and ensure the safety of people and the environment. The following are some examples of what leaders
should do if their unit deals with HW:
Establish an HW management program to comply with HW regulations.
Ensure HW is properly identified. Label stored waste and the containers that hold HW
with the correct danger and warning signs.
Ensure that waste does not accumulate beyond the allowable quantity and time limits.
Maintain proper HW records, and report periodically, as required by the EPA.
d. Hazardous Communication (HAZCOM). An effective HAZCOM program will assist leaders to
determine what hazardous chemicals are present in their units, how to protect their soldiers from hazards
those chemicals present, and how to properly store and use those chemicals. The installation safety
officer is the point of contact (POC) for most HAZCOM matters, the material safety data sheet (MSDS)
program, and the HAZCOM training program. Examples of what unit leaders should do in support of
HAZCOM are:
Ensure that subordinates receive adequate training on HM to which they are exposed, in
accordance with the occupational safety and health agency (OSHA) requirement.
Maintain an up-to-date list of all HM/HW known to be present in their area.
Ensure that containers of hazardous substances are labeled, tagged, or otherwise marked to
identify the material and to warn soldiers of hazards.
Maintain an MSDS for every HM in the unit, and ensure that soldiers are trained to
recognize, understand, and use the MSDS and labels for the HM to which they are exposed.
Refer to applicable HAZCOM references.
e. Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste Minimization (HAZMIN). HAZMIN means
reducing the amount and toxicity of the HW generated or produced. Pollution prevention means reducing
the amount of material, whether it is hazardous or not. Unit leaders should ensure that their units conduct
inventory control. Units should not stockpile HM. If the HM has an expired shelf life, it can cost more to
dispose of the item than it did to obtain it, since the HM will now have to be handled as HW. Product
substitution is an easy way to reduce HW generation. Use nonhazardous or less hazardous substitutes if
available. A process change can reduce the amount of HW generated, but it will still need to be treated as
HW. Applicable pollution prevention and HAZMIN references can be found in FM 4-04.4 (3-100.4).
f. Recycling Program. The Army promotes separating products, substituting materials, and
changing procedures to avoid the use of hazardous substances (source reduction) and recycling to reduce
the volume of solid waste. Most installations have a recycling program. Recyclable materials include:
computer printouts, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, aluminum cans, plastics, oil, solvents, glass, steel,
and brass. Check with installation personnel to verify what materials are being recycled on your
installation.
g. Spill Prevention and Response Plan. It is Army policy and a CWA requirement to prevent oil
and hazardous substance spills and to provide prompt response to contain and clean up spills. The
discharge of oil or hazardous substances from installations, vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft into the
environment without a discharge permit is prohibited. Every reasonable precaution should be taken to
6-3
Previous Page
