CRETIB (WASTE): MEANING AND WHAT IT IS FOR - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

CRETIB is a nomenclature used to designate waste that is considered dangerous and highly polluting. The acronyms correspond to the classification of waste described as follows: corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, flammable and biological-infectious, although the latter can also be represented with the “p” for pathogen.

It should be noted that CRETIB wastes are also those that have been in contact with any of the materials that are within this classification; for this reason the correct handling of them is necessary. Today, knowledge of these acronyms has become essential for virtually every type of industry.

In fact, it is estimated that a waste of this type may not be dangerous if it is handled following the corresponding protocols. Likewise, each country will have the corresponding agencies that will dictate the guideline on their handling, according to the needs they present.

Meaning of the acronyms

CRETIB refers to wastes of a corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, flammable and biological-infectious nature. However, this last item is also synonymous with pathogen, a reference that is sometimes used within the acronym.

Corrosive

It will have two main characteristics: that it is aqueous and that said compound is capable of corroding (or dissolving) another, which will depend on the pH level it has.

Reagent

For a waste to be considered reactive, it must have some main characteristics: it is unstable, it reacts violently but without exploding, it generates toxic gases and vapors and it reacts with water.

Likewise, it can be said that it is generally waste containing cyanide and sulfur which, when in contact with other materials, are potentially dangerous for humans.

Explosive

It is the ability to produce a violent and instantaneous reaction of gases, pressure and temperature, which is caused by a sudden collision of components. This also generates the disturbance and / or turbulence of the space in which it is.

An explosive component can cause serious damage to the structure or people around it.

Toxic

This name is given to any compound that damages, causes injury or causes serious illnesses and even death to any living being that inhales, inhales or is in contact with it. There are different types of toxicity:

Environmental toxicity (Te)

The substance can create an environmental imbalance.

Acute toxicity (Th)

Over a period of time, the compound is capable of causing various damage or death to the organisms that are around it.

Chronic toxicity (Tt)

Due to short, medium or long-term exposure, organisms can suffer a number of life-threatening effects, among which are carcinogens, teratogens, and mutagens.

Flammable

Refers to waste that being solid, liquid or gaseous, can ignite quickly and spread rapidly in flames. This is mainly due to the gases that make up this type of waste.

Another characteristic that can also be pointed out is that combustion can be generated by friction and these residues feed on oxygen, which can increase the intensity.

Biological-infectious

Such a waste contains microorganisms, bacteria or viruses that can cause illness and even death. These are found in blood (and its derivatives), containers with cultures, carcasses of animals and people, body fluids and secretions in sharp-penetrating objects.

What is it for?

The acronyms themselves allow the effective recognition of this type of waste, as well as the danger it can represent for humans, other living beings and the environment. Therefore, emphasis is placed on prevention measures and procedures, in order to avoid accidents.

Preventive measures

The classification and management of this type of waste will depend largely on the needs and protocols established by each country. However, some general aspects related to the culture of prevention can be named:

-Depending on the industry you are in, it is necessary to know and disseminate the nomenclature of these components to the rest of the staff.

-Perform awareness programs on recycling, treatment and waste disposal, in order to control them in the different work areas.

-Instruction on the best use of materials.

-Control of the handling of polluting compounds and dangerous for human life.

Management of waste management

Some important steps for the management of CRETIB-type waste are worth mentioning:

-Separation of waste.

-Package and classify containers that may contain any of this type of waste, thus avoiding their mixing.

-Maintain a written control of the waste generated and the corresponding processes for its elimination.

-Inform the companies that will be in charge of the elimination of this waste everything concerning them for their proper treatment.

-Notify immediately if there is any loss or incorrect handling of these materials, to proceed to the corresponding control.

Main CRETIB waste generating activities

In view of the above, some industries that generate these wastes and the compounds they produce can be described:

Wood, glue and paint industry

Solvents and preservatives that can cause damage to metabolism and the nervous system.

Photographic industry

Developing liquids, solvents, fixing and bleaching solutions, and silver residues. All of these produce violent and irritating reactions if you are exposed too long; for example, they can cause serious damage to the nervous system.

Textile industry

Accumulation of oils, fats and detergents that, when making contact without the necessary prevention, causes the alteration of the endocrine system. They also represent a potential danger in altering the pH of the water.

Electrical installations

Compounds as condensers with halogenated solvents. If they are not handled correctly, they can produce mercury vapors, a substance dangerous to humans. If it does not cause death, it can affect vision and the circulatory and respiratory system.

Hospitals, clinics and other health centers

In general terms, there is the presence of expired drugs, infectious waste and a variety of biocontaminated materials. These can represent an epidemic risk.

Metallurgical industry

Defatted materials and fluids mixed with oil and water, which contain a high content of toxicity. They are considered one of the main causes of contamination of soils and water, as well as contributors to the greenhouse effect.

References

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2. Knowing a little about the CRETIB Code. (2017). At Dysco University. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. At Dysco University at university.dysco-automation.com.
3. CRETIB. (sf). In Glossaries. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. In Glossaries of glossaries.servidor-alicante.com.
4. CRETIB. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.
5. Definitions of each characteristic of the CRETIB code. (sf). On Course Hero. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. In Course Hero of coursehero.com.
6. Preventive measures; What is CRETIB code? (sf). In Discalse. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. In Discalse blogseguridadindustrial.com.
7. CRETIB waste. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: June 19, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.