Environmental Standards

Waste Handling and Storage

KSA

Presidency of Meteorology and Environment

PME Reference

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Environmental Standard

Waste Handling and Storage

Article I Preliminary

1)

Definitions

satellite storage area is an area at or near the

point of waste generation, under the control of the
operator of the process generating the waste, where
the wastes are allowed to be temporarily stored.

bunds are systems which contain waste in an

embankment or secondary container to prevent the
waste from travelling or escaping.

secondary containment is emergency short-term

storage designed to hold leaks from hazardous
waste storage units.

Competent Agency where referenced, refers to

the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment or
its designated representative.

storage means all operations intended to keep or

contain wastes and other hazardous, toxic or
radioactive substances for the purpose of treatment,
transportation, recycling or disposal.

containers are any portable device in which a

material is stored, transported, treated or otherwise
handled. They can include drums, pails, skips, bags,
wheeled bins, compactors, dustbins, small buckets,
test tubes and so on.

surface impoundments are natural topographical

depressions, man-made excavations, or dike areas
such as holding ponds, storage pits or settling
lagoons.

containment building is a completely enclosed,

self-supporting structure used to store or treat noncontainerised waste.

tanks are stationary structures, as opposed to

portable containers, used to store or treat waste.
Tanks can be open topped or completely enclosed,
and may be constructed of materials including steel,
plastic, fibreglass, and concrete.

dikes or berms are walls or man-made mounds

surrounding a storage unit.
freeboard is the distance between the level of the
waste and the top of the container.

transporter means a person engaged in the off-site

transportation of waste by air, rail, highway or water
and is anyone who transports the trackable waste
from its place of production or storage to another
location.

generator is a commercial or industrial organisation

which produces or stores trackable waste and
arranges for this waste to be sent for storage,
recycling, treatment or disposal at another location
via an authorised transporter.

waste handler is a generator, transporter and

receiver of waste who has waste responsibilities.

hazardous waste is a waste with properties that

make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful
effect on human health and/or the environment.
incompatible wastes are hazardous wastes which,
if placed together, could result in potentially
dangerous consequences, such as fire, release of
toxic gases, etc.

waste piles is an open, uncontained pile used for

the temporary storage or treatment of solid waste.

2)

a) This document may be cited as the National

Waste Storage Standard for KSA. This standard
revises the current General Standards for the
Environment (specifically document number 140901) issued by the Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment (PME).

KSA refers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

PME refers to the Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment, which is designated as the responsible
authority for the protection of the environment and
the development of environmental protection
standards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3)
.

PPE means personal protective equipment.

main storage area is a designated area where
waste is held and accumulated for a period of more
than 24 hours.

Citation

Timescales for implementation

a) The effective date of this standard is 01/05/1433H
corresponds to 24/03/2012G.

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4)

Presidency of Meteorology and Environment

Purpose
iv) authorise a local Concerned Agency to
exercise any power conferred by these
regulations by paragraphs i) - iii) above.

a) The objective of this standard is to ensure the

effective handling and storing of waste so as to
prevent and minimise spills and leakages that may
pose a threat to the environment and/or human
health.
5)

b) The Competent Agency may, for the purposes of

this Standard, appoint persons to act on their behalf
as technical assessors and monitors in relation to the
powers and duties conferred on him by this standard
and/or its subsequent amendments.

Scope
a) This standard guides those handling and storing
waste in good operating practices, in managing
effective waste storage and segregation systems,
and in detecting, containing and cleaning up any
leaks that may occur.

c) In addition to the responsibilities conferred by

other sections contained within this standard, it shall
be the duty of a relevant party;
i) to give the Competent Agency all such
assistance; and

b) This standard applies to Waste Handlers who

handle and store waste from the point of generation
through to the storage of waste where it is held at a
facility prior to its onward transfer for recycling,
treatment or disposal. This Standard must therefore
be read in conjunction with the specific requirements
for dedicated storage facilities which are detailed
further in the Waste Storage and Material Recycling
Facilities Design and Operation Standard.

ii) to provide the Competent Agency with all

such information, as that may reasonably be
required for the purpose of carrying out an
investigation

d) The Competent Agency or appointed individual for

the purpose of waste storage regulation may:

c) The handling and storage of waste at recycling,

treatment and disposal facilities are covered in the
design and operation waste standards for these
facilities that accompany this series of Waste
Standards.

i) Enter any premises for the purpose of

carrying out any investigation.
ii) carry out such inspections, measurements
and tests on premises entered, articles or
records found on any such premises, and take
away such samples of waste or articles, as may
be considered appropriate for the purpose of
enabling such investigation; or

d) This Standard does not detail the requirements of

protecting employees from the effects of handling
hazardous wastes in the workplace such as risk
assessments, monitoring, PPE or ventilation
systems. These requirements must be complied with
separately as per health and safety related
Standards.

6)

iii) at any reasonable time require any relevant

party to supply him with copies of, or of extracts
from, any records kept for the purpose of
demonstrating compliance with the waste
storage standards.

