Emergency Equipment Requirements

All facilities in which hazardous wastes are handled must be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in ways that reduce the chance of a fire, an explosion, or any unplanned release of the hazardous waste or its components. This includes releases into the air, the soil, or surface water.

Unless no need exists at a particular facility, and this can be demonstrated to the EPA regional administrator in Part B of the permit application, all facilities must be equipped with each of the following:

• An internal communications or alarm system that makes it possible to provide emergency voice or signal instructions to facility personnel
• A telephone, two-way radio system, or other communication device that can be used to contact local police, fire, or emergency response departments
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Fire and spill control equipment
• Decontamination units throughout the site
• Water in sufficient quantity and with necessary pressure needed to supply water hoses, or foam-producing equipment, automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems

The communication devices and safety equipment must be tested regularly and maintained to ensure that they will be operational if an emergency arises.

The owner or operator of the facility must ensure that the facility is designed such that it provides adequate aisle space for the unobstructed movement of personnel and emergency equipment.

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.