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) land disposal unit. Wastes
subject to the LDR include solvents, electroplating wastes, heavy
metals, and acids.
Bases are not a type of material subject to LDRs.
Correct answer: Psittacosis
Psittacosis, also known as ornithosis, is a zoonotic infectious disease
caused by a bacterium. It is not only contracted from parrots, such as
macaws, cockatiels, and budgerigars, but also from pigeons, sparrows,
ducks, hens, gulls, and many other species of birds. The infection is
acquired by inhaling dried secretions from infected birds. Bird owners, pet
shop employees, and veterinarians are among the highest-risk
occupations.
Occupations at greatest risk for rabies include veterinarians, wild animal
handlers, cave explorers, and farmers and ranchers. Occupations at
greatest risk of exposure to sore mouth disease include shepherds,
stockyard workers, and shearers. Occupations with the greatest potential
exposure to hepatitis A include daycare center workers, food preparation
workers, and sewer and sanitation workers.
Correct answer: 1.5 tsf or greater
Type A soil is 1.5 tsf (tons per square foot) or greater.
Type B soil is 0.5 tsf or greater but less than 1.5 tsf. Type C soil is
less than 0.5 tsf.
Correct answer: Prohibition of keeping rodents as pets
The national strategy of the CDC to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B
virus infection includes prevention of perinatal infection through routine
screening of all pregnant women for the virus, routine infant
vaccination, vaccination of previously unvaccinated children and
adolescents through the age of 18 years, and vaccination of previously
unvaccinated adults at increased risk for infection. W
hile prohibiting keeping certain animals (raccoons, skunks, bats, and
foxes) may prevent infection with the rabies virus, it would do nothing to
prevent the hepatitis B virus.
Correct answer: A tank and any underground piping connected to the
tank that has at least 10% of its combined volume underground
A UST system is a tank and any underground piping connected to the
tank that has at least 10% of its combined volume underground. USTs
containing petroleum and hazardous substances are regulated under
Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Correct answer: Assess the relative degree of risk to human health and the e
nvironment posed by uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
Among other things, the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act
(SARA) of 1986 required the EPA to revise the Hazard Ranking System to
ensure that it accurately assesses the relative degree of risk to human
health and the environment posed by uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
that may be placed on the National Priorities List (NPL).
The Hazard Ranking System did not provide new enforcement authorities
and settlement tools, encourage greater citizen participation in making
decisions on how sites should be cleaned, or provide for the liability of
persons responsible for the release of hazardous waste at waste sites.
Correct answer: Ductility
Ductility is the ability of a material to be formed into wires.
Malleability is the ability of a material to be formed into flat sheets.
Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct electricity. Opacity is
the ability of a material to block light from passing through (see OSHA
Occupational Chemical Database - Aluminum).
Correct answer: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water
Most people with cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease, have
been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the
point of injury. Lymph nodes—especially those around the head, neck,
and upper limbs—become swollen. Additionally, a person with cat
scratch disease may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and poor
appetite. One way to reduce the risk of contracting cat scratch
disease is to wash cat bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly
with running water and soap.
A person who has been bitten or scratched by a cat should avoid letting
cats lick the open wound. There is currently no vaccine to prevent cat
scratch disease. In addition to washing the wound, the person may also
consider disinfecting the area to prevent bacteria from entering the
wound.
Correct answer: Tolerance
Before the EPA can register a pesticide used on raw agricultural products,
it must grant a tolerance or exemption. Tolerance is the maximum amount
of pesticide that can be on a raw product but is still considered safe for
use. Food or feed residues that lack tolerances or have residues exceeding
the established tolerances are subject to seizure.
Residue refers to the actual amount of pesticide remaining on
the product. An exemption can be granted if it is within the limits of a
tolerance established by the EPA. "Coating" is not a term used in the field
of pesticide control.
Correct answer: When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions
are transformed in the atmosphere
Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions are
transformed in the atmosphere and return to the earth in rain, fog, or
snow. Approximately 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide are emitted
annually in the United States, mostly from the burning of fossil fuels
by electric utilities.
Acid rain damages lakes, harms forests and buildings, contributes to
reduced visibility, and likely affects human health.
Correct answer: Irrigation return flows are one example of hazardous waste
Return flow is surface and subsurface water that leaves the field following
the application of irrigation water. Irrigation return flows are not considered
hazardous waste and are exempt from permit
requirements under the Clean Water Act.