Exemptions
e) This standard enables the issue of regulations and
technical memoranda which are enforceable by the
Competent Agency who hold delegated authority
under the General Environmental Regulations.

a) Specific exemptions may be specified within this

standard at any point where relevant to the Article
that they are common to.
7)

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8)

Powers of Authority
a) Within the scope of these standards the
Competent Agency may:
i)

Prescribe specific requirements as to the

substances and concentrations of wastes
that may be stored within the Kingdom;

ii)

prescribe specific requirements at any time

as to other characteristics of waste;

iii)

authorise such relaxations or departures

from, the waste storage standards and
make any such authorisation subject to the
prescribed conditions, and to modify or
revoke any such authorisation or condition;
and

Enforcement procedures
a) Failure to comply with the requirements of these
standards may lead to prosecution by the Competent
Agency and those convicted of such failure may be
subject to fines or periods of imprisonment as laid out
in the General Environmental Regulations.
b) It is anticipated that the requirements of this
standard will be enforced nationally with inspections
taking place to verify their implementation at a
regional and local level.

9)

Penalty fines
a) Maximum fines that may be imposed for exceeding
the applicable standard, breach of permit and failure

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Presidency of Meteorology and Environment

to comply with an abatement notice are set out in the

General Environmental Regulations.
10)

Article III Waste Segregation and Waste

Incompatibility

Appeals
1)
a) A right of appeal exists for any organisation or
individual who is required to take action as a
consequence of the implementation of the revised
standard.
b) The right of appeal against conviction or sentence
is available through the appropriate judicial system as
set out in the General Environmental Regulations.
c) All appeals should be fully supported with a
documented case containing as a minimum, the
information required under the appeals process of
the General Environmental Regulations.

11)

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Waste Segregation
a) Segregation reduces the risk of waste being
incorrectly classified and ensures that the correct
procedures are followed from the point of generation
through to final disposal.
b) Liquids must be kept separate from solid wastes,
and non-hazardous and inert waste must be
segregated from hazardous wastes, so as to create
effective segregation systems to:
i)

prevent
unwanted
dangerous reactions;

Periodic Review

ii)

reduce the rate of accidental exposure to

potentially hazardous substances;

a) As a minimum, the Competent Agency shall

undertake a periodic review of this standard every 5
years.

iii)

ease handling and disposing of wastes;

b) Where new information suggests that adjustments

are required to this standard, all changes will be
subject to the appropriate consultation and will be
notified to facilities by the Competent Agency.
Appropriate implementation time will be allowed.

v)

ii)

accidental spillage, leakage or inadvertent

leaching from waste unprotected from
rainfall;

iii)

spills or releases initiated by accidents or

weather conditions;

iv) waste blowing away or falling while stored

or transported; and
v)

keep the cost of waste disposal to a

minimum.

c) If the separation of hazardous waste is not

possible or practical, the following segregation
guidelines must be followed by Waste Handlers
when sorting and storing hazardous waste:

a) The Waste Regulatory Control and Compliance

Standard places a Duty of Care on Waste Handlers
to ensure that waste within their control does not
escape and includes the prevention of:
corrosion or wear of waste containers;

potentially

iv) increase the diversion of waste for the

purposes of recycling.; and

Article II Duty of Care Requirements

i)

or

scavenging of waste by humans and

animals.

b) Waste Handlers must provide for protection of

waste for onward future handling once it has left their
control so that it reaches its destination intact and
without causing harm to human health and/or the
environment.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

i)

Inorganic substances must be collected

separately from organic waste types, and
solids must not be mixed with liquids.

ii)

Halogenated
and
non-halogenated
organic solvents must be collected in
different containers.

iii)

Individual
non-halogenated
organic
solvents must be collected separately;
when they must be mixed, each
constituent
and
its
percentage
composition in the mixture must be clearly
stated.

iv) Metals must not be mixed with organic

solvents as such mixtures cannot be
incinerated because of the metal or sent
to landfill because of the organic solvent.
v)

Waste
oils
must
be
kept
as
uncontaminated as possible in order to be
recycled. Waste oils must be segregated
from
other
chemicals,
particularly
solvents, pesticides and PCBs.

vi) Accumulate waste that is both flammable

and corrosive separately from waste that
is either flammable or corrosive.

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Presidency of Meteorology and Environment

hazardous waste compatibility must then be

assessed.
Partial
lists
regarding
chemical
incompatibilities
and
potentially
explosive
combinations of some common reagents are
provided in Appendix I and Appendix II of this
Standard.

vii) All mixtures containing mercury in any

form must be disposed of as mercury
contaminated waste.

2)

Hazardous Waste Incompatibility

a) When more than one type of material is being
discarded at one time, the integrity of the chemical
compatible groups must be maintained.
b) An incompatible waste is a hazardous waste
which is unsuitable for:
i)

placement in a particular device or facility

because it may cause corrosion or decay
of containment materials; or

ii) mixing with another waste or material

under uncontrolled conditions because it
might produce heat or pressure, fire or
explosion, violent reaction, toxic dusts,
mists, fumes, or gases, or flammable
fumes or gases.
c) Incompatible wastes must be segregated and
stored separately. For example, flammable liquids
and other organics must be segregated from acidic
and caustic wastes. The following wastes must not
be mixed or packed together:
i)

acids with bases;

ii)

flammable or combustibles with oxidizers;

iii)

cyanides with other materials;

Article IV General Storage Requirements

1)

