Landfill Gas
Landfill gas is a byproduct of the decomposition of organic waste in
landfills. It primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide, but can
also contain small amounts of other gases.
In the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), landfill gas poses several health and safety risks, including:
In the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), landfill gas poses several health and safety risks, including:
Explosion Hazards
Methane in landfill gas can form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions1.
Asphyxiation Hazards
High concentrations of landfill gas can displace oxygen, leading to asphyxiation1.
Chemical Exposure:
Low-level chemical emissions from landfill gas can cause health issues, particularly if the gas migrates into nearby communities.
Employers must implement safety measures to monitor and control
landfill gas emissions to protect workers and the surrounding
community.