Since this is a new blog and my first post I thought I would begin with a brief introduction explaing a bit about HAZMAT or hazardous materials.

The term HAZMAT refers to hazardous materials, hazardous materials are toxic chemicals that can cause harm to humans, animals and the environment. Any, compound, element, or combination of, which is flammable, corrosive, explosive, radioactive, an oxidizer, an etiologic agent, or highly reactive, and because of handling, storing processing, or packaging are considered to be hazardous materials and fall under Hazmat Regulations. Such materials are strictly regulated by Government Transportation offices such as DOT.

Some hazardous materials will require the use of Special Permits and Approvals before being transported. A Special Permit or Approval is a document which authorizes a person to perform a function that is currently not authorized under the authority of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) When transporting hazardous materials Hazmat signs or placards are used and usually pertain to vehicle restrictions through tunnels or heavily populated areas where a related incident or spill would have tremendous negative effects to the immediate surroundings. Shields and road signs are also now in place for hazmat preferred routes and banned routes.

When being exposed to and handling hazardous materials protective clothing must be worn. A Hazmat suit is a worn to cover the body completely to provide protection from hazardous materials such as chemical, biological or radioactive materials. Only qualified hazmat personnel are authorized to handle or transport these materials. To become endorsed to handle or transport hazardous materials you must first complete a qualified instructional course such as that provided by The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)and also pass a rigorous background check.

In today’s ever evolving workplace environment and with the increasing threat of terrorist activity the demand for HAZMAT specialists is increasing. Working in the HAZMAT field can be exciting and rewarding as the pay is great but handling hazardous materials also has a certain degree of danger as well.

For more information on HAZMAT training and regulations you can visit my Hazmat Specialists website