Hazardous Materials Chemistry Overview*

Learning objectives

• Define common chemistry terms and principles that must be factored in when determining how to safely handle and use a hazardous chemical.
• Describe the sources of information about chemicals that are available at your worksite.
• Identify hazard classifications according to both Hazard Communication and Department of Transportation (DOT) labels and markings.
• Explain what exposure limits are and how air sampling is performed to ensure that those limits are not exceeded.
• List the routes of chemical exposure and describe how an acute or chronic exposure could affect your health.
• Describe the controls that make up the “Hierarchy of Controls” and explain why they’re placed in a specific order.
• List the personal protective equipment you may need when working with hazardous chemicals.
• List the safe handling procedures for transporting, storing, or disposing of hazardous chemicals.
• Describe how to prepare for a hazardous chemical emergency, and what to do in the event of a chemical spill, release, or accident.
• Explain the first-aid steps to take if a hazardous chemical exposure occurs to the eyes or body.

Course overview