Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Very costly professional-level judgments needed to comply with scientific and statutory restrictions on hazardous-waste segregation, shipment and disposal are collected cumulatively in a database for a very large number of hazardous waste materials. Many of these materials are statutorily designated or scientifically recognized, or both, as posing a significant physical danger to humans, other organisms, or the ecosphere generally. Later many consignments of particular materials are received (or identified before receipt, in a batch mode of operation) and classified very inexpensively--using nonprofessional-level personnel--by reference to the computerized database. Reversion to professional-level judgments occurs only if a material not previously encountered is received. Each consignment of each material is classified and handled consistently with all other consignments of like material, and in accordance with the professional-level judgments embodied in the database. The system automatically establishes subsequent routing and handling, and generates all labels, regulatory reports and inventories; and also makes possible detailed tracing, tabulation of hazard characteristics by specific areas within storage facilities, and even retrieval if desired for recycling or reconfiguration.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim