(1) You must allow only essential employees in the transfer area.

(2) You must communicate as follows:

(a) Signal the beginning and end of shock-sensitive (explosive) waste handling activities with an alarm system that is capable of being perceived above background light and noise.

(b) Maintain continuous communications throughout the handling operation:

(i) Between the employee-in-charge of the immediate handling area AND the site safety and health supervisor AND the command post.

(ii) Using portable radios, hand signals, or telephones, as appropriate.

(c) Prevent the use of communication equipment or methods that could cause shock-sensitive (explosive) materials to explode.

(3) You must provide material handling equipment with explosive containment devices or shields to protect equipment operators from exploding containers.

(4) You must not move bulging or swollen drums or containers until the cause for excess pressure is determined and you can move the drum or container safely.

(5) You must consider packaged laboratory wastes or laboratory waste packs shock-sensitive or explosive until the contents have been characterized.

Make sure laboratory waste packs are opened only when necessary and by a person knowledgeable in the inspection, classification, and segregation of the containers within the pack.