A recent survey stated that almost a fifth of all ill health in poor countries and millions of deaths can be attributed to environmental factors, including climate change and pollution. Among the causes cited were unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene. However a key concern was also hazardous waste.
As a result specialist chemical consultants and software company Safeware Quasar has launched a new waste management module to help companies classify their Hazardous Waste.
Simon Robinson of Safeware Quasar comments: "Hazardous waste is essentially waste that contains hazardous properties that may render it harmful to human health or the environment. It's therefore clearer than ever that it's not only what we do and use that needs to be considered but also what we throw away.
"Fortunately for the planet, legislation regarding hazardous waste is becoming tighter and tighter. However these will only have an impact when the country and its businesses get up to speed with the rules. More types of waste have now become reclassified as Hazardous Waste. Many people may not be aware that these can even include aerosols, rags and wipes, paint tins and batteries."
Anyone dealing with these items or any other form of Hazardous Waste needs to be familiar with the European Waste Catalogue (EWC). This classifies waste materials and categorises them according to what they are and how they were produced.
The UK and other member states are fulfilling their requirement to integrate the catalogue into their domestic legislation. One example of this in the UK is the requirement to make a reference to an EWC code on all Duty of Care Transfer Notes. Essentially the EWC 2002 details a series of steps for identifying wastes in the catalogue and determining whether a waste is covered by a Hazardous Waste entry. Wastes in the catalogue are listed according to individual six-digit codes.
The full description of a waste includes the two-digit and four-digit chapter headings, which identify generic sources and types of waste. This code then determines how the waste is disposed of.
Simon continues: "The most effective way for large companies and industrial waste collectors to handle their waste is by using a specially designed waste management software module. Having the correct software means companies can simply enter in the details of the product they are dealing with and the waste classification will be determined."
For more information on contact Safeware Quasar on 0115 982 1185 or visit www.safeware.co.uk