Agricultural producers disposing of waste pesticides are exempt from
hazardous waste requirements as long as they triple-rinse the emptied
containers in accordance with the labeling to facilitate removal of the
chemical from the container, and as long as they dispose of the pesticide
residue in their own agricultural establishment in a manner consistent with
the disposal instructions on the pesticide label. Disposal of hazardous waste
in an agricultural establishment could subject the agricultural producer to
significant responsibility, including closure and post-closure care.
Correct answer: An environmental assessment must always be
prepared
If a federal agency believes that an undertaking may significantly
affect the environment, or if a project is environmentally
controversial, a federal agency may choose to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) without having to first prepare
an EA.
Correct answer: Adequate planning
Hazardous waste operations—specifically cleanup operations—pose a
multitude of health and safety concerns for workers and for the
general public. Adequate planning is the first and most critical element
of hazardous waste operations. By anticipating and taking steps to
prevent potential hazards to health and safety, workers at a waste site
can proceed with minimum risk to themselves and the general public.
Training, development of a medical program, and air monitoring are all
important components of a hazardous waste program. However,
planning is the first and most critical element.
Correct answer: Changing a process to eliminate the hazardous
waste being generated
Elimination is a good way to minimize the dangers of hazardous
waste because it prevents its generation. This may be possible by
substituting a less hazardous material in a process, using materials
that do not produce hazardous waste, or changing a process to
prevent the generation of hazardous material.
The other options are also controls, but the best strategy is
elimination and avoidance.
Correct answer: No limit
A generator is any person who produces hazardous waste as listed or characterized in part 261 of title 40 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Recognizing that generators produce waste in different quantities, the
EPA established three categories of generators in the regulations:
•very-small-quantity generator
•small-quantity generator
•large-quantity generator
The volume of hazardous waste each generator produces in a calendar month determines which regulations
apply to that generator. Below is more information about each category of the generator.
Very-small-quantity generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less per month of hazardous waste or
one kilogram or less per month of acutely hazardous waste.
•VSQGs must identify all the hazardous waste generated.
•VSQGs may not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time.
Small-quantity generators (SQGs) generate more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of
hazardous waste per month.
•SQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a
distance greater than 200 miles).
•The quantity of hazardous on-site waste must never exceed 6,000 kilograms.
Large-quantity generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms or more per month of hazardous waste, or more
than one kilogram per month of acutely hazardous waste.
•LQGs may only accumulate waste on-site for 90 days; certain exceptions apply.
•LQGs do not have a limit on the amount of hazardous waste accumulated on-site.
Correct answer: Be an animal or vegetable oil
The EPA’s regulatory definition of used oil is any oil (either synthetic or
refined from crude oil) that has been used, and—as a result of such
use—is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. During normal
use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals can get
mixed in with the oil; over time, the oil no longer performs well.
Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to
do the job.
Animal and vegetable oils are excluded from the EPA’s definition of used
oil.
Correct answer: Sublimation
Sublimation is the process of physical solids changing state directly
into a gas, with no liquid intermediary stage. Dry ice doesn't melt; it
sublimates to carbon dioxide directly.
See OSHA Quickfacts "Laboratory Safety Cryogens and Dry Ice."
Correct answer: Malleability
Malleability is the ability of a material to be formed into flat sheets.
Ductility is the ability of a material to be formed into wires.
Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct electricity. Opacity
is the ability of a material to block light from passing through (see
OSHA Occupational Chemical Database - Aluminum).
Correct answer: Construction waste program
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (commonly referred to as
RCRA) is our nation’s primary law governing the disposal of solid and
hazardous waste. RCRA established three distinct programs: the solid
waste program, the hazardous waste program, and the underground
storage tank program.
There is no such thing as a construction waste program, although many
RCRA regulations apply to construction sites and businesses.
Correct answer: 1,000 kg
A generator is defined as any person, by site, whose act or process produces hazardous waste identified or listed in part 261 or whose act
first causes a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation (40 CFR section 260.10). The generator of waste may not necessarily be
the person who actually produces the waste. For example, a contractor who removes hazardous residues from a product storage tank is
the first person to cause the waste to become subject to regulation, rather than the owner of the tank. Although the person removing the
waste from the unit is not the owner or operator of the unit, they may be considered a generator. The owner or operator of the unit may
also be considered a generator since the act of operating the unit led to the generation of hazardous waste. In other words, both the
person who removed the waste and the owner or operator of the tank are considered to be co-generators. In cases where one or more
persons meet the definition of a generator, all persons are jointly and severally liable for compliance with the generator regulations. The
term "severally liable" allocates responsibility for damages in tort cases with multiple negligent parties.
