THE HAZARDOUS WASTES (MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING) RULES – 1989

As per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Rules regarding Management and Handling of Hazardous Wastes have been notified. Main points are:

-Every occupier generating hazardous waste and intending to collect, treat, transport, ,store and dispose of such waste, is required to make an application in Form-I (provided in the above quoted Rules) to the SPCB/PCC. The SPCB/PCC issues the authorization along with stipulations for treatment and disposal of such wastes.

-Rules for the Management, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals have also been notified in 1989 under the EPA. As per these Rules, the occupier shall not undertake any industrial activity involving any of the 17 (Lists will be provided if necessary) identified hazardous chemicals unless he/she has prepared a Safety Report containing the requisite information specified in the Rules. New industries are required to prepare the safety report within 5 years of coming into operation. The occupier of industries handling any of the chemicals specified in schedule 2 and 3 of the Rules is also required to prepare and maintain an up-to-date on-site emergency plan for dealing with major accidents.

Other important features-of these Rules:

1. Owners of industries utilizing any of the identified hazardous chemicals are required to identify likely hazards and their danger potential and are expected to take adequate steps to prevent such occurrences.

2. Preparation of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is essential for all chemicals handled.

3. Workers on-site are required to be provided with information, training and necessary equipments to ensure their safety.

4. On-site Emergency Plan is to be prepared before commencement of activity.

5. Information regarding off-site spill, if any, of an accident envisaged on-site, needs to be provided to the District Collector for preparation of an off-site emergency plan before commencement of the activity.

6. Before commencement of activity, the public in the vicinity of the plant needs to be informed of the nature of a major accident that might occur on-site and the Do’s and Don’ts to be followed in case of such an occurrence.