When’s the last time you audited your waste services provider’s facility? Last month? Two years ago? Never?
Admittedly, an audit like this may not be a task that comes to mind very often. But it’s an essential undertaking. Think about this: if your waste services provider comes under the scrutiny of state or federal regulatory agencies, you could be liable for any issues. That’s not a pleasant idea.
When your waste goes offsite, you have the responsibility of making sure it’s treated and disposed of in a conscientious, compliant manner, whether your waste is hazardous or non-hazardous. Performing an audit will set your mind at ease about your waste services provider – or raise a red flag of warning you’ll need to heed.
At Environmental Remedies, we use a two-point audit system: a Pre-Inspection Questionnaire and an on-site facility inspection. The purpose of the questionnaire is for an audited facility to note basic information, provide descriptions of the facility’s features, and state any past or current regulatory issues and other information prior to the on-site visit. You’ll then be better prepared for the physical inspection of the facility and can take a closer look at any uncertain conditions, if necessary.
The questionnaire asks for particulars such as:
- Facility information: address, property description and features, site history, and services provided on the property
- Regulatory references: inspection information
- Hazardous materials considerations (handling, storage, disposal)
- Underground and above ground storage tanks
- Wastewater treatment system
- Landfill design
- References
- Contingencies that may exist
Once you receive the completed questionnaire, highlight any issues or situations you will want to further investigate during your facility visit. Also, take time to run a records search for the facility on both the EPA and state agency’s websites. Actually contact the references listed to glean their comments and recommendations. Investigate any contingencies, such as lawsuits, buyouts, and bankruptcies, that may affect the facility’s performance.
Prior to the on-site assessment, do your homework so you know what to look for during the visit. Or arrange for an experienced and knowledgeable auditor to conduct the inspection.
When you tour the facility, make sure the plant and its associated systems are in the conditions reported on the questionnaire:
- Are all mechanisms in proper working order?
- Do you see signs of leaks, stains, or spills?
- Are containers and drums properly labelled?
- What about proper ventilation?
- What is the overall condition of the facility? Does it seem well maintained?
- Regarding plant records, are permits and insurance documents all in order?
Finally, don’t put off conducting an audit until there’s a problem. Then it will be too late. Instead, make plans to put together an audit for your waste treatment service provider as soon as possible. Visit Environmental Remedies’ website for a copy of our Pre-Inspection Questionnaire for you to use as a guideline.
And remember: a proactive, comprehensive audit plan will ease your mind about your waste’s treatment, reduce your liability, and safeguard your business reputation. With benefits like these, why wait?
For more information, call Environmental Remedies at (404) 627-5931 or visit our website, www.Envremedies.com.