Highlight five characteristics of hazardous wastes, give examples of personal protective equipment, and state their functions in each.

1. Toxicity: Hazardous wastes can be toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection against toxicity include respirators, gloves, and goggles. Respirators help protect the wearer from inhaling toxic fumes, while gloves and goggles prevent skin and eye contact with hazardous substances.

2. Flammability: Some hazardous wastes are flammable and can easily catch fire. PPE for protection against flammability includes flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and face shields. Flame-resistant clothing helps protect the wearer from burns, while gloves and face shields provide additional protection against flames and heat.

3. Corrosiveness: Hazardous wastes can be corrosive and cause damage to skin, eyes, and other materials. PPE for protection against corrosiveness includes chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and aprons. Chemical-resistant gloves help prevent skin contact with corrosive substances, while goggles and aprons protect the eyes and clothing from damage.

4. Reactivity: Hazardous wastes can be reactive and undergo dangerous chemical reactions. PPE for protection against reactivity includes face shields, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing. Face shields help protect the face from splashes of reactive substances, while gloves and clothing provide additional protection against contact with reactive materials.

5. Infectiousness: Some hazardous wastes can contain infectious agents that pose a risk of infection to humans. PPE for protection against infectiousness includes gloves, masks, and gowns. Gloves help prevent contact with infectious materials, masks protect the wearer from inhaling infectious particles, and gowns provide additional protection against contamination.

Five Characteristics of Hazardous Wastes:

1. Ignitability: Wastes that can easily catch fire and burn vigorously. Example: Gasoline
2. Corrosivity: Wastes that can cause damage to skin, eyes, or other body parts through chemical reactions. Example: Hydrochloric acid
3. Reactivity: Wastes that react violently with water or other substances. Example: Sodium metal
4. Toxicity: Wastes that are harmful or fatal to humans or other living organisms. Example: Lead
5. Infectivity: Wastes that contain infectious materials, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Example: Medical waste

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is worn to protect individuals from exposure to hazardous substances.

Examples of PPE and their Functions:

1. Gloves: Protect hands from chemical exposure.
2. Respirators: Protect lungs from inhalation of toxic fumes or particles.
3. Eye protection: Goggles or safety glasses protect eyes from splashes or vapors.
4. Coveralls: Provide full-body protection from chemical contact.
5. Safety boots: Protect feet from chemical spills or puncture hazards.