PCAPI, DENR hold training on hazardous waste transport

The Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) concluded recently a basic awareness training for hazardous waste transporters in the Philippines.

The training was intended to upgrade the skills and capabilities of the personnel and manpower involved in the transport of hazardous waste, and to provide an interactive forum for the various transporters. It tackled the following topics: Title II Republic Act 6969 "Requirements and Procedures", Requirements for Hazardous Waste Transporters, Hazard Classification and Segregation, Labeling and Placarding, and MSDS and Selecting PPEs and Transport Equipment.

The initial training was held Aug. 5 at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario, Cavite, it was attended by 59 participants from 28 various companies. On Aug. 30, the second training, participated in by 60 representatives from 24 different companies and transporters from other regions, was conducted for the batch of drivers, utilities, etc. who failed to attend the first training. The last training was conducted at the Las Palmas Hotel in Pedro Gil, Ermita, Manila to educate not only the 83 accredited transporters of EMB Calabarzon Region but also all the other existing transporters in the country.

The organizers of the event expect the participants to possess a higher level of awareness after the training particularly on the adverse effects of hazardous wastes on human health and environment, the hazards during transport, the do’s and don’ts during transport and handling, the appropriate procedures to do in cases of emergency, and proper hazardous waste management such as segrega-tion, placarding and labeling, recognizing symbols, wearing the right PPEs and emergency and contingency planning. – Benny Enriquez