From the = Rutland Town Fire Department

From the Rutland Town Fire Department

By Michael J.=20 Barron

Household hazardous materials (HHM) are any materials that = have the=20 potential to create a hazard if improperly stored or handled. When one = of these=20 products becomes unwanted or unusable it becomes hazardous waste. Under = normal=20 conditions these products are useful resources in the home. Used wrongly = they=20 are a threat to the safety and health of everyone in the home. = Inappropriately=20 disposed of, they endanger the environment. Care must be taken when = purchasing,=20 using, storing, and disposing of these products.

When purchasing HHM, get only what is needed, and read the = label and=20 instructions in detail, to insure it is the right product for the job. = Watch for=20 warnings such as:

=B7 Toxic=20 (motor oil, pesticides, ammonia, bleach, etc).

=B7 Flammable/Ignitable=20 (gasoline, aerosol cans, paint thinner, nail polish remover, etc.)

=B7 Corrosive=20 (drain cleaner, oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaners, lead-acid batteries, = etc.)

=B7 Reactive (products that can explode or create toxic gases when mixed = with other=20 HHM)

Read all directions before=20 handling HHM.=20

=B7 Use=20 them in well ventilated areas.

=B7 Use=20 the entire product, if possible.

=B7 Use=20 goggles, gloves, etc. if recommended.

=B7 Never mix different products together.

=B7 Whenever possible use non-hazardous = alternatives.

When stored properly most HHM will stay usable for years. =

=B7 Store HHM = according to=20 manufacturer=92s instructions, and in the original container.

=B7 Keep all HHM out of reach of children and=20 pets=20

=B7 Store products away from sources of heat or flame.

=B7 Products that warn of vapors or fumes should be kept in well = ventilated=20 area.

=B7 Store HHM in a dry place because moisture can rust containers = resulting=20 in leaks.

Some HHM provide proper disposal methods on their labels. It = is=20 imperative to discard these products in an environmentally safe manner, = not=20 simply a convenient one.

=B7 Never burn or dump HHM on the ground.

=B7 Do=20 not bury any container or unused product.

=B7 Do=20 not mix HHM wastes.

=B7 Town offices can be contacted for HHM collection dates. = Rutland=20 Town=92s next hazardous waste collection is October 16 at the transfer = station at=20 Northwood Park.

Preventing emergencies that deal with household hazardous = materials is=20 obviously preferred, but not always realistic. Home owners need to know = how to=20 respond to these situations.

=B7 Keep the number of the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1212), = hospital,=20 paramedics, and Fire Dept. (911) near the telephone.

=B7 If=20 someone is exposed to a HHM, call for medical help. Keep containers = available in=20 order to answer any questions.

=B7 Do=20 not give anything by mouth unless advised by a medical professional = (keep a=20 small bottle of Ipecac syrup on hand to induce vomiting if = instructed).

=B7 If=20 there is a danger of fire or explosion get out of the residence and = notify the=20 fire department immediately

Each of us is responsible for properly buying, using, storing, = and=20 disposing of hazardous household materials. By doing so, we protect our = family=92s=20 health, the community, and the environment. If you have any questions regarding = emergency=20 preparedness please call your local Fire Department. They are always there to = assist=20 you.