The EPA defines three categories of generators in the regulations:
•very small quantity generators
•small quantity generators
•large quantity generators
The volume of hazardous waste each generator produces in a calendar month determines which regulations apply to that generator.
Below is more information about each category.
Very small quantity generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms (220 lbs) or less per month of hazardous waste or one kilogram (2.2 lbs)
or less per month of acutely hazardous waste.
•VSQGs must identify all the hazardous waste generated.
•VSQGs may not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time.
Small quantity generators (SQGs) generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month.
•SQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a distance greater than 200 miles).
•The quantity of hazardous on-site waste must never exceed 6,000 kilograms.
Large quantity generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms per month or more of hazardous waste, plus more than one kilogram per
month of acutely hazardous waste.
•LQGs may only accumulate waste on-site for 90 days. Certain exceptions apply.
•LQGs do not have a limit on the amount of hazardous waste accumulated on-site.
Correct answer: Open dumping of waste
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary law
governing the proper management and disposal of solid and hazardous
waste. Congress passed RCRA in 1976 to address the increasing
problems of growing volumes of municipal and industrial waste. Subtitle
D (non-hazardous waste) bans all open dumping of waste.
Subtitle C addresses hazardous waste, and other parts of the law
encourage source reduction and recycling and promote the safe
disposal of municipal waste.
RCRA encourages source reduction. Hazardous materials are essential to
the operation of many small and large businesses and were not banned
by RCRA.
Correct answer: 180 days
A generator is defined as any person, by site, whose act or process produces hazardous waste identified or listed in part 261 or whose act
first causes a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation (40 CFR section 260.10). The generator of waste may not necessarily be the
person who actually produces the waste. For example, a contractor who removes hazardous residues from a product storage tank is the first
person to cause the waste to become subject to regulation, rather than the owner of the tank. Although the person removing the waste
from the unit is not the owner or operator of the unit, they may be considered a generator. The owner or operator of the unit may also be
considered a generator since the act of operating the unit led to the waste. In other words, both the person who removed the waste and
the owner or operator of the tank are considered to be co-generators. If one or more persons meet the definition of a generator, all persons
are jointly and severally liable for compliance with the generator regulations. The term "severally liable" allocates responsibility for damages
in tort cases with multiple negligent parties.
Recognizing that generators produce waste in different quantities, EPA established three categories of generators in the regulations:
•very small quantity generators
•small quantity generators
•large quantity generators
The volume of hazardous waste each generator produces in a calendar month determines which regulations apply to that generator. Below
is more information about each category of generator.
Very small quantity generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less per month of hazardous waste or one kilogram or less per month of
acutely hazardous waste.
•VSQGs must identify all the hazardous waste generated.
•VSQGs may not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time.
Small quantity generators (SQGs) generate more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month.
•SQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a distance greater than 200 miles).
•The quantity of hazardous on-site waste must never exceed 6,000 kilograms.
Large quantity generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms per month or more of hazardous waste or more than one kilogram per month
of acutely hazardous waste.
•LQGs may only accumulate waste on-site for 90 days; certain exceptions apply.
•LQGs do not limit the amount of hazardous waste accumulated on-site.
Correct answer: Cyclones
Different measurement techniques and devices are typically used to
measure ventilation equipment. The most common types are:
•Pitot tubes are installed within the ventilation system to measure
pressure. Flow velocities can be calculated with pressures measured
from Pitot tubes installed at different points within the duct.
•Rotating vane anemometers are only used in large industrial supply or
exhaust ductwork.
•Thermal anemometers are digital probes that measure heat loss from
the probe to calculate airflow based on known density.
Cyclones are devices that discard larger particles.
Correct answer: CERCLA
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
provides federal authority to respond directly to environmental releases or threatened
releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.
The law authorizes short-term removals requiring a prompt response and long-term
remedial actions to manage public health and environmental threats permanently.
