If your business requires transportation of hazardous waste, you know that these materials are meticulously regulated due to the safety risks they pose to human health, especially when it comes to compressed natural gases.
These gases, known to cause health risks, are known as Class 2 compressed gases. They fall within one of three categories: flammable gas, poisonous gas, and non-flammable, non-poisonous gas. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules that constitute how to handle these materials to ensure waste is appropriately managed.
Keep reading to learn how Class 2 compressed gases are categorized, as well as how to properly transport and dispose of them.
Types of Class 2 Compressed Gases
Flammable Gas
Flammable gases (marked with a red placard with a flame icon) are ignitable, making them particularly dangerous in the presence of common igniters in the workplace – even strong friction or tiny electrical sparks that you might not notice can sometimes be enough to lead to an explosion. Because of this, flammable gases require extra attention when being stored or transferred.
Common examples of hazardous gases in this category include:
- Acetylene
- Butylene
- Cyclopropane
- Compressed Hydrogen
- Ethylene
- Petroleum
Poisonous Gas
Poisonous gas (marked with a white placard featuring a skull and crossbones symbol) is proven toxic when inhaled and requires the highest level of caution when transporting and disposing.
Be sure to enlist professional hazardous waste management services when handling any gases that fall in this category.
Common examples of hazardous gases in this category include:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Chlorine
- Cyanogen
- Gaseous Ammonia
- Hydrogen Bromide
- Silicon Tetrafluoride
Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous
These are gases that can still pose a risk to human health but don’t qualify as toxic upon inhalation or fire hazards. Non-flammable, non-poisonous gases are marked with a green placard featuring a gas canister symbol.
Common examples of hazardous gases in this category include:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Helium
- Nitrogen
- Nitrous Oxide
- Refrigerant Gases
- Xenon
Why Compliance is Important
Human health is a given, but there are many additional reasons that contribute to the significance of compliance with compressed natural gas management, including hefty fines and potentially hazardous situations. To ensure you are in compliance with all state and federal regulations, there are a few things you can do.
Employee Training – Offer comprehensive training programs for any employees that may be exposed to compressed natural gases to encourage education, safe workplace practices, and avoid injury.
Segregate Substances – Keep certain materials separate from each other during storage, transport and disposal, as some waste can cause fatal chemical reactions when combined.
Hire an Expert – Work with an experienced hazardous materials services company that can help you manage and transport all waste to avoid large fines or possible danger.
Contact the Hazardous Waste Professionals
If your organization is in a position to ship or dispose of a material that could be hazardous compressed gas, you’ll want to contact a professional hazardous waste disposal company to ensure it’s properly managed. Class 2 gases can be dangerous, so it’s important to work with a company that has the experience to avoid hazards and regulation violations.
To request a quote for our hazardous waste management services, please contact us at MLI Environmental today!