BEST PRACTICES

In some instances, best practices presented here are actually required by regulations. Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices are recommended.

For safe acid storage and handling, adhere to the following:

1. Always store acids in a cabinet whose material of construction is compatible with the acid.
2. The etching process should always take place in the acid hood with adequate ventilation.
3. When mixing baths, always add acid to water and not water to acid.
4. Utilize and have available the proper safety equipment/devices such as eye protection, emergency eye-washer and shower.

Best practices related to waste handling and disposal include the following suggested activities:

1. Perform regular housekeeping activities in waste storage areas.
2. Reuse or recycle materials whenever possible.
3. Inspect waste management areas for spills and waste management containers for leaks.
4. Track waste generated, evaluate the process generating the waste and look for ways to reduce waste generation.
5. Characterize waste streams.
6. Find substitutes for harmful chemicals; properly dispose of unusable chemical inventory.
7. Segregate and separate wastes.
8. Do not dispose of liquid wastes such as oils or hazardous materials into dumpsters and drains.
9. Maintain adequate supplies of spill response equipment and materials in accessible locations near areas where spills may be likely to occur.
10. Perform and document in a logbook periodic inspections of hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage areas.

Training employees in proper procedures to reduce your facility's impact on the environment is a best practice. More detailed training information is provided in the regulatory requirements sections of the EVC. Employee training may include the following:

1. Spill response training for personnel who handle hazardous materials,
2. Right-to-know training to inform users of the dangers inherent to the hazardous materials being used, and
3. Hazardous materials management.