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Landfill Safety Issues

Prioritizing Landfill Safety
Landfill safety is an issue of particular concern, as landfill sites present many safety challenges, and if not managed correctly, can be potentially hazardous. Firstly, due to the very nature of landfills, waste on site needs to be appropriately managed to prevent landslides like the one above from occurring. Secondly, while certain hazardous materials are not accepted by landfills, loads need to be inspected to ensure that no hazardous materials or banned chemicals are dumped onto the landfill by unscrupulous individuals. Thirdly, steps need to be taken to prevent contamination of water and air, and to prevent atmospheric emissions and ensure environmental integrity. Finally, because decomposing organic matter results in the formation of methane gas — a highly explosive gas, that is both colorless and odorless — checks and balances need to be put in place to ensure the safety of both workers on site, as well as that of neighboring communities. We will cover each of these safety issues in more detail in a series of articles focusing on landfill management and safety, including aspects such as slope design, leachate collection, gas detection and controlling atmospheric emissions.Landfill Safety Training
To ensure appropriate safety standards are adhered to on landfills, landfill operators should ensure that all staff receives appropriate training, as per the examples listed below:- SWANA Landfill Basics. Invite SWANA certified trainers on-site to provide training before site opens and that periodic refresher courses continue to take place.
- Provide SWANA Waste Screening Training
- SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) certifications for all key personnel
- Health Safety and understanding Federal, State and local laws.
- Generic WHMIS (Annual)
- Job Specific WHMIS Training (2-day training)
- Confined Space Safety
- Gas and Dust Mask Usage
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Hazards Recognition
- Accident Investigation
- First Aid (Every 3 years)
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Customer Service Training
- Effective Communications
- Cold & Heat Stress Training
- Accessibility Training
- Explosives Training