CHMM - Certified Hazardous Materials Manager Hazardous Materials Storage Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A facility has a designated hazardous waste storage area containing several 55-gallon drums of various liquid hazardous wastes. To comply with EPA's secondary containment requirements under 40 CFR 264.175, what is the minimum required capacity for the containment system?
- 10% of the total volume of all containers.
- 100% of the volume of the smallest container or 10% of the total volume, whichever is smaller.
- Sufficient capacity to contain 10% of the volume of all containers or 100% of the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater. (Correct answer)
- Exactly 110% of the volume of the largest container.
Correct answer: Sufficient capacity to contain 10% of the volume of all containers or 100% of the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater.
According to EPA regulations (40 CFR 264.175), a secondary containment system for hazardous waste containers must have sufficient capacity to contain the greater of two values: 10% of the total volume of all containers in the area or 100% of the volume of the single largest container.
Question 2: A chemical manufacturing plant needs to store a new, highly flammable liquid (OSHA Category 1). According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.106, what is the maximum quantity of this liquid that can be stored in a single approved flammable storage cabinet?
- 25 gallons
- 120 gallons
- 30 gallons
- 60 gallons (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60 gallons
OSHA's standard for flammable liquids, 29 CFR 1910.106, specifies that not more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids shall be stored in any one storage cabinet.
Question 3: A laboratory manager is setting up a new Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) for hazardous waste generated from an analytical process. Which of the following is a key requirement for an SAA under EPA's RCRA regulations (40 CFR 262.15)?
- A formal weekly inspection log must be maintained for the SAA.
- The containers must be marked with the exact date accumulation began.
- The SAA can accumulate up to 100 gallons of non-acute hazardous waste.
- The SAA must be at or near the point of generation and under the control of the process operator. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The SAA must be at or near the point of generation and under the control of the process operator.
Under 40 CFR 262.15, a key tenet of a Satellite Accumulation Area is that it must be located at or near the point where the waste is generated and be under the control of the operator of that process. The date is only required once the 55-gallon limit is exceeded, and weekly inspections are typically for Central Accumulation Areas. The limit is 55 gallons for non-acute waste.
Question 4: A hazardous materials manager is reviewing the storage of incompatible chemicals. A container of a strong oxidizing agent must be segregated from a container of a flammable organic solvent. According to best practices and common fire codes, what is a primary method for ensuring safe separation?
- Storing them on the same shelf but with a non-combustible barrier in between.
- Placing them in the same flammable storage cabinet but on different shelves.
- Ensuring a minimum separation distance of at least 20 feet or using a separate, approved storage cabinet. (Correct answer)
- Storing them in the same room as long as both containers are properly sealed.
Correct answer: Ensuring a minimum separation distance of at least 20 feet or using a separate, approved storage cabinet.
Storing incompatible materials requires significant separation to prevent dangerous reactions. Best practices, often referenced in fire codes like those from the NFPA, recommend a separation distance of at least 20 feet or storage in separate, dedicated cabinets designed for the specific hazard class.
Question 5: During a facility audit, you observe several 55-gallon drums of hazardous waste stored outside on a paved area. The drums are properly labeled and closed. To be in compliance with EPA regulations regarding outdoor storage, which of the following is most critical?
- The area must be shaded to prevent the drums from overheating.
- The drums must be elevated on pallets and protected from contact with accumulated precipitation. (Correct answer)
- The area must be at least 50 feet away from any building.
- The drums must be inspected on an hourly basis.
Correct answer: The drums must be elevated on pallets and protected from contact with accumulated precipitation.
EPA regulation 40 CFR 264.175 requires that containment systems be designed to drain and remove liquids from leaks, spills, or precipitation, or that the containers are elevated or otherwise protected from contact with accumulated liquids. Storing drums on pallets is a common method to achieve this and prevent the containers from sitting in pooled water, which could lead to corrosion and leaks.
Question 6: Which of the following scenarios describes a compliant practice for storing flammable liquid containers inside a building but outside of a designated storage room or cabinet?
- Storing up to 50 gallons of Category 1 flammable liquids in an open production area.
- Stacking 30-gallon containers three-high to conserve space.
- Keeping up to 25 gallons of flammable liquids in approved containers for maintenance tasks. (Correct answer)
- Placing a 5-gallon safety can of gasoline near a stairwell for easy access.
Correct answer: Keeping up to 25 gallons of flammable liquids in approved containers for maintenance tasks.
According to OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.152), no more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. Flammable liquids must not be stored in areas used for exits or stairways, and containers over 30 gallons should not be stacked.
CHMM - Certified Hazardous Materials Manager Hazardous Materials Storage Questions and Answers
A facility has a designated hazardous waste storage area containing several 55-gallon drums of various liquid hazardous wastes.
To comply with EPA's secondary containment requirements under 40 CFR 264.175, what is the minimum required capacity for the containment system?