New Technologies

In 29 CFR §1910.120(o), OSHA requires that an employer develop and implement procedures for acquiring new technologies for the protection of the worker in a hazardous waste clean-up operation.

Classic practices for dealing with spills have been using absorbents (for example, diatomaceous earth), diking, ditching, and dam building. However, new products are consistently being developed and entering the marketplace. Some examples of these new technologies include portable pressurized applicators, solidifying liquid waste using caustic neutralizers, and vapor suppression agents. By combining these new technologies with the classic practices for dealing with spills, spill containment is quicker and often more effective. Many of these new technologies spread out and slow the hazardous material release more rapidly and uniformly. The goal of new technology in the workplace is to protect the worker from the hazard(s) present as quickly as possible while containing the waste released.

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