Why does the EPA provide guidance on hazardous material management?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance on hazardous material management primarily to promote effective safety practices. This guidance is crucial for ensuring that hazardous materials are handled, stored, and disposed of properly to protect human health and the environment. By establishing standards and best practices, the EPA aims to minimize risks associated with hazardous materials, such as contamination of air, water, and soil, as well as potential health hazards to workers and the community.

Effective safety practices outlined by the EPA help to ensure that those who work with hazardous materials are aware of the risks and know how to mitigate them. This includes training, proper labeling, waste management procedures, and emergency response protocols, all of which are essential for creating a safer environment both in workplaces and in the surrounding communities.