Storage Areas
a) Storage areas must be located to eliminate or
minimise the double handling of waste.
b) Storage areas must be clearly marked and signed
with regard to the quantity and hazardous
characteristics of the wastes stored therein.
c) The waste Generator using satellite storage areas
and the designated waste manager of the main
waste storage are responsible for the proper
accumulation, maintenance and housekeeping of
their storage areas. They must ensure that:
i)

Waste streams do not get mixed and that

no waste other than the normal waste
stream, approved for the container, is
placed in the collection container.

ii)

The waste components are correct and

complete for each waste container.

iii)

Accurate records are maintained to

ensure
compliance
with
onward
transportation of the waste and to
minimize analytical costs associated with
disposal.

iv) acids and sulfides;

v)

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flammable with non-flammable solvents;

and

iv) All leaks,

recorded.

spills,

and

releases

are

vi) resins with hardeners or catalysts.

v)
d) The table below illustrates the effects of some
common storage incompatibilities of wastes:
ILLUSTRATION OF CHEMICAL
INCOMPATIBILITIES
Acid + alkali
Heat
Acid + hypochlorite
Toxic gas
Acid + metal
Toxic gas/flammable
gas
Acid + cyanide/sulfide
Toxic gas
Oxidising agent +
Fire
organic solvent
Reducing agent +
Fire
organic solvent
Water + reactive
Fire
substances
d) Once the physical and chemical properties of a
hazardous waste have been adequately classified,

Major leaks, releases or spills sufficient to

pose a threat to human health or the
environment are brought to the attention
of the Competent Agency.

vi) All major hazardous spills (>25 litres) are

reported immediately to the Competent
Agency and the appropriate evacuation
action taken.
d) Storage areas must be constructed such that any
spillage or loss of containment of a particular waste
type can not spread to other waste types. This is
particularly important where flammable materials are
involved.
e) The total maximum storage capacity of the
storage areas must be clearly and unambiguously
stated in writing, accompanied with details of the
method used to calculate the volumes held against

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this maximum. The stated maximum capacity of

storage areas must not be exceeded.
f) The storage arrangements must be marked on a
site plan which clearly shows:
i)

waste types to be stored in particular

areas;

ii)

separation arrangements;

iii)

any fire breaks proposed; and

Article V Satellite Storage Areas

1)

a) Satellite storage areas must be located at or as

near as reasonable to the generating activity or work
place where waste is produced.

iv) the maximum storage capacity of each

storage area.

b) The waste Generator is responsible for the proper

accumulation, maintenance, and housekeeping of
their satellite storage areas.

g) Storage area drainage infrastructure must ensure

all contaminated runoff is contained and that
drainage from incompatible wastes cannot come into
contact with each other.

b) The storage area must be located such that

accidental spills and discharge will not flow into
sanitary or stormwater run-off systems. Secondary
containment must be provided if the storage area
cannot be isolated from the drain or run off area.

h) There must be vehicular, for example, forklift, and

pedestrian access at all times to the whole of the
storage area such that the transfer of containers is
not reliant on the removal of impediments which may
be blocking access, other than drums in the same
row.

c) To lessen the risk of spillage, one large container

from the satellite storage area rather than numerous
small container loads must be transported to a main
storage area, where practicable.

i) Containers must be stored in such a manner that

leaks and spillages cannot escape over bunds or the
edge of the sealed drainage areas.

2)

Specific Requirements

d) Only one container and one waste stream may be

in use at a satellite storage area at a time. When
necessary, hazardous waste may be held in small
containers in individual work areas.

Inspection Requirements
2)
a) Procedures must be in place for the regular
inspection and maintenance of storage areas
including drums, vessels, pavements and bunds.

a) Waste stored temporarily at a satellite storage

area near the point of waste generation, and under
the control of the operator of the process generating
the waste, can be stored for up to three days before
being moved to the main waste storage area.

b) Inspections must pay particular attention to signs

of damage, deterioration and leakage. Records must
be kept detailing action taken.

b) A generator of hazardous waste may accumulate

3
up to a total of 0.2 m of waste, at or near the point of
generation. If a process will generate more than this
volume at one time, the waste must be transferred to
the main waste storage area or removed off-site.

c) Faults must be identified to consider whether

infrastructure is fit for purpose and this decision must
be recorded. Repairs must be made as soon as
practicable. If containment capacity or capability of
bund, sump or pavement is compromised then the
waste must be removed until the repair is completed.

c) Containers holding waste for less than 24 hours

and/or attached to a process, which are filled
automatically, are exempt from the requirements of
the provisions in a) and b) above.

d) A formal inspection of the storage arrangements

must be carried out at least once a week to ensure
compliance with this Standard is met and to assess
the condition of containers and pallets. Written
records must be kept of these inspections.
e) If a container is found to be damaged, leaking or
in a state of deterioration, immediate steps must be
taken to either over-drum or transfer the contents to
another container. Over-drumming must be seen as
an emergency measure.
f) Drums must not be stored more than two high and
must allow access for inspection on all sides that is,
4 x 205 litre drums on a pallet, stacked no more than
2 x 205 litre drums high, in rows.

