FAQ

Contact an EH&S expert to find an answer to any specific questions about workplace safety and compliance with OSHA, EPA or DOT regulations.

Toll-Free Hotline: 877-KPA4EHS (877-572-4347)

Email: [email protected]

All questions will be answered within one business day.

Toll-Free Hotline: 877-KPA4EHS (877-572-4347)

Email: [email protected]

All questions will be answered within one business day.

Information provided through this Web site or the toll-free number is free and available to all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealers. This no-charge service is made possible by TMS and KPA.

As long as the batteries are still in the original packaging/boxes, they meet shipping requirements and can be returned via their normal parts return from the dealer. If they are not in the original packaging, please contact your Customer Services Field Manager (CSFM) to discuss the proper return procedure.

Major manufacturers or distributors of these products have catalogs and/or Web sites available.

For paint spray booths, automotive paint companies such as BASF, PPG or DuPont might have spray booths as part of their paint systems, or they would know sources in the industry that build and install spray booths.

For car wash systems, seek someone who has fleet operations like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS. They have wash systems on site and could provide a variety of companies that make such systems.

Parts washers are found in several catalogs from manufacturers that cater to the repair side of the industry. It's possible to purchase the individual parts washers and then buy separately the cleaning solvent or water-based cleaner to use in the parts washer. In addition, there are vendors (example: Safety-Kleen) that offer an entire system of parts washers and fluids and relates services.

Make sure all the refrigerant from the tank is removed using normal/conventional removal methods. If the tank is emptied, determine if the refrigerant company will take back the refrigerant tank as part of a recycling program. If recycling the tank is not possible, you may consider the municipal or county landfill. They may have a program of handling emptied refrigerant tanks or allow disposal through normal solid waste removal, i.e., shop dumpster. Another possibility is finding a scrap metal dealer that will handle the tanks as scrap metal.

(Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance)

Since acid residue from a battery is corrosive and may contain other toxics, such as lead, it is hazardous waste. In case of an acid spill, neutralize the acid (with baking soda or lime) and dispose of as hazardous waste.

(Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance)

Microbial cleaners, which utilize soap to loosen grease from parts and microbes to decompose grease, can be used for parts cleaning (off- or on-car), and for small cleanups. They offer an effective alternative to hazardous parts washing methods. With prior approval, the spent cleaners can be discharged to a public sewer system.

(Source: University of Northern Iowa, Small Business Pollution Prevention Center, Vehicle Maintenance)

Catalytic Converters replaced under warranty by all Toyota, Scion and Lexus dealers will be requested for return via the Parts Recovery System (PRS). Please follow the process outlined in Toyota Warranty Procedures Bulletin PR007-05 dated 02/14/07 (Toyota and Scion dealers) and Lexus Warranty Bulletin PR007-06 dated 06/06/07 (Lexus dealers).

For non-warranty catalytic converters, please tag/label the converter and keep it on site for 15 days. After 15 days, all catalysts should be recycled.

You can add aerosol cans and fuel filters to your used oil filter pile - but there are some things to know first.

Check with your recycler. Depending on their business, they may or may not want to handle fuel filters or aerosol cans with used oil filters. Make sure the company you employ has a recycling program for the scrap metal or contracts with a company that handles scrap metal.

You should drain the fuel filters until no free fuel is observed or utilize all of the aerosol contents so there is no more usable product.

(Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance)

Contact your used oil handler. They may want the "Floor Dry" material separate from the used oil or allow it to be commingled. Consider using the "Floor Dry" for energy recovery within your shop or send it offsite for energy recovery. Manage it like your used oil.

(Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance)

Wring out any oil from the rags into the used oil drum. To prevent combustion of the oily rags, store them in a metal drum with lid, and label the drum as containing "used rags." Then seek out and contract with a reputable laundry that accepts hazardous waste items, i.e., oil or solvent rags.

A second option is to take the rags, wring out excess oil (if any, into the used oil drum) and place them in a shop receptacle can and then into the shop's dumpster. While this response is not environmentally-friendly, if the shop operates as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator, and the addition of these rags do not cause the shop to become a small quantity generator, it is an alternative means of disposal.

If a shop chooses the second option, it is strongly suggested that the owner or manager contact their state's hazardous waste program office. Not all states recognize the conditionally exempt small quantity generator designation.

(Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance)

Visit the following U.S. EPA link on Method 1311, the TCLP.

Visit the U.S. EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) web site to learn about the "Automotive Refinishing Project."

Please refer to the Toyota Service Bulletin dated November 20, 1998, titled "R-12 Air Conditioner System Retrofit."

Seat assemblies containing airbags do not need to be shipped as a hazardous material. There is an exception in 49CFR for air bags installed in a vehicle or in completed vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and door panels. Based on this exception, seat assemblies containing airbags are not subject to the packaging, labeling and documentation requirements of 49CFR.

49CFR 173.166(d): Exceptions. (1) An air bag module or seat-belt pretensioner that has been approved by the Associate Administrator and is installed in a motor vehicle or in completed vehicle components, such as steering columns or door panels, is not subject to the requirements of this subchapter.

KPA is a dealer services provider for over 5,100 automotive, truck, and equipment dealerships and service companies. In addition to CLEAN Dealer Support, KPA provides industry-specific Environmental Health and Safety consulting services and software, including:

• Onsite: complete OSHA safety compliance management and environmental compliance services, including regularly-scheduled facility inspections, employee training, and formal Safety Committee meetings.
• On call: around-the-clock support for Environment and Safety incidents.
• Online: myKPAOnline, an online safety and compliance tracking and measurement system.