What exactly does “hazmat” mean?
The simple definition of “hazmat” is “hazardous materials,” but there is a lot more to the matter than this. What qualifies as a hazardous material? What are the regulations surrounding hazardous materials? What kinds of hazardous materials are out there? Today, we’ll be answering these questions so that you can gain a better understanding of how to handle your hazmat problems. Are you ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
What qualifies for the label “hazmat?”
Any agent or substance be it biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical that could cause harm to animals, people, or the environment through interaction or exposure. That’s quite a mouthful, but it shows us that hazmat encompasses a wide variety of things. Now, groups like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and even the Department of Transportation (DOT), all have their own specific definitions for hazardous materials, but the general concept remains the same. They’re materials that could potentially cause harm to the world around them and the people in it.
What are the regulations surrounding hazardous materials?
The way that hazardous materials are handled, transported, and disposed of are surrounded by regulations. According to federal regulations, all things defined as “hazmat” must be labeled, classified, defined, marked, and prepared for transport in accordance with a certain set of standards. Currently, there are nine classes of hazardous materials: Explosives, Gases, Flammable/Combustable Liquids, Flammable/Combustable Solids, Oxidizors/Organic Peroxide, Poison, Radioactive, Corrosive, and Miscellaneous. After all, if there were no regulations, we may find ourselves up to our ears in hazardous waste. These regulations are put in place to maintain public safety and it is the duty of all who handle them to remain compliant.
Having hazmat troubles? We can help!
No matter what kind of environmental management issue you may have, AEG Environmental can help. We handle every situation with care, dedication, and a commitment to exemplary customer service. When you have an emergency, you can rely on us! Need training? We can handle that too! We train in a wide variety of environmental management areas so that your company can remain compliant with EPA, DOT, and OSHA. Make sure to check out our blog for the latest and greatest in the waste management world! You should also follow us on social media for updates.
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