Storage Times

Article VI Main Storage Areas

1)

Specific Requirements
a) The main waste storage area can be anywhere at
the facility and is where the facility stores waste
before being sent off-site for treatment, disposal, or

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recycling. There can also be more than one main

storage area.
b) The main storage area must be located such that
accidental spills and discharge will not flow into
sanitary or stormwater run-off systems. Secondary
containment must be provided if the storage area
cannot be isolated from the drain or run off area.
c) An outdoor main waste storage area with bulk
waste containers shall be identified with a sign
specifying that it is a waste storage area and listing
instructions for usage and spillage.

2)

b) Hazardous waste may be stored for up to 90 days

at a main waste storage area. However, for a facility
situated in a sensitive location handling hazardous
wastes, storage times must be limited to 1 month.

be compatible with the waste being

entered; and

iii)

be removed from the container after

transfer of the waste is complete.
being managed in
in this Standard,
inspect container
for leaking and

Containers for the Storage of Hazardous Waste

a) Containers holding waste must be clean, in good
condition, not leaking, and compatible with the waste
being stored.
b)
Hazardous waste must not be placed in
unwashed containers that previously held an
incompatible material (see Appendix I and Appendix
II).

c) Non-hazardous and inert wastes must be removed

off site within a maximum of 6 months from the date
of receipt.

c) If a container holding spent hazardous material

begins to leak, the Waste Handler must transfer it to
a container that is in good condition or manage the
material in some other way to prevent the potential
for release or contamination.

Article VII Containers

1)

ii)

i) Waste containers must be filled to not more than

90 percent of the rated capacity of the container.
200 litre drums must have at least 10 cm of
freeboard to allow sufficient free space to
compensate for expansion due to heating. Small
containers must maintain sufficient freeboard for
transportation and liquid transfer.

Storage Times
a) The total storage time in main storage areas will
depend upon the characteristics of a particular site
and the waste types being stored.

fit securely in the container opening;

h) Containers holding liquid hazardous wastes must

have a secondary containment system which must
be free of cracks, able to contain the spill and able to
be emptied quickly.

e) Information on the specific wastes that may be

placed in the waste container along with cleanup and
personal protective equipment must be posted at or
near each waste container.

2)

i)

g) To ensure that containers are

compliance with the provisions
Waste Handlers must visually
storage areas at least weekly
deteriorating containers.

d) 200 litre drums must be placed and remain on

pallets or other special containment support at all
times.

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General Provisions for Storage Containers

d) A storage container holding a hazardous waste

that is incompatible with any waste or other materials
stored nearby in other containers must be separated
from the other materials or protected from them by
means of a partition, wall or other device.

a) Containers must be in good condition.

b) Containers that are deteriorating, cracked, rusted
or leaking cannot be used.

e) Containers must be filled to a safe level - not

beyond the bottom of the neck of the container or 10
3
cm of freeboard space for 0.2 m containers.

c) Waste stored in defective containers must be

transferred to containers in good condition or
managed in another type of unit.

f) Sharps containers for medical waste or asbestos

bags must not be used for hazardous chemical
waste collection.

d) To prevent containers from spilling their contents,

containers holding waste must be kept closed,
except when adding or removing waste.
e) Containers must not be handled, opened, filled,
stored or emptied in a way that might cause them to
rupture or leak.
f) Funnels must be used when adding waste to
containers. They must:

3)

Empty Containers and Container Residues

a) Empty containers of waste can be discarded as
solid waste if they are properly managed. The
prescribed management for an empty container
varies depending on the type of waste.

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wastes, personnel and heavy equipment

within the building.

b) A container of hazardous waste is empty if:

i)

all wastes have been removed using

common practices for the type of
container;

ii)

no more than 2.5 cm of residue remains

on the container bottom;

iii)

if the container is smaller than 0.4 m3 and

no more than 0.3% residue by weight
remains in the container;

iii)

b) If the containment building is used to store

hazardous waste with visible liquids, or if waste
treatment being conducted in the building requires
the addition of liquids to the waste, the Waste
Handler must equip the building with the following:

c) Compressed gas cylinders are empty when the

container pressure equals atmospheric pressure.

i)

a primary barrier constructed of materials

to prevent migration of the waste into the
barrier;

ii)

a liquid collection system to minimise

standing liquids in the containment
building and to facilitate liquid removal;

iii)

a leak detection system located

immediately beneath the floor to indicate
any weakness in the floor and leaks of
hazardous waste from the building; and

Over-Drumming
a) Over-drumming should take place in a designated
location equipped with local exhaust ventilation
(LEV) if necessary. This may require the use of
mobile equipment which can be positioned at the
location of any necessary over-drumming, in order to
avoid transporting damaged containers around the
site.
b) All appropriate information should be transferred
onto the label of the new container.

iv) a secondary barrier, such as a liner,

constructed around the building to contain
any leaks and to facilitate cleanup before
they reach nearby soils, surface water or
groundwater.

c) Large quantities of wastes in over-drums should

be avoided by re-drumming once the incident leading
to over-drumming has been dealt with.
d) Pallets damaged to the extent that the stability of
the containers is or may become compromised
should be replaced.
e) Plastic shrink wrap should only be used to
provide secondary stability to drum or container
storage in addition to the use of sound pallets.

a) To ensure that a containment building meets

structural soundness and hazardous waste leak
prevention, a qualified engineer must certify that the
unit is designed and installed according to the
following specifications:

ii)

Article IX Tanks

1)

General Provisions for Storage Tanks

a) Tanks for the storage of waste must be designed
with an adequate foundation, structural support and
protection from corrosion to prevent them from
collapsing or leaking.

