In the past decade, industry, government, and the general public have become increasingly aware of the need to respond to the hazardous waste problem, which has grown steadily over the past 40 years. In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)-the Superfund law-to provide for "liability, compensation, cleanup, and emergency response for hazardous substances released into the environment and the cleanup of inactive waste disposal sites." This manual is a guidance document for managers responsible for occupational safety and health programs at inactive hazardous waste sites. It assumes a basic knowledge of science and experience in occupational safety and health. It is the product of a four-agency committee (the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA, the U.S. Coast Guard USCG, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA) mandated by CERCLA section 301(f) to study the problem of protecting the safety and health of workers at hazardous waste sites, and by CERCLA section 111(c)(6) to develop a program to protect the health and safety of employees involved in response to hazardous substance releases, removals, or remedial actions.

"October 1985." Includes bibliographical references.