Module 1: Regulations - International Association of Fire Fighters

IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician© Student Text
Definitions
One of the basic purposes for RCRA, as it was written in
1976, was to establish a framework for environmental law
and regulation. RCRA began by defining waste. Definitions
then snowballed and as the environmental laws appear
today, the most complex issue has been in keeping the
definitions straight. The following definitions are encountered
throughout the 40 CFR 261.
Solid Waste
This is a material that has been discarded by a generator,
regardless of intent. The material may be intended for
recycling or reclamation and must be classified and consequently
regulated as a waste. A material can be declared to
be a solid waste regardless of physical state (a solid, liquid,
or gas).
Lab Sample
Lab samples are not considered waste, but must be labeled
in accordance with DOT regulations.
Characteristics of Hazardous Waste
A waste is declared to be a hazardous waste if it meets the
definition of a solid waste and the definition of a characteristic
waste. A characteristic waste exhibits one of four
hazardous characteristics:
• Ignitability
• Corrosivity
• Reactivity
• Toxicity
Each of the four hazardous characteristics are measurable.
Each characteristic has a specific lab-based analysis associated
with it. For example, a waste is ignitable if the flash
point is less than or equal to 140 0 F. A flash point less than
140 0 F indicates the waste is hazardous and should carry a
D001 waste code.
1-72 Module 1: Regulations