Masahide Wakakura*, Yasushi Oka**, Kotaro Mitsuhashi***, Koichi Hashimoto****, Hiroshi Hasegawa***** and Takashi Miyagawa ******

* Kanagawa Industrial Research Institute
** Yokohama National University
*** Industrial Research Institute of Yokohama City
**** Life and Environment Division. of Huzisawa City
***** Environment Division. of Kawasaki City
****** Japan Environmental Sanitation Center

+ Correspondence should be addressed to Masahide Wakakura:
(705-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina-city, kanagawa 243-0435 Japan)

Abstract

As case history analysis is an effective tool for loss prevention and safety control, accident data of general waste management facilities occurred during 1992-1996 were collected. Many fires, explosions and physical accidents were reported and a large number of employees died or were injured. It can be concluded from analysis that safety education, alternated safety systems in existing facilities, knowledge of the safety characteristics about waste materials and prevention of human error are important to decrease accidents.

Key words: general waste, sewage disposal, accident, fire and explosion, safety