MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station Environmental conducted an annual initial hazardous waste handlers class here Jan. 13-14 for service members who handle or come in contact with hazardous waste and hazardous minimization on a regular basis.
The class covered Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Order 5090.8, the Hazardous Waste and Non-regulated Waste Management Plan.
“There is a rule that we have to provide this training for the safety of employees who use hazardous materials or have it stored in their work places,” said Chris Yoneda, station safety director.
The training went over every aspect of hazardous minimization, proper usage and storage of hazardous materials and waste, proper reporting procedures, and cleanup procedures.
“This training is necessary so we know that each section is proficient in performing proper procedures while staying safe,” said Chuck Hill, an environmental protection specialist with Station Environmental and instructor for the class.
On the second day of the class, the students were taken on a field trip around the air station to view hazardous minimization sites, hazardous-water-accumulated areas, above-ground storage tanks, oil water separators, recycling areas and contractor sites.
The class also focused on how to keep the air station environmentally clean.
It’s important to remind people they are part of the solution, said Melanie Bengston, environmental director here.
“The environmental job that we’re doing here is all in support of the mission,” she said. “Whatever we do is to keep us operating so we have areas to train and safe places to live.”
At the end of the class, the students were evaluated on their knowledge of the course materials.
“I feel that I am completely prepared to head back to work with the knowledge I’ve gained from this training and make sure that procedures are followed properly and thoroughly,” said Lance Cpl. Kelly Marable, a Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 bulk fuels specialist.
A refresher course for the initial hazardous waste handlers class will be held today. A more advanced, two-week Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response class will be held in March.
To sign up for further environmental training, contact Station Environmental at 253-4854.
Other important phone numbers are the hazardous minimization center at 253-3706, the hazardous waste center at 253-3634, and Station Safety at 253-6381.