A WMD, on the other hand, is a substance that can cause harm to many and has criminal intent associated with its release.

In the United Nations model codes and regulations, hazardous materials are called dangerous goods.įor the sake of simplicity, hazardous materials will be defined here as any substance that can cause harm.

OSHA uses the term hazardous chemicals for any chemical that would be a risk to employees if they were exposed in the workplace.

The EPA uses the term hazardous substances for chemicals that, if released into the environment above a certain amount, must be reported and, depending on their threat to the environment, federal involvement in handling the incident can be authorized.

Department of Transportation (DOT) uses the term hazardous materials to cover 11 hazard classes, some of which have subcategories called divisions. Defining hazardous materialsĪccording to NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (soon to be replaced by NFPA 470), there are multiple definitions for hazardous materials:

Here we’ll cover the various roles and responsibilities of first responders who are called to hazmat or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents as well as their training levels. Hazmat response: Initial location and identification of hazard facilities

Hazmat Drivers Erg Responsibilities