Final answer:
Title 49 CFR hazardous material regulations aim to manage hazardous materials safely from their inception to disposal, protect human health and the environment, and promote safe recycling practices. It aligns with USDOT and EPA's hazardous waste regulations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hazardous waste management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intent of the hazardous material regulations found in title 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) is to ensure the safe management of hazardous materials from creation to disposal, a concept known as "cradle to grave". This includes safe transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of these materials.
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) hazardous waste regulations, are designed to protect human health and the environment. The EPA's regulations, specifically under the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA), provide a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste. This includes listed hazardous wastes from various sources as well as characterizing and managing mixed wastes.
Furthermore, the regulations are meant to balance resource conservation with health and environmental protection. This balance encourages the recycling of hazardous waste whenever it can be done safely and effectively, while ensuring that non-recyclable wastes are treated and disposed of in a manner that minimizes risks to health and the environment. Safety measures also include land disposal restrictions that prevent the contamination of soil and water.
Additionally, regulations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensure workplace safety by setting forth standards on chemical exposure, access to safety information, use of personal protective equipment, and protection from operational hazards. This ensures that all aspects of hazardous material management are regulated for safety.