Hazmat
Hazmat is a term used to describe hazardous materials. Hazardous materials pose a potential threat to the surrounding environment if an incident should occur. For this reason, individuals dealing with hazmat should undergo safety training to ensure they understand the power of the materials they are working with and how to avoid potential disasters. Hazardous materials can be corrosive, ignitable, reactive, radioactive, toxic or infectious.Classifications of Hazardous Materials
There are many different types of hazardous materials. Classifications of hazmat include materials which are:
- Corrosive – strong enough to erode the steel drums in which they are contained and human skin if they come in contact with the skin
- Ignitable – have the propensity to ignite at a relatively low temperature
- Reactive – can explode or emit deadly fumes when they are exposed to water, heat or pressure
- Radioactive – can have long term effects if released into the environment
- Toxic – can result in health concerns and can be poisonous to humans and animals
- Infectious – carry germs, bacteria or viruses harmful to humans and animals, and have the capability to produce diseases.
Safety Training for Hazmat Employees
Hazardous materials are much more common than most people think. Over 3 billion tons of hazmat is transported annually. This includes transportation via truck, rail, pipeline and water. With so much hazmat on route to destinations on a daily basis it is obvious there is a need for safety training for any and all individuals who work with these materials. There is always the potential for incidents when hazmat is involved but this potential is greatly reduced when the materials are handled properly.
All Hazmat employees are required by law to undergo safety training before working with these dangerous materials. The definition of a hazmat employee includes anyone who comes in contact with hazmat in the course of their work activities. This may include, but is not limited to, those who load, unload, pack and transport hazmat.
The training required by hazmat employees includes:
- Providing information on the potential hazards of these materials
- General information on the subject
- Training specific to the employee's function
- Safe handling of these materials
- Procedures for dealing with incidents involving hazmat should they occur.
Hazmat training is an ongoing process involving training, testing, certification, and keeping records of training.