AARC - Accredited Automotive Recycler Hazardous Fluid & Material Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 279), which of the following actions would cause used oil to be managed as a listed hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

Mixing it with a listed hazardous solvent, such as carburetor cleaner.

Answer

The EPA's Used Oil Management Standards state that used oil mixed with a hazardous waste that is listed in subpart D of 40 CFR part 261 must be managed as hazardous waste. Mixing used oil with listed solvents like carburetor cleaner contaminates the entire volume, requiring it to be handled under the more stringent hazardous waste regulations.

Question 2

A forklift punctures a 55-gallon drum of used antifreeze, creating a rapidly growing spill on the concrete floor of the dismantling bay. What is the IMMEDIATE first priority for the employee who discovers the spill?

Accepted Answer

Alert a supervisor and other employees in the immediate area.

Answer

The first priority in any spill or emergency is to ensure human safety. Alerting others in the area and a supervisor accomplishes this, warns others of the danger, and initiates the facility's emergency response plan. All other actions, such as containment or cleanup, should only be performed after ensuring personnel are safe and aware of the hazard.

Question 3

An automotive recycler is processing older model vehicles for scrap. Which of the following is the MOST likely location to find a mercury-containing switch that must be removed prior to crushing?

Accepted Answer

In hood and trunk lid convenience lighting assemblies.

Answer

Many vehicles manufactured before the early 2000s used mercury pellet switches to activate lights in the hood and trunk areas. These tilt-activated switches are a primary target for removal under programs like the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP) to prevent mercury from being released into the environment when the vehicle is shredded or smelted.

Question 4

When storing gasoline drained from vehicles in a portable container, which of the following is a key OSHA and fire code requirement?

Accepted Answer

The container must be a UL-approved or FM-approved safety can with a flame arrester.

Answer

OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.106 requires that flammable liquids like gasoline be stored in approved containers. A safety can, which is listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL or FM, is designed with features such as a spring-closing lid and a flame arrester to prevent ignition and safely vent pressure under fire conditions.

Question 5

A technician drains used engine coolant into a 55-gallon drum for storage before it is picked up for recycling. To comply with hazardous material communication standards, what is the most fundamental information that must be on the drum's label?

Accepted Answer

The words "Used Antifreeze" or "Used Coolant".

Answer

All containers holding waste or recycled materials must be clearly labeled to identify their contents. This is the most critical piece of information to prevent accidental mixing, ensure proper handling by all personnel, and meet regulatory communication standards. While adding a date is a good practice for tracking accumulation time, identifying the contents is the primary requirement.

(AARC) Accredited Automotive Recycler Certification Practice Test

(AARC) Accredited Automotive Recycler Certification Practice Test

AARC - Accredited Automotive Recycler Hazardous Fluid & Material Management Questions and Answers