Risk Assessment of Industrial Waste: Case of an Algerian Company

Abstract

More than 300,000 tons of industrial hazardous wastes are produced every year in Algeria. Industrial waste can cause harm to people or the environment. The study highlights the problem of a very important step of the industrial waste management which is the storage. The Algerian regulation does not specify the storage mode of the different industrial wastes. This can cause very dangerous accidents such as fires and explosions. The main research technique is modeling according to a risk analysis tool. Using our assessment method (Preliminary Hazard Analysis), various risk factors can be classified according to their contribution to environmental and human health risks. The goal of this study was to study the risks associated with storing industrial waste and to assist businesses in improving their waste management practices for the purpose of sustainable development. The initial analysis of dangers and the Risk Assessment Matrix show that hazardous wastes like used batteries, used oils, and Askarel transformers can cause serious harm to the environment and humans if not handled safely. They can make the air, water, and soil dirty, and they can also contaminate the fauna and flora.