Chemical Hazards
Chemicals can harm people, property, and the environment in different ways. Hazards are grouped into three main categories under OSHA HazCom and WHMIS.
Physical Hazards
Environmental Hazards
Health Hazards
- Chemicals that can injure people directly or over time
- Examples:
- Corrosives (sulfuric acid → burns skin/eyes)
- Toxic substances (carbon monoxide → poisoning)
- Carcinogens (asbestos, benzene)
- Sensitizers/irritants (isocyanates, cleaners → asthma/skin rashes)