AARC - Accredited Automotive Recycler Hazardous Fluid & Material Management Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 279), which of the following actions would cause used oil to be managed as a listed hazardous waste?
- Filtering the oil to remove contaminants before sending it to a processor.
- Storing it in a tank clearly labeled "Used Oil for Recycling".
- Mixing it with a listed hazardous solvent, such as carburetor cleaner. (Correct answer)
- Mixing it with diesel fuel to be burned for energy recovery in the facility's own vehicles.
Correct answer: Mixing it with a listed hazardous solvent, such as carburetor cleaner.
The EPA's Used Oil Management Standards state that used oil mixed with a hazardous waste that is listed in subpart D of 40 CFR part 261 must be managed as hazardous waste. Mixing used oil with listed solvents like carburetor cleaner contaminates the entire volume, requiring it to be handled under the more stringent hazardous waste regulations.
Question 2: A forklift punctures a 55-gallon drum of used antifreeze, creating a rapidly growing spill on the concrete floor of the dismantling bay. What is the IMMEDIATE first priority for the employee who discovers the spill?
- Attempt to plug the hole in the drum.
- Alert a supervisor and other employees in the immediate area. (Correct answer)
- Begin cleaning up the spill with absorbent pads.
- Locate the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for antifreeze.
Correct answer: Alert a supervisor and other employees in the immediate area.
The first priority in any spill or emergency is to ensure human safety. Alerting others in the area and a supervisor accomplishes this, warns others of the danger, and initiates the facility's emergency response plan. All other actions, such as containment or cleanup, should only be performed after ensuring personnel are safe and aware of the hazard.
Question 3: An automotive recycler is processing older model vehicles for scrap. Which of the following is the MOST likely location to find a mercury-containing switch that must be removed prior to crushing?
- In hood and trunk lid convenience lighting assemblies. (Correct answer)
- In the fuel pump assembly inside the gas tank.
- In the central locking mechanism inside the door panel.
- In the power steering pump.
Correct answer: In hood and trunk lid convenience lighting assemblies.
Many vehicles manufactured before the early 2000s used mercury pellet switches to activate lights in the hood and trunk areas. These tilt-activated switches are a primary target for removal under programs like the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP) to prevent mercury from being released into the environment when the vehicle is shredded or smelted.
Question 4: When storing gasoline drained from vehicles in a portable container, which of the following is a key OSHA and fire code requirement?
- The container must be stored elevated on a wooden pallet.
- The container must be made of clear plastic to monitor the fuel level.
- The container must be vented to the atmosphere to prevent pressure buildup.
- The container must be a UL-approved or FM-approved safety can with a flame arrester. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The container must be a UL-approved or FM-approved safety can with a flame arrester.
OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.106 requires that flammable liquids like gasoline be stored in approved containers. A safety can, which is listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL or FM, is designed with features such as a spring-closing lid and a flame arrester to prevent ignition and safely vent pressure under fire conditions.
Question 5: A technician drains used engine coolant into a 55-gallon drum for storage before it is picked up for recycling. To comply with hazardous material communication standards, what is the most fundamental information that must be on the drum's label?
- The name of the technician who drained the fluid.
- The make and model of the vehicles it was drained from.
- The words "Used Antifreeze" or "Used Coolant". (Correct answer)
- The date the first amount of fluid was added.
Correct answer: The words "Used Antifreeze" or "Used Coolant".
All containers holding waste or recycled materials must be clearly labeled to identify their contents. This is the most critical piece of information to prevent accidental mixing, ensure proper handling by all personnel, and meet regulatory communication standards. While adding a date is a good practice for tracking accumulation time, identifying the contents is the primary requirement.
Question 6: Which of the following represents a best management practice for storing used tires at an automotive recycling facility to minimize environmental and safety risks?
- Piling them in a single, large, uncovered mound to save space.
- Storing them indoors or under a cover to prevent water accumulation. (Correct answer)
- Stacking them directly on bare soil in a designated outdoor area.
- Shredding all tires immediately upon removal from every vehicle.
Correct answer: Storing them indoors or under a cover to prevent water accumulation.
Storing tires indoors or under a cover is a key EPA best management practice to prevent them from collecting rainwater. Standing water in tires creates a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry diseases. This practice also helps minimize fire risk and keeps the storage area more manageable.
AARC - Accredited Automotive Recycler Hazardous Fluid & Material Management Questions and Answers
According to EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 279), which of the following actions would cause used oil to be managed as a listed hazardous waste?