WHO NEEDS TO KNOW IF MY BUSINESS GENERATES HAZARDOUS WASTES?

Notify DEP

• If your business is a small or large quantity generator, notify DEP to obtain an EPA identification number.  Local environmental agencies should also be notified.

Notify Local Authorities

• Police and fire departments and local hospitals who would respond to an emergency need to know that there are hazardous wastes on your property.

Designate an Emergency Coordinator

• This person must know what to do in case of a fire, spill or other emergency and must be on the premises or on call 24 hours a day.

Develop a Contingency Plan

Guidance on contingency plans is available from DEP.  Large quantity generators must have a written plan that includes: 

• Emergency response arrangements with police, fire, hospitals and emergency response contractors.

• Emergency coordinators? addresses and phone numbers

• On-site emergency equipment descriptions and locations.

• Evacuation plan and routes, including a site diagram.

Post Emergency Information

Post the following information near every telephone: 

• Fire department phone number
• Emergency coordinator?s name and phone number
• Locations of fire alarms and extinguishers
• Locations of spill control materials

CHECKLIST

This checklist will help you to prevent the most common hazardous waste violations.
For more detailed information on hazardous waste management requirements, contact DEP. 

• Identify types and quantities of hazardous wastes.

• Determine how much hazardous waste is generated.

• Notify Florida DEP and obtain an EPA identification number from DEP.

• Use proper containers to collect and store wastes.

• Label all containers as hazardous or non-hazardous wastes.

• Include accumulation start dates on labels.

• Keep containers of hazardous waste closed.

• Maintain aisle space between containers for inspection.

• Inspect containers weekly for rust, leaks or damage.

• Train employees to properly handle hazardous wastes.

• Designate an emergency coordinator.

• Notify police, hospitals and fire department.

• Post emergency information near each phone.

• Develop a contingency plan for emergencies.

• Use manifests for all waste transported for disposal.

• Keep all records for at least 3 years.

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