Article VIII Containment Buildings

i)

Dust control devices, such as air-lock doors

or negative air pressure systems must also
be used as necessary to prevent hazardous
waste dust from escaping through these
building exits.

iv) All surfaces in the containment building that

come into contact with wastes during
treatment or storage must be chemically
compatible with such wastes.

iv) if the container is larger than 110 gallons

and no more than 0.3% residue by weight
remains in the container.

4)

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b) To prevent leaks, tanks must be constructed from

materials appropriate for the service that incorporate
corrosive protection methods including:

The containment building must be

completely enclosed with four walls, a floor
and a roof.
The floor, walls and roof must be
constructed of man-made materials with
enough strength to withstand movement of

i)

construction materials that are corrosion

resistant;

ii)

corrosion resistant coating in combination

with cathodic protection; and/or

iii)

electrical isolation devices.

c) The provisions detailed in (b) do not extend to

tanks already installed prior to the date of
implementation of this Standard due to the high cost

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of installing corrosion protection on tanks in situ.

These tanks must be inspected to assess their
structural integrity to ensure they can contain the
wastes without failing, collapsing or rupturing.

d) At least weekly, inspections must be made to

check:

d) All new hazardous waste tank systems must have

leak detection and secondary containment before
being placed in service. Existing systems must be
equipped with secondary containment, based on a
phased-in schedule determined by the age of the
tank as determined by PME.
e) Hazardous waste tanks must be equipped with a
leak detection system able to detect failure in either
the main tank or secondary containment system
generally within 24 hours.
f) Hazardous waste tanks must be operated in a
manner that minimises or eliminates releases.
Chemicals that may cause any part of a tanks
system to fail must not be placed in the unit.

3)

spill prevention controls, such as valves

designed to prevent the backflow of waste
during fill-up of the tank;

ii)

overfill prevention controls, such as

alarms that sound when the waste level in
the tank gets too high and valve systems
that automatically close when overfill is
likely;

iii)

60 centimetres of freeboard at the top of

uncovered tanks, unless the tank is
equipped with a containment structure,
drainage systems or a standby tank with
adequate capacity; and

iv) if hazardous waste is continuously fed into

a tank, it must be equipped with a means
of stopping inflow, such as a waste feed
cut off or a bypass system to a standby
truck.

2)

i)

construction materials of the tank to see

if it is corroding or leaking; and

ii)

construction materials
surrounding the tank
corrosion or leaks.

of the area
for signs of

Secondary Containment of Storage Tanks

a) To ensure that the tank system performs properly,
secondary containment systems must be designed,
installed and operated so that:

g) Spills or overflows from the tank system must be

prevented by using, as a minimum:
i)

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i)

No waste is released to the surrounding

soil, groundwater or surface water.

ii)

Construction materials or liners are

compatible with the waste to be stored or
treated in the tank.

iii)

The tank is capable of containing

accumulated material until it is promptly
removed, generally within 24 hours.

iv) The
capacity
of
the
secondary
containment for single tanks must be a
minimum of 110% of the capacity of the
tank.
v)

The foundation can resist failure due to

normal movement of the surrounding soils
such as settlement, compression or uplift.

vi) The containment must be constructed so

as to be strong enough to hold the
capacity of the storage tank in the event
of a leak.
b)
Acceptable secondary containment may be
constructed from steel, concrete, earthen liner or
other systems such as:

Inspection of Storage Tanks

i)

a) Inspections of tanks must thoroughly identify

leaks, deterioration, corrosion or structural fatigue in
any portion of the tank or system components.

an external liner that completely

surrounds the tank with an impermeable
material;

ii)

a vault (the tank rests in an underground

chamber
usually
constructed
with
concrete floors and walls and an
impermeable cover);

iii)

a double-walled tank (the tank is

completely enclosed inside another tank
with a leak detection monitoring system
installed between the two); or

b) In addition to visual inspections, inspections must

also take into account any data received from leak
detection monitors and other tests.
c) At least daily, inspections must be made to check:
i)

discharge control equipment;

ii)

data gathered by monitoring equipment;

and

iii)

the level of waste in the tank.

iv) a PME approved alternative design.

c)
In addition to the tank itself, all ancillary
equipment, such as pipes, valves, trenches

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connected to the tank or tank system, must have full

secondary containment.
d) When storing larger quantities of hazardous waste
in containers, the secondary containment features
should be constructed to a minimum height of 15 cm
above the surrounding floor or grade. This may be
achieved by the inclusion of non-combustible sills,
kerbs, ramps or dykes (steel or concrete) as part of
the facility's construction. Other types of dyke and
liner systems may also be acceptable in certain
instances.

Article XI Waste Piles

a) A Waste Pile may be used for the temporary

storage and treatment of waste only. These
provisions do not therefore cover waste accumulated
in piles for disposal, such as landfills, though many of
the requirements are similar.
b) The potential for leachate to leak from a Waste
Pile must be minimized by employing the following,
where appropriate:

e) The secondary containment area must be free of

drains which connect directly or indirectly to a
surface or foul sewer system.

Article X Surface Impoundments

double liners;

ii)

double leachate collection and removal

systems;

iii)

leak detection systems;

v)

and

wind

dispersal

construction quality assurance.

c) Under no circumstances can liquid waste be

placed in a Waste Pile.

