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Hazardous Materials
and the Work Place
4 Major Types of
Hazardous Materials
1) Corrosive
Hazardous materials that are corrosive can dissolve and eat
away at a container. This means that the majority of corrosives
are dangerous to the skin and eyes of humans as well as animals.
A few commonly found corrosives are rust removers, drain
cleaners and metal cleaners. These materials can contain acids
like phosphoric, sulfuric and hydrofluoric acid as well as lye
or sodium hydroxide. 2) Flammable
If not stored correctly, these types of hazardous materials
can be a serious fire hazard. The packaging of flammable items
usually read "Do not store near heat".
a) Fuel
Flammable products should always be kept in approved
containers and in an outdoor garage or storage shed. The more
well ventilated these spaces are the less risk of vapors
combusting. Do not store flammables inside the office building.
One additional fact to remember is that some fuels expand in
warmer temperatures, so do not fill the containers to capacity.
b) Pesticides Many liquid pesticides also pose a threat for fire. Like fuels, pesticides should be stored out of the building. Always keep only the minimum amount of pesticides needed on hand. Not only does this reduce the risk of fire, but it also saves time and money. In certain colder temperatures the chemicals in a pesticide can separate, making the substance ineffective. 3) Explosive or
Reactive
These types of materials post a threat in multiple ways. If
combined with the wrong chemicals or materials, there is risk of
combustion or toxic gases. 4) Toxic
Substances that are toxic can, in certain quantities, pose a
hazard to a person or animal. Most janitorial closets are full
of potentially toxic materials. Cleaners, deodorizers and other
every day items can pose a threat when used or disposed of
incorrectly. However, when used safely, these items can be very
beneficial and necessary. Store Hazardous
Materials Correctly
- Make it a company policy to only buy the minimal amount of
product needed at a time.
- Store hazardous materials in their original containers and
always make sure labels are in place.
- Do not store flammable or explosive items in the sun or
near a heat source.
- Pressurized cans and containers should not be allowed to
remain wet or in a wet space because rust
- Designate separate cleaning supplies like rags and brooms
for chemical spills and do not use them for
- Bags of sand or sawdust are helpful to have present in the
storage area to soak up any hazardous Disposing of
Hazardous Materials including Leftover Pesticide Concentrate and
Mix
- Never dump these substances on the ground. This can pose a
risk of groundwater contamination.
- Placing these materials in the garbage is dangerous because
it can harm trash collectors as well as
- The proper way of disposing of hazardous materials is
usually outlined on the label. This often includes
- Restrict purchases
of chemicals to the minimum amount so there is none leftover. |
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