HazMat

Hazardous materials, or hazmat, are substances or mixtures that pose risks to health, safety, property or the environment due to chemical reactivity, flammability, toxicity, radioactivity, or biological contamination. Hazmat can include chemicals, fuels, pesticides, radioactive materials, biological agents, and explosives. The term is used across industry, emergency services, and regulatory contexts to distinguish dangerous goods from ordinary materials.

Hazmat are categorized into classes and compatibility groups for transport and handling. Common categories include flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, toxic substances, infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosives, compressed gases, and miscellaneous dangerous goods. Transportation labeling uses hazard class numbers, pictograms, UN numbers, and packaging group designations. Placards and shipping papers convey risks to handlers and responders.

Regulation varies by country but generally governs packaging, labeling, documentation, training and response. In the United States, the Department of Transportation regulates hazmat shipments; OSHA requires hazard communication and training; the EPA addresses environmental controls. Internationally, the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods provide a baseline, with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air transport, IMDG Code for sea, and ADR for road in Europe.

Handling and storage emphasize containment, proper segregation to prevent hazardous interactions, adequate ventilation, spill control measures, and appropriate personal protective equipment. Facilities maintain inventories, secure storage, and incident reporting procedures. In case of a release, trained personnel follow established emergency response plans and notify authorities per jurisdiction.

Because hazmat can pose acute or chronic health risks and environmental damage, compliance and preparedness are central to safe management, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.