Hazardous Materials Identification

Hazardous Materials Identification is the process of recognizing and categorizing substances that can pose risks to health, safety, or the environment. This involves examining materials for harmful characteristics, such as toxicity, flammability, or reactivity. Proper identification is crucial for ensuring safe handling, storage, and disposal, as well as for global trade and emergency response. Agencies like OSHA and the EPA provide guidelines for identifying these materials, which often include labels, safety data sheets, and classification systems to help individuals and organizations manage risks effectively. Understanding this process is essential for maintaining safety in various settings.