...Perhaps the most complicated and convoluted set of regulations is those concerning hazardous waste, its handling, disposal, and response to its release. Of course it can be considered that the Federal Government did err by calling process by-products hazardous waste instead of following its performance-based philosophy as demonstrated in the OSHA regulations. Regulatory compliance could have been so much simpler if the definition employed was - this by- product has the potential of being hazardous if miss handled, such miss handling entails the following. Alas, this is not the case and we are burdened with a set of regulations that can turn youth aged overnight.
There is hope however, and a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel can be seen. Coming like Dumas' Three Musketeers of old, galloping into the fray and seeking to make order out of chaos come the Hackmans with their Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response Manual and Desk Reference. Since receiving this volume, it has become a ready and useful reference. It provides 16 chapters along with a CD-ROM of essential compliance information. A true compendium of valuable and useful data, guidance, and analyses.
For example, consider Section 2. Hazardous Waste Defined: Contained therein are the following major topics: The OSHA Definition, EPA Definitions, The DOT Definition and Training Aids and Resources. These are then further broken down into sub topics. Such organization, scope and thoroughness provide a valuable tool when evaluating a particular situation or compliance methodology. Other sections cover such topics as Material Hazards, Chemical Incompatibility, Toxicology, and Sampling and Monitoring to name a few. The most substantial section is entitled Superfund Sites and Brownfields: Site Investigation, Control and Remediation. This alone is broken into 22 subsections, each of which is further subdivided.
Perhaps one of the best technical writers of the last century was Samuel Glasstone. His volumes on Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering were very easy to read, understand, and use. This is because he endeavored to number every new topic so that easy reference could be made. This also provided logic to the subject matter, which assisted in the flow of the information that was providing. The Hackmans have effectively employed this numbering technique, and by doing so have provided not only simple logic and understanding to complex subject matter, but have also provided easy access to the information provided in the text.
The text is enhanced by a Glossary of 91 pages plus a 12-page list of Acronyms. Both of these reference aids are important and necessary because of the complexity of the subject matter and that Federal Regulations breed and feed on acronyms and convoluted terminology. It is almost impossible to maintain understanding and awareness of all of them. In fact, the extensive glossary is a welcome adjunct because of the myriad of technical terms and regulatory definitions a fractioned needs to employ and understand. For example, in this glossary, the term hazardous substance is defined by 7 specific requirements; CERCLA, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Section 112r of the Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, DOT, Solid Waste Disposal Act and OSHA. This depth and breadth is valuable because it enables a comprehensive evaluation of a particular situation and assists in eliminating or at least minimizing the chance of an omission error.
It must be remembered that many practitioners are experts in a particular technical or regulatory area. As such, they need a tool that assists them in understanding and in becoming aware of requirements outside of their area of expertise. The provision of comprehensive definitions and information helps to foster such a broad perspective.
In addition to the book a special CD is provided as an additional resource. According to the authors this CD serves three purposes: It provides downloadable and printable resources for trainers - these include a sample HAZWOPER Worker exam, It provides a selection of NIOSH Databases which includes the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods and the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, and lastly it provides 18 appendices to the text - these appendices include Limits for Air Contaminants ("Z Lists") 29CFR1910.1000 and the OSHA HAZWOPER Standard, 29CFR 1910.120. Just the contents of the CD is worth the purchase price of the text. All in all, according to the contents, the CD covers 33 separate topics.
When dealing with the complex issues that practitioners face every day, the information contained in the CD forms a comprehensive foundation of knowledge, data and information. This is presented in a concise and easily usable format. Also, instead of creating a second volume, the authors wisely chose this option of the CD to compliment the text, thereby producing one volume packed with essential information and resources.
One of the major frustrations a practitioner faces is that it is usually necessary to consult various references in order to address a particular situation. When a volume comes along that provides an encyclopedia of useful and necessary information, it does simplify many other time-consuming information search tasks. The profession has benefited from this work because it provides that simplification. The authors have brought together information from diverse sources into one volume. One volume, that has already proved its value to my practice.
The only shortcoming is that the use of color, especially in the signs and placarding examples would have been useful and would have assisted in making its reference value even greater. Seeing these items in the colors specified by the regulations would have enhanced the understanding of their meaning and employment. Perhaps just a color insert or inside cover display would have served this need adequately.
This volume has become a useful and welcomed addition to my reference library, and well worth the modest price.
