Hazardous Materials Safety Topics
HAZWOPER, flammable liquids, compressed gas cylinders, silica, benzene, lead safety, and chemical hazard awareness across construction and general industry.
Hazardous materials safety is the practice of recognizing, handling, storing, and communicating the dangers of chemicals and other harmful substances so that workers are not injured or made sick by them. It matters because these materials can cause harm in more ways than almost any other job site hazard, from immediate fires, explosions, and chemical burns to long-term illnesses such as cancer and lung disease that may not appear for years. Workers also have a legal right to know what they are exposed to and how to protect themselves.
The articles on this page explain common chemical and material hazards and how to control them, grounded in current OSHA requirements. They cover hazard communication and safety data sheets, flammable and combustible liquids like gasoline, compressed gas cylinders and LPG, and specific substances such as silica, lead, benzene, asbestos, and arsenic. Others address carbon monoxide, bloodborne pathogens, HAZWOPER for hazardous waste work, and process safety management for highly hazardous chemicals.
Use them to review a hazard before working with a chemical, train a new worker on safe handling, or prepare a safety meeting on a specific substance. They are written for safety managers, supervisors, and any worker who handles, transports, or works near hazardous materials on the job.
Why it matters
Among OSHA's most-cited standards
Key OSHA standards
1910.1200 · 1910.120
Free articles
15+
Best for
Construction, manufacturing, warehousing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)?
HazCom, 29 CFR 1910.1200, is OSHA's 'right to know' standard for hazardous chemicals. It requires employers to keep a written program, label containers, maintain a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical, and train workers on the hazards and how to protect themselves.
What is a safety data sheet, and what must employers do with it?
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a standardized, 16-section document from the chemical manufacturer that covers a product's hazards, safe handling and storage, exposure limits, and first aid and emergency measures. Employers must keep an SDS for every hazardous chemical on site and make them readily accessible to workers on all shifts.
What is HAZWOPER, and which workers need it?
HAZWOPER, 29 CFR 1910.120, stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. It applies to workers involved in hazardous waste cleanup, treatment, storage, and disposal, and to those who respond to emergency chemical releases. Hazardous waste site workers generally need 24 to 40 hours of initial training plus an annual refresher, depending on their role.
What is a permissible exposure limit (PEL)?
A permissible exposure limit is the maximum amount of a hazardous substance a worker may be exposed to, set by OSHA and usually measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Many substances, such as silica, lead, and benzene, have their own detailed OSHA standards that add air monitoring, exposure controls, and medical surveillance.
How should compressed gas cylinders be stored and handled?
Store cylinders upright and secured with a chain or strap so they cannot tip over, and keep valve protection caps in place when they are not in use. Separate oxygen and other oxidizers from fuel gases like acetylene by at least 20 feet or a noncombustible barrier, and keep all cylinders away from heat and ignition sources.
What is the difference between a flammable and a combustible liquid?
Both can burn, but the difference is the flash point, the lowest temperature at which the liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite. Flammable liquids have a low flash point and can ignite at normal working temperatures, while combustible liquids have a higher flash point and must be heated before their vapors will ignite.
Related safety topics
When Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens is a Risk at Work
Any employee on clean-up duty or administering first aid has the opportunity to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on the job. Understand the risks.
The Dangers of Hazardous Materials in the Workplace
It's critical that workers know about the hazardous materials in their work area like flammable liquids and compressed gas, so they can protect themselves.
When Carbon Monoxide Can Be a Real Threat to Workers
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Make sure your crew knows what to do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Benzene Health Hazards and Workplace Exposure Limits
A basic overview of benzene safety awareness including health hazards, exposure limits, PPE requirements, fire protection and first aid procedures.
Arsenic Awareness: Hazards and Safe Work Practices
Arsenic hazards are not always obvious. It's important to know about the materials you are working with, exposure risks, and how to use proper controls.
How Chemical Hazard Communication is Effective at Work
Get the facts about the Globally Harmonized System that aligns with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and what it means for the safety of workers.
HAZWOPER: OSHA's Guidelines for Hazardous Waste Safety
OSHA's HAZWOPER standard provides clear guidelines for the safe and effective handling of hazardous waste, protecting both workers and the environment.