Article XII Labelling

i)

double liners;

ii)

leachate collection and removal systems;

iii)

leak detection systems;

a) All containers and drums containing waste must

be clearly labelled with:

iv) dikes, berms and freeboards; and

v)

i)

iv) run-on, run-off,

controls; and

a) A Surface Impoundment is a natural topographic

depression, man-made excavation or diked area,
which must be lined to store liquid hazardous
wastes.
b) To minimize the potential for leachate to leak from
a Surface Impoundment, the following must be
employed, where appropriate to newly constructed
impoundments:

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i)

the chemical identity of the hazardous

waste they hold;

ii)

the composition of the waste;

iii)

the relevant hazard code(s) (see Waste

Classification Standard); and

construction quality assurance.

c) A leachate collection system collects any leachate

that has leaked through the top liner and pumps it
out to a collection tank. The system must be
designed with:
i)

a minimum bottom slope to help drainage;

ii)

materials that will not chemically react

with the wastes placed in it; and

iii)

the ability to remove the liquids at a

specified minimum rate.

d) The flow of liquids over the top of Surface

Impoundment must be prevented by constructing
and maintaining dikes or berms and ensuring a
minimum distance between the surface of the waste
and the top of the impoundment to prevent overflow
during high winds or rainstorms.
e) Inspections must be carried out to ensure that
the liners and leachate collection and removal
systems are working properly.

iv) the appropriate hazard warning sign,

which must be displayed on containers
and drums containing hazardous waste
for onward transportation (see Waste
Transportation Standard).
b) All labelling must be resilient enough to stay
attached and legible throughout the entire time of
storage at the facility.
c) Any labelling that does not relate to the contents of
the container or drum at the time it is stored within
the waste facility is to be removed before it is
accepted onto the site.
d) Containers and drums must be stored so that
labels can be seen clearly at all times.

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d) Personnel must always wear personal protective

clothing and equipment, for example, eye protection,
face protection, aprons, gloves, Wellington boots,
whenever handling or using dangerous chemical
substances or hazardous wastes.

Article XIII Safe Handling of Hazardous Waste

Materials

1)

Accident Prevention
e) Any injury must be treated promptly, particularly
skin wounds and abrasions.

a) Whenever hazardous waste is stored at a facility

the potential risks from fires, explosions or other
accidents must be minimised.

f) Responsibility for safe working must be identified

at senior management level and written procedures
published and used in the training of personnel.

b) All facilities that store hazardous waste on site

must be equipped with the following:
i)

ii)

iii)

an internal communications or alarm

system capable of providing immediate
emergency instruction (voice or signal) to
all personnel;
a device, such as a telephone
(immediately available at the scene of
operations) or a hand-held, two-way radio,
capable of summoning emergency
assistance from local police and fire
departments or emergency response
teams;

Article XIV Spill Prevention

1)

portable fire extinguishers, fire control

devices (including special extinguishing
equipment, such as that using foam, inert
gas or dry chemicals), spill control
materials and decontamination supplies;
and

c) All equipment must be tested and maintained to

ensure proper operation.

b) All spillages must be dealt with as soon as

practicable from when they are first observed and
remedial action logged.
c) Records must be reviewed on a regular basis to
ensure any common causes are identified.
d) Any release or spill must be contained and
cleaned up as safely and quickly as possible.

2)

d) Sufficient aisle space must be allowed to permit

the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire
protection equipment, spill control equipment and
decontamination equipment to any area of the waste
storage area.

Small Spillages
a) Other personnel in the immediate area must be
notified about the spill and, if necessary, evacuated
from the area.
b) In case of injury or potential exposure, victims
must be attended to immediately and, if necessary,
help requested from the designated emergency
coordinator.

Precautionary Measures

c) Appropriate steps must be taken to confine and

limit the spill if this can be done without risk of injury
or contamination.

a) Smoking and the consumption of food or drink

must be prohibited in any area in which hazardous
substances or hazardous wastes are used, handled
or stored.

d) Small leaks or spills around the bungs or openings

of containers can be absorbed with absorbent
material or rags. The materials used to pick up the
spill must be disposed of as a solid hazardous waste
and must be properly packaged and labeled.

b) Staff must be reminded regularly of the need for

good personal hygiene, in particular washing of
hands after handling chemical substances or
hazardous wastes.
c) Hazardous wastes must always be handled with
care and registered transporters used for
transporting waste off-site.

General Spill Provisions

a) Contingency planning must be employed by
Waste Handlers to minimize potential problems when
spills of hazardous wastes occur to reduce the
potential for the development of harmful effects
depending on the chemical involved and the
associated hazards.

iv) water at adequate volume and pressure to

supply water hose streams, foamproducing
equipment,
automatic
sprinklers, or water spray systems.

2)

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3)

Spill Kits
a) All hazardous waste storage areas must have
spill kits to deal with the potential hazards of the
substances being handled or stored.

