Safe handling of chemicals and flammable materials is essential and it requires delicate practices. Managing material safety data, carrying out proper safety measures and taking hazmat education courses are obvious. However, you can’t plan an accident no matter how equipped you are. It is better to call in experts who are skilled in hazmat spill response services.
What are Hazmat Products
Hazmat products are materials (chemicals or substances) that pose a health hazard. It can be physical or environmental. Hazardous materials are regulated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and U.S. Department of Transportation.
HAZMAT is an abbreviation for hazardous materials. It can be in any form, quantities, substances, fuels, toxic chemicals, nuclear wastes, biological, chemical and/or radiological agents. These types of hazardous materials get released in the form of solids, liquids, and/or gas. These include vapor, dust, fumes, smoke and mist.
If these hazmat materials spill, it may cause health complications and even death. Therefore, the materials pose an incredibly high risk and they have the potential to ruin any property.
Hazmat Classes
There are classes defined for Hazmat products. These are based on the risk types, effects, and potential health hazards (chronic or acute).
- Class 1 – Explosives: products that have the ability to detonate or alight through a chemical reaction
- Class 2 – Gases: Any flammable gas that is corrosive or toxic
- Class 3 – Flammable Liquids: liquids that pose a high risk of ignition and combustible or volatile
- Class 4 – Flammable Solids: products that are combustible often contribute to fire.
- Class 5 – Organic Peroxides and Oxidizing Agents – products with high oxygen content make themselves extremely reactive. Also, extinguishing them becomes a lot more difficult.
- Class 6 – Infectious and Toxic Substances: products that are liable to cause death upon contact (ingestion, inhalation and/or skin).
- Class 7 – Radioactive Material: exposure to radioactive material can be deadly for all living organisms
- Class 8 – Corrosives: products that are liable to degrade materials and harm animals, the environment, and humans.
- Class 9 – Miscellaneous Goods: any dangerous substance that poses a threat to life. It can be asbestos, marine pollutants, etc.
Why Hazmat Skill Response Is Required?
It’s always good to let the experts handle the situation in case of an emergency. The hazmat spill response team knows how to handle different types of chemical spills and hazmat incidents. Wherever you are in Colorado, you can certainly rely on these experts. These types of teams are made of experts who are knowledgeable about the substances and have proper training. They are quick and efficient in controlling the situation. Most importantly, they will help you to reduce exposure and liability, thereby saving some valuable lives.
Hazmat Spill Response & Plan
Typically, your safety plan must include addressing the chemicals used at the worksite and the controlling procedures in the case of a spill. The structure of the plan depends on the chemicals and how workers are going to use them.
The plan should also reflect the information of MSDS. Keep your worksite equipped with the correct PPE. Be sure that you have the correct spill control materials. The kits may not mean a lot in case of severe spillage but initially can save you from hazards.
Remember to include the contact number of a restoration team in your hazmat spill response and plan.
ECOS Environmental & Disaster Restoration is a team of experts known for delivering HAZMAT spill response services. From immediate containment to clean-up, disposal and remediation, our team can ensure complete peace of mind. We are able to handle it quickly and in a professional way. We operate round the clock so, whenever required, simply give us a call at 888-496-3153.
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