Two Local Waste employees narrowly escaped injury when an explosion occurred while they were conducting their trash pickup route in Whitehall, Ohio. The blast was caused by an oxygen tank found inside a trash can, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations and taking necessary precautions when handling hazardous materials.
On Wednesday morning, two Local Waste employees were involved in a shocking incident while conducting their trash pickup route in Whitehall, Ohio. A video released by the City of Whitehall on their Facebook page shows the employees going about their normal routine when suddenly, ‘a large explosion occurs.’
The explosion is attributed to an oxygen tank found inside one of the trash cans. According to regulations set by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, it is strictly prohibited to dispose of hazardous waste, including oxygen tanks, in regular trash cans. This careless act nearly led to serious injuries for the two employees.
Fortunately, the man who emptied the garbage can was standing right next to the explosion but managed to quickly put out the fire that started inside the truck. He then called 911 after avoiding what could have been a potentially life-threatening situation.
Garbage collection crews are responsible for collecting and disposing of household waste.
These teams typically consist of sanitation workers who operate heavy machinery, such as garbage trucks, to collect trash from residential areas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 218,000 municipal collectors in the United States as of May 2020.
Garbage collection crews often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may be exposed to hazardous materials.
The City of Whitehall has encouraged anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the police department at 614-237-6333. To prevent such incidents in the future, it is essential for residents to be aware of how to properly dispose of hazardous waste. A link has been provided to learn more about safe disposal practices.
The employees’ narrow escape serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations and taking necessary precautions when handling potentially hazardous materials.
