HAZMAT Definitions

HAZMAT Definitions

  1. Hazardous Material (HM or HAZMAT). Any material or substance, in normal use or otherwise, that can be damaging to health or well-being. Such materials cover a broad range of types, and may be further classified as follows:
    1. Corrosive Material. A substance which can destroy or otherwise damage the skin and/or mucous membranes on external contact or inhalation.
    2. Flammable Material. Any liquid having a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture. Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I liquids. Class I liquids are divided into three classes as follows:
      1. Class IA shall include liquids having flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and having a boiling point below 100°F (37. 8°C).
      2. Class IB shall include liquids having flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and having a boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).
      3. Class IC shall include liquids having flash points at or above 73°F (22.8°C) and below 100°F (37.8°C).
    3. Combustible Material. Any liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C). Combustible liquids shall be divided into two classes as follows:
      1. Class II liquids shall include those with flash points at or above 100°F (37.8°C) and below 140°F (60°C), except any mixture having components with flash points of 200°F (93.3°C) or higher, the volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.
      2. Class III liquids shall include those with flash points at or above 140°F (60°C). Class III liquids are subdivided into two subclasses:
        1. Class IIIA liquids shall include those with flash points at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93.3°C), except any mixture having components with flash points of 200°F (93.3°C), or higher, the total volume of which make up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.
        2. Class IIIB liquids shall include those with flash points at or above 200°F (93.3°C). This section does not regulate Class IIIB liquids. Where the term ''Class III liquids" is used in this section, it shall mean only Class IIIA liquids. When a combustible liquid is heated to within 30°F (16.7°C) of its flash point, it shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for the next lower class of liquids.
    4. Reactive Material. A substance which reacts with water or, either when exposed to air or when heated, is susceptible to release of energy either by itself or in combination with other materials.
    5. Toxic Material. A substance which can cause impairment of the central nervous system, injury, severe illness or, in extreme cases, death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. Examples include laboratory chemicals, metals, poisons, skin irritants, and allergens.
  2. HAZMAT Committee. Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) Committee. A committee consisting of the NPS OSHE Director, Research Safety Department Head, HAZMAT Control Manager, a minimum of three principal investigators from research laboratories, HAZMAT representatives, and the NSAM HW Program Manager.
  3. HAZMAT Control Manager. Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) Program Manager. An NPS staff member designated by the President to manage this program. Chairs the HAZMAT Committee.
  4. HAZMAT Reps. Hazardous Materials Control and Management Representatives. NPS members nominated by their department head, supervisor, or principal investigator, and then designated by the NPS OSHE Director, to manage this program for their area or work group.
  5. Hazardous Waste (HW or HAZWASTE). Unusable by-products from many chemical and experimental processes or operations, which contain toxic or polluting materials that become environmental threats if improperly disposed. References (a) and (n) list HW criteria.
  6. Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). NPS staff member designated by the President to manage the laboratory chemical hygiene program for student and staff protection.