We often like to share safety tips regarding different hazards especially on emerging new risks. However, it is good to go back to the basics from time to time to remind you of those risks that you should not lose sight of. One example is the proper disposal of oily rags.
We have seen a rising trend of property fires this year, all related to the improper disposal of oily rags. A fire at any business can be significant, but fires in a wood business can be devastating. Most buildings in our industry are full of wood products, and for manufacturers, wood dust on the floors and in the air along with flammable materials add a higher probability of combustion.
The Dangers of Oily Rags
Oil-covered rags are part of daily operations for many businesses in the woodworking industry. However, the rags used in your operation can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly.
Oily rags can oxidize and produce heat while they are drying. If someone on your team were to leave these rags piled up or folded, the heat could become trapped and create a fire. The rag’s material acts as fuel when the heat and oxygen combine to become combustible.
Mitigating this risk takes knowledge of the proper disposal practices and having established protocol in place for workers to follow. Let’s break down the best way to dispose of oily rags and why it is important to handle this task correctly to keep your team as safe as possible.
Oily Rag Disposal Regulations
Businesses must abide by certain regulations relating to oily rags and hazardous waste to remain compliant and minimize the risk of harm to people, animals and property.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has special requirements for managing oil cleanup materials. The agency states that businesses must regard rags with free-flowing oil as hazardous waste and treat them as such.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1926.252(e) mandates that you keep all oily rags, along with solvent waste and other flammable liquids, in a covered, fire-resistant container until removed from the site.
Your state and local municipality may also impose their own disposal regulations for throwing out combustible materials and waste.
5 Steps to Safely Dispose of Oily Rags
Understanding the best way to throw out your rags is essential for combating potential hazards and keeping your facility secure. Before getting started, see if there is a local hazardous waste company that serves your area. These companies make the disposal of oily rags easy.
Practice the following steps for safely disposing of your shop’s used rags to help keep risk to a minimum:
Step 1: Gather Your Oily Rags
The first thing to do is gather all your soiled rags. Be sure not to leave them wrinkled or folded for any period of time, especially in sunlight or near another heat source.
Step 2: Locate an Airtight Container
Find an empty container that is made of a fire-resistant material and features an airtight lid. It should be a self-closing UL rated container. Ensure the container is clean and that there is no flammable residue present inside. Size is another important consideration. Choose an option that is big enough to fit all of your rags or grab multiple containers.
Step 3: Put the Rags in an Empty Container and Seal the Lid Tightly
Place your oily rags into the container. Do not leave them unattended. Place the lid on the container promptly. Sealing it securely is essential to avoid a potential hazard. You do not want any more oxygen entering the environment and giving the rags a chance to combust.
Step 4: Temporarily Store the Container in a Climate-Controlled Space
Once you’ve secured the lid on your container, take it to a safe location. You should keep these containers only temporarily while waiting for hazardous waste collection. Be sure to clearly label any containers holding oily rags. Keep them stored in a dry, climate-controlled space where they won’t be tampered with. Monitor your containers periodically to ensure they are secure.
Step 5: Contact a Hazardous Waste Company for Disposal
The final step is to contact a local hazardous material removal company that offers oil rag disposal services. They’ll have the expertise to safely transport and dispose of these materials for your business.
Remember, good housekeeping is the best way to prevent all fires, including spontaneous combustion from oily rags. Taking these important steps can help protect your workers, customers, and property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disposing of Oily Rags
- Can I Burn Oily Rags?
No, you should never attempt to burn your business’s oily rags. In fact, because of the byproducts they release, you can get in legal trouble for burning them in most municipalities.
- Can I Put Oily Rags in the Washing Machine?
It is unsafe to wash oily rags in your washing machine. In addition to potentially damaging your machine’s motor, the fumes from the engine oil can catch fire. As your washer heats up during the wash cycle, the fire risk becomes even greater.
You also do not want any of the toxins from the oil in your washing machine or water systems.
- How Long Does It Take for Oily Rags to Combust?
The time it takes for an oily rag to combust ultimately depends on a few factors, such as the surrounding temperatures and how you situate soiled rags. Certain ambient conditions can speed up the oxidation process, resulting in a fire more quickly. Oily rags that you store improperly could combust in as little as one hour. In some cases, combustion could occur a day or two after handling the rags incorrectly.
- Can I Put Oily Rags in the Dryer?
No. Even if you have washed them and broken down the oils, you should never put oily rags in a drying machine.
- Can Oily Rags Go in General Waste?
No. Businesses should always take used rags to a designated facility or work with a hazardous waste disposal service to throw away oily rags. Putting them in general waste can be dangerous and illegal.
