Protect Environmental responds to spills and waste problems on a daily basis. Part of our job is to recognize the inherent dangers associated with the materials that are or could be present and how to handle them safely. The wastes classified as D001 are such wastes that require special handling and disposal.
The D001 Code
The D codes are part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for being considered a hazardous waste. Wastes with this code have a characteristic that makes them potentially hazardous to human health and the environment. There are several factors that determine whether or not a material is a D001 hazardous waste.
Liquid wastes that meet the ignitability characteristic (D001) have a flashpoint at or below 140° Fahrenheit (60° Celsius). This means that if a liquid is at or below a temperature of 140° Fahrenheit, it is emitting vapors that form a flammable mixture with air that is easily ignited and can present a fire hazard. Wastes with this characteristic are known as flammable and are very common. Examples include gasoline, some paint thinners and adhesives, kerosene and oil based paints.
A liquid waste that has a flashpoint above 140° Fahrenheit, on the other hand, would be combustible and would not necessarily be considered a D001 hazardous waste. Combustible products such as diesel fuel, motor oil, liquid asphalt and some industrial resins will burn when heated to a high enough temperature but are unlikely to reach that temperature during normal storage conditions.
Oxidizers also fall under the D001 hazardous waste code. An oxidizer is a solid or liquid chemical that can readily give off oxygen during a fire; an element essential in the combustion process. Oxidizers should always be stored separate from flammable and combustible materials due to their ability to intensify a fire. Calcium or Sodium Hypochlorite (household bleaches) and hydrogen peroxide are common oxidizers used in homes and industry.
Another factor to consider for the D001 code would be if a solid waste under normal temperatures and pressure can ignite and cause a fire through spontaneous chemical changes, absorption of moisture or as a result of friction being applied to the material. The Material Safety Data Sheet for the product in question can provide information on whether a waste would be classified as a D001 hazardous waste.
It’s always important to assess and classify a waste as accurately as possible when disposing of it. Spills of D001 materials should be handled by trained professionals like the teams from Protect Environmental Services who can quickly and competently remove the material and mitigate the risk of a more serious situation. Improper disposal and spill cleanup could not only result in hefty fines and criminal prosecution by government agencies, but could also endanger the health of employees and jeopardize the environment.
Richard Cameron is the CEO of Protect Environmental Services.
Protect Environmental Services, Inc. (PESI) is your best-in-class “clutch” performer when you need a First Responder. PESI tackle & remediate the most dangerous chemical spills & removal of hazardous waste. In fact, our pursuit of safety & rapid response for environmental sustainability surpasses ALL other environmental service companies. PESI has been rapidly responding to emergency environmental calls in North Central Texas since 1996.
Richard is also a published author of the “Ebola Response Procedures.” Additionally, he is considered an expert witness to many litigation and mediation cases. He works with multiple law enforcement agencies in forensics to hunt down illegal dumping perpetrators.