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• <br /> possibility of improperly disposed asbestos ; particularly a <br /> threat when opening bags of ,waste; <br /> • radioactive waste (typically lab-related) ; <br /> • general unsanitary conditions , including decomposing food <br /> waste; <br /> • injury from improper lifting of materials , particularly heavy <br /> bags or materials . <br /> The Division provides employees several hours of safety training <br /> before they are allowed to conduct waste assessments . Employees are <br /> trained to became aware of potential hazards and to respond <br /> appropriately when hazards are encountered; to gather as much <br /> information as possible about a specific waste stream in advance to <br /> reduce the "unknowns" ; to wear protective clothing and equipment; and <br /> to follow waste handling protocols that prevent contact with or <br /> exposure to waste materials . Staff conducting waste assessments are <br /> provided personal protective equipment such as gloves , aprons , <br /> jackets , eye goggles, anti-bacterial towelettes , and first aid kits . <br /> They are required to wear long-sleeved shirts , long pants , socks , and <br /> shoes that cover the feet entirely and have slip-resistant soles . <br /> The greatest concern in handling waste materials is the unknown nature <br /> of the contents of a container or dumpster. Division staff ask <br /> clients many questions about waste and never handle waste materials <br /> without knowledge of the nature of the materials . Anyone handling <br /> waste materials from dumpsters and waste containers accessible to the • <br /> general public faces significant risk of injury from exposure or <br /> contact with waste materials , particularly improperly disposed waste. <br /> I understand there are thoughts about whether the City would knowingly <br /> allow, even encourage, young people to recover aluminum cans from <br /> mixed waste containers in City parks . The issues and concerns <br /> outlined here clearly argue for a careful evaluation of the potential <br /> liabilities associated with such an effort, particularly if the <br /> "garbage sorters " are young children who may not appreciate the <br /> hazards associated with this waste stream and who are particularly <br /> vulnerable to disease and injury. The Division advises the City of <br /> Mounds View to consult with its risk manager on this issue before <br /> making any attempt to allow anyone, including City employees , to <br /> recover recyclables from mixed waste. If community <br /> . � aagroups <br /> or service <br /> organizationsare i t interested pOiavring recycling `fesOrt, <br /> the <br /> City should clearly understand what potential liability the City faces <br /> with different collection scenarios . <br /> Please feel free to contact Division staff to discuss possible <br /> recycling strategies and review experiences of others who have pursued <br /> park recycling efforts . <br /> Sincerely, <br /> GA,--- <br /> Za ' : ansen <br /> :iDivision Manager III <br />