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b) A typical spill control kit must include the following

depending on the hazardous wastes being handled
or stored:
i)

spill control pillows used to absorb

solvents, acids and alkalis;

ii)

inert absorbents such as vermiculite, clay,

sand, kitty litter and oil-dri;

iii)

Article XV Emergency Procedures

1)

Emergency Planning
a)
Waste Handlers must be prepared
emergencies involving hazardous waste.

neutralizing agents for acid spills such as

sodium
carbonate
and
sodium
bicarbonate;

c) Where facilities handle over 1000 kg of hazardous

waste at any one time, a written contingency plan
must be prepared designed to minimise hazards
from fires, explosions or any unplanned release of
hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents
into the environment. The plan must be:

plastic scoops and other equipment such

as brooms, pails, bags, dust pans, as
appropriate;

c)
Appropriate warnings, barricade tapes and
protection against slips or falls on wet floors during
and after clean up episodes should be employed.
d) The appropriate personal protective equipment
should be employed, as a minimum, every time a
spill kit is opened, such as gloves, overalls and eye
protection.
4)

i)

For spills affecting small portions of skin,

immediately flush with flowing water for at
least 15 minutes. If no visible burn exists,
wash with warm water and soap,
removing any jewelry.

ii)

For spills on clothes, do not attempt to

wipe the clothes. Quickly remove all
contaminated clothing, shoes and jewelry.
It may be necessary to cut the clothes off
in
some
instances
to
prevent
contamination of the eyes.

iii)

i)

kept on site at all times; and

ii)

an additional copy must be submitted to

all local emergency service providers.

d) For facilities which handle less than 1000 kg of

hazardous waste at any one time, basic safety and
response procedures, as detailed in this Standard,
must be established.

First Aid Provisions

a) In case of injury or potential exposure, victims
must be attended to immediately as outlined below:

2)

Emergency Training
a) Prior to commencing work involving handling
chemical substances or hazardous wastes, all
personnel must be familiar with the relevant
hazardous properties and instructed on what to do in
case of emergency.
b) Such instruction or training must include, as a
minimum, the following:
i)

how to report a fire, injury, chemical spill

or other emergency;

ii)

the location of emergency equipment,

such as safety showers and eyewashes;

iii)

the location of fire extinguishers and spill

control equipment;

Do not use creams, lotions or salves.

iv) Avoid breathing the vapours of spilled

substances.
v)

for

b) A designated emergency co-ordinator, and an

alternate, must be identified as to who is on the
premises or on call at all times.

iv) neutralizing agents for alkali spills such as

sodium bisulfate or citric acid; and
v)

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iv) the locations of all available exits for

evacuation; and

Contaminated clothes must be discarded

or laundered separately from other
clothing.

vi) For splashes into the eye, immediately

flush with tepid potable water for at least
15 minutes. Hold the eyelids away from
the eyeball, moving eye in all directions to
wash thoroughly behind the eyelids. Use
an eyewash for this purpose.

v)

3)

names and phone numbers of the

designated emergency co-ordinator and
an alternate. Such information must be
posted on or by the point of generation
and at waste storage areas.

Responding to Emergencies

vii) In all cases, seek medical attention.

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PME Reference

a) If a Waste Handler considers that an emergency

situation has arisen, the Competent Agency must be
contacted immediately.
b) In the event of a fire, explosion or other release of
hazardous waste that could threaten human health
outside the facility, or if a spill has reached surface
water, the Competent Agency must be contacted to
report the emergency. The Competent Agency will
evaluate the situation and help make appropriate
emergency decisions.

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PME Reference

Appendix I
Incompatible Chemicals

Chemical
Acetic Acid

Is incompatible with:

Chemical

Nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds,

ethylene glycol, perchloric acid,
peroxides, permanganates
Acetylene
Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine,
silver, mercury
Alkali Metals
Water, carbon tetrachloride or other
chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon
dioxide, the halogens
Ammonia, Anhydrous Mercury, chlorine, calcium
hypochlorite, iodine, bromine,
hydrofluoric acid
Ammonium nitrate
Acids, metal powders, flammable
liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulfur,
finely divided organic or
combustible materials
Aniline
Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
Bromine
Same as chlorine: ammonia,
acetylene, butadiene, butane,
methane, propane (or other
petroleum gases), hydrogen,
sodium carbide, turpentine,
benzene, finely divided metals
Butyl lithium
Water
Carbon, activated
Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing
agents
Chlorates
Ammonium salts, acids, metal
powders, sulfur, finely divided
organic or combustible materials
Chromic Acid
Naphthalene, camphor, glycerin,
turpentine, alcohol, flammable
liquids in general
Chlorine
Same as bromine: ammonia,
acetylene, butadiene, butane,
methane, propane (or other
petroleum gases), hydrogen,
sodium carbide, turpentine,
benzene, finely divided metals
Chlorine dioxide
Ammonia, methane, phosphine,
hydrogen sulfide
Copper
Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide
Cumene hydroperoxide:
Acids, organic or inorganic
Cyanides (Na, K)
Acids
Flammable liquids
Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid,
hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid,
sodium peroxide, halogens, other
oxidizing agents

Is incompatible with:

Fluorine
Hydrocarbons

All other chemicals

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic
acid, sodium peroxide
Hydrocyanic acid
Nitric acid, alkalis
Hydrofluoric acid
Ammonia, aqueous or anhydrous
Hydrogen peroxide
Copper, chromium, iron, most metals
or their salts, alcohols, acetone,
organic materials, aniline,
nitromethane, flammable liquids,
oxidizing gases
Hydrogen sulfide
Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases
Iodine
Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or
anhydrous), hydrogen
Mercury
Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia
Nitric Acid
Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid,
hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide,
flammable liquids, flammable gases
Oxalic acid
Silver, mercury
Perchloric acid
Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its
alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, sulfuric
acid, organics
Potassium
Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide,
water
Potassium permanganate:
Glycerin, ethylene glycol,
benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid
Silver
Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid,
ammonium compounds
Sodium
Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide,
water
Sodium peroxide
Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic
acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde,
carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene
glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate,
furfural
Sulfuric acid
Potassium chlorate, potassium
perchlorate, potassium permanganate
(or compounds with similar light
metals, such as sodium, lithium, etc.)

