Keeping safe with hazardous material should be the priority when handling and using toxic substances.
Hazardous materials severely affect human health.
It is one of the primary reasons for many serious diseases, including cancer.
Creating a safety culture to protect oneself and the community is essential.
All hands should learn methods of handling and transporting hazardous materials.
Proper handling of hazardous materials is paramount to living a healthy lifestyle.
The primary purpose of this post is to inform about hazardous materials; How does it affect human health? And safety precautions when dealing with these toxic materials.
Meaning of Hazardous Material
A chemical or substance classified as a physical hazard material or a health hazard material, whether the chemical or substance is in usable or waste condition—NFPA 400.
In simplicity, a hazardous material is any substance that can harm human health and the living environment.
And such materials are referred to as dangerous goods, and proper handling is required to avoid disaster.
Types of Hazardous Materials
The classifications of hazardous materials are as follows:
● Class 1: Explosives, e.g., Fireworks, Dynamite
● Class 2: Gases, e.g., Acytelene, Lighters
● Class 3: Flammable liquids, e.g., Gasoline, Alcohol
● Class 4: Flammable solids, e.g., Oily Rags/Fabrics, Matches
● Class 5: Oxidizers/organic peroxides, e.g., Potassium Peroxides
● Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances, e.g., Lead Compounds
● Class 7: Radioactive material, e.g., Uranium, Cobalt, Iodine
● Class 8: Corrosives, e.g., Mineral Acid, Ammonia
● Class 9: Miscellaneous, e.g., Lithium-Battery, Asbestos
Effects of Hazardous Materials on Human Health
How severe the human health effects through toxic materials depends upon how chemicals enter the body.
Some poisonous materials show an immediate impact, while some take time to harm human health. More toxic chemicals have a terrible effect on human health.
On average, about 300 artificially designed chemicals have a very intense effect on the living style of the human body. The results of dangerous material vary to the age of humans.
Some of the impacts on human health include:
● Behavior abnormalities
● It can cause cancer
● Kidney failure
● Physical deformation
● Many congenital disabilities occur due to toxic materials
Effects of Hazardous Materials on the Environment
These dangerous materials have a severe impact on health as well as the environment.
Human everyday waste contaminates the natural environment, i.e., water, soil, and air. Some of the results include the following:
● The death of animals, not excluding humans.
● It can cause mutation in animals
● It is the primary reason for the destruction of natural resources
● It also reduces the life span of plant life
● The life of many aquatic animals is at risk due to hazardous waste
● Some hazardous chemicals are also the reason for the contamination of soil
Handling Hazardous Material
What rules should everyone follow to protect themselves from these hazardous materials?
Encourage yourself and everybody around you to follow the chemical handling safety tips. Adopting this action can protect the environment from such toxic materials.
- Recognition
Firstly it is essential to understand and recognize the hazardous material. Read the instructive label (material safety sheet) properly before using it.
Also, go through precautions to know how to handle them safely.
- Give Proper Training to Employees
Every employee in the workplace should get the proper training to get information about the disposal method of such materials.
Adequate disposal of toxic materials is compulsory for a healthy life.
- Pre-Planning
Consider the severe condition and make a pre-plan about handling an accident when it happens—ready-to-go safety equipment such as eyewash and shower stations should be available.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Use new and clean personal protection equipment. Disposed of old and damaged PPE.
- Marked All Hazardous Materials
Ensure all containers containing toxic chemicals should be appropriately named and labeled.
- Use Only When Needed
Use the hazardous chemicals only when needed
- Stored Toxic Chemicals Properly
Store materials and substances according to compatibility. Ensure container lids are closed tightly. Keep the area clean, and don’t overpack substances. Leave a breathing space between storage.
- Dispose of Waste Material Properly
The correct way of disposal protects you and the community from many problems. So, dispose of toxic materials properly.
- Wash Hands After Use
Wash hands thoroughly after handling hazardous material. Never drink or eat while handling toxic materials.
Uncommon Safety Tips for Home Hazmat
We frequently use many products that contain toxic materials. These dangerous materials can harm you and cause injury. So its proper usage and handling are compulsory at home.
Here we list some household products that contain hazardous materials.
● Tile cleaners
● Toilet-cleaners
● Oven cleaners
● Motor oil
● Lead paint
● Gasoline and many more!
Follow the following safety measures to protect yourself from any incident.
- Use PPE
Whenever you are handling such chemicals, use gloves, mask, goggles, etc.,
- Read Instructions Carefully
Before going to use it, read the instructions carefully.
- Clean Your Hand
Always wash your hands properly after using any unsafe material.
- Don’t mix Them
Don’t mix toxic material unless you know to use it properly.
- Dispose of Waste Material Properly
The correct way of disposal protects you and the community from many problems. So, dispose of toxic materials properly.
General Safety Rules
● Always stay alert
● Wear the proper clothing while handling hazmat
● Always use the right tools and equipment
● Keep storage neatly and don’t overstock
● Have a safety plan ready to go
Bottomline
If you want to live a healthy life and protect your surroundings from complex situations, follow the instructions above. These safety precautions keep you safe from any danger.
A clean environment is essential for you as well as other living organisms. Safety handling is compulsory for healthy living.
Don’t throw waste material openly in the air. It can cause pollution that affects human health and leads to death. Following the safety rules is the priority.
Do you enjoy this reading? Kindly share with family, friends, and colleagues. Thanks 🙂