CERCLA also revised the National Contingency Plan (NCP), which addresses the response
to releases of hazardous substances, and created the National Priorities List (NPL) of
Superfund sites.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires testing of new chemicals for safety
before they reach the marketplace.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) requires companies
to disclose emergency information to protect the public from chemical emergencies and
dangers.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs the management and
disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste.
Correct answer: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The RCRA—passed by Congress on October 21, 1976—is the primary
law in the United States governing the management and disposal of
solid and hazardous waste.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires reporting, record-
keeping, testing, and restrictions relating to chemical substances or
mixtures. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires remediation of sites that have been
environmentally degraded. The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1990 was
designed to better protect the environment from acid rain, urban air
pollution, and toxic air emissions.
Correct answer: When they have received adequate training
Employees should not enter a hazardous waste site until they have been
trained to a level matching their job role/responsibilities and the degree of
anticipated hazard.
General site workers should be trained in the site safety plan; safe work
practices; nature of anticipated hazards; handling emergencies and self-
rescue; rules and regulations for vehicles; safe use of field equipment;
handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials; employee
rights and responsibilities; use, care, and limitations of personal protective
clothing and equipment; and safe sampling techniques.
These training thresholds are explained in the Hazardous Waste Operations
and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) section of the 29 CFR 1910.120
regulations. In general, 40 hours of initial training is required with 8 hours of
annual refresher training thereafter, in addition to site-specific training for
each new site.
Correct answer: Corrosion
Corrosion is the disintegration of a refined metal into a more stable form
(e.g., oxide, sulfide) of its constituent atoms due to chemical reactions with
its surroundings. Most commonly, this occurs as electrochemical oxidation
of metals in reaction with an oxidant such as oxygen (i.e., rusting). As this
disintegration proceeds, the original metal produces oxides or salts.
Explosions tend to result from activities, such as moving drums, accidentally
mixing incompatible chemicals, or introducing an ignition source into an
explosive or flammable environment. Thermal decomposition refers to the
byproducts of incomplete combustion such as carbon monoxide gases.
Overpressurization can occur as a result of an increase in the ambient
temperature surrounding a container or other systematic failures.
Correct answer: Remove contaminants accumulated on equipment
The purpose of a site control plan is to minimize potential worker
exposure, provide public protection from site hazards, and prevent
site vandalism. Site control can be especially important in emergency
situations such as accidental spills or releases of hazardous material
or waste.
Removal of contaminants that have accumulated on equipment is
decontamination, not site control.
Correct answer: Used oil
Used oil has its own management standards under RCRA.
Universal waste includes the following:
•batteries
•agricultural pesticides that have been recalled from use, have become
damaged, or are no longer needed
•thermostats (and other mercury-containing equipment)
•lamps
Correct answer: Universal waste
The universal waste rule in RCRA is designed to streamline management for certain
categories of commonly generated waste. The rule promotes recycling and proper
disposal of certain common hazardous wastes, reduces the regulatory burden on
businesses that collect these wastes, and encourages the development of
municipal and corporate programs to address this waste type.
Universal wastes include batteries, pesticides, lamps, aerosol cans, and mercury-
containing equipment (e.g., thermostats, thermometers, and some light switches).
Solid waste, as well as hazardous waste, refers to any garbage or refuse sludge from
a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution
control facility, as well as other discarded material. Chemical waste is a nonspecific
term that is not used in RCRA regulatory requirements.
All universal waste is hazardous waste, but there are certain exemptions for its
management. However, the reverse is not true. Universal waste is a subset of
hazardous waste, which is a subset of solid waste.
Correct answer: Existing chemicals
The EPA is required to compile and maintain a list of chemicals
manufactured, processed, or imported in the US. This list is the TSCA
Chemical Substances Inventory, which currently has around 86,000
chemical substances.
New chemicals not already in the inventory must undergo a
Premanufacture Notice (PMN) with the EPA before being manufactured.
Correct answer: A tank and connected underground piping with at least
10% of their combined volume underground
As defined by Subtitle I of RCRA, an underground storage tank (UST)
system is a tank and any connected underground piping that has at least
10% of its combined volume underground.
USTs containing petroleum and hazardous substances are regulated
under Subtitle I to limit their corrosion and structural defects. The
regulations also addressed tank design and installation, leak detection,
spill and overfill control, corrective action, and tank closure.