Source Safety in Academic Chemical Laboratories, American Chemical Society.

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PME Reference

Appendix II
Potentially Explosive Chemicals
The following is a partial list of chemical compounds and mixtures that are known to have explosive properties:

Alkali metal dinitrophenolates (dry or containing

less than 15 percent water, by mass)
Ammonium nitrate-fuel oil mixture
Ammonium nitrate mixtures (containing more than
0.2 percent combustible substances)
Ammonium perchlorate
Ammonium picrate (dry or containing less than 10
percent water, by mass)
Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)
Barium azide (dry or containing less than 50
percent water, by mass)
Barium styphnate
Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine
Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine
Deflagrating metal salts of aromatic nitro derivatives
2-Diazo-1-naphthol-4-sulfonyl chloride
1-Diazo-2-naphthol-4-sulfonyl chloride
Diazodinitrophenol (containing less than 40 percent
water or a mixture of alcohol and water, by mass)
Diethylene glycol dinitrate
Dinitroglycoluril (Dingu)
Dinitrophenol (dry or containing less than 15
percent water, by mass)
Dinitroresorcinol (dry or containing less than 15
percent water, by mass)
N,N'-Dinitroso-N,N'-dimethylterephthalamide
N,N'-Dinitrosopentamethylenetetraamine
Dinitrosobenzene
Dipicryl sulfide (dry or containing less than 10
percent water, by mass)
Guanyl nitrosaminoguanylidene hydrazine
(containing less than 30 percent water, by mass)
Guanyl nitrosaminoguanyltetrazene (containing less
than 30 percent water or a mixture of alcohol and
water, by mass)
Hexanitrodiphenylamine (Dipicrylamine; Hexyl)
Hexanitrostilbene
Hexatonal
Hexolite (dry or containing less than 15 percent
water, by mass)
Lead azide (containing less than 20 percent water
or a mixture of alcohol and water, by mass)
Lead mononitroresorcinate
Lead styphnate (lead trinitroresorcinate) (containing
less than 20 percent water or a mixture of alcohol
and water, by mass)
Mannitol hexanitrate (Nitromannite) (containing less
than 40 percent water or mixture of alcohol and
water, by mass)
5-Mercaptotetrazol-1-acetic acid
Mercury fulminate (containing less than 20 percent
water or mixture of alcohol and water, by mass)

Nitrourea
5-Nitrobenzotriazole
Nitrocellulose (dry or containing less than 25 percent water or
alcohol, by mass or plasticized with less than 18 percent
plasticizing substance, by mass)
Nitroglycerin (containing less than 40 percent of a non-volatile
water insoluble desensitizer, by mass or containing less than
90 percent alcohol, by mass)
Nitroguanidine (Picrite) (dry or containing less than 20 percent
water, by mass)
Nitrosoguanidine
Nitrostarch (dry or containing less than 20 percent water, by
mass)
Nitrotriazolone (NTO)
Octolite (Octol) (dry or containing less than 15 percent water,
by mass)
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (pentaerythrite tetranitrate, PETN)
(containing less than 25 percent water, by mass or containing
less than 7 percent wax, by mass or containing less than 15
percent of a suitable desensitizer, by mass)
Pentolite (dry or containing less than 15 percent water, by
mass)
Potassium salts of aromatic nitro-derivatives, explosive.
RDX and HMX mixtures (containing less than 15 percent
water, by mass or containing less than 10 percent of a suitable
desensitizer, by mass)
Sodium dinitro-o-cresolate (dry or containing less than 15
percent water, by mass)
Sodium picramate (dry or containing less than 20 percent
water, by mass)
Sodium salts of aromatic nitro-derivatives
Tetranitroaniline
Tetrazol-1-acetic acid
Trinitro-m-cresol
Trinitroaniline (picramide)
Trinitroanisole
Trinitrobenzene (dry or containing less than 30 percent water,
by mass)
Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid
Trinitrobenzoic acid (dry or containing less than 30 percent
water, by mass)
Trinitrochlorobenzene (picryl chloride)
Trinitrofluorenone
Trinitronaphthalene
Trinitrophenetole
Trinitrophenol (picric acid) (dry or containing less than 30
percent water, by mass)
Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (tetryl)
Trinitroresorcinol (styphnic acid) (dry or containing less than 20
percent water, or mixture of alcohol and water, by mass)
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) (dry or containing less than 30 percent
water, by mass)
Tritonal
Urea nitrate (dry or containing less than 20 percent water, by
mass)
Zirconium picramate (dry or containing less than 20 percent
water, by mass)

Source - US Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol and Firearms, List of Explosives Materials

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