The Importance of Classifying Hazardous Materials Properly

Hazardous materials can be in solid, liquid, or gas form and we come across them more often than we can tell. When not handled in the proper fashion, it can cause a lot of harm to a person and to the environment. Hazardous materials can be toxic, radioactive, flammable, allergenic, asphyxiating or oxidizing in nature and can create a lot of damage if ignorance is exercised in the handling of these substances.  When it comes to the transportation of these substances, extra care must also be given and only qualified professionals should be doing such work.

In order to label a hazmat accordingly, the diamond sign is typically used and you are most probably familiar with this symbol. Depending on the danger or level of hazard of a certain substance, certain color codes will be used in order to label things accordingly. This system of labelling and using color in varying degrees is a good way to give the users and handlers an idea of how dangerous the substance really is right off the bat. For instance, if you see a diamond that features the color red, it is indicating that the substance is flammable while a yellow diamond will tell you that the substance contained is an oxidizing agent. Flammable and oxidizing materials put together will create an explosive substance which is why a red and yellow label will equal an orange and this is also used to label such substances. Items that are not flammable and non toxic are denoted by a green diamond. The degree of hazard that comes with a certain substance is quickly understood by properly labelling the containers.

In order to create a safer environment in the use of such materials, this labelling and classification system was put into place. Aside from knowing how to properly handle these substances when shipping or using them, proper disposal is also a part of why we need to properly label and classify these items. The rules when it comes to the handling and shipment of these hazardous materials is different in each country. It should also be noted that even with the worldwide use of the diamond as a symbol for hazmats, every country has its own classification and what is classified as a toxic gas in one country may be classified as a non flammable gas in another.

Because these substances travel to places and destinations that are far from their origin, there was a need to develop this system of classification and incorporate proper GHS training. Thus the globally harmonized system was born and has been in use in many different parts of the world ever since. Workers and handlers in every country that has dealt with hazmats finds it easy to handle and take the necessary precautions that help safeguard against the risks of such substances - all because the method of classification is now predictable and consistent.

The GHS training kit will be useful in each of the training everyone would undergo. So follow the link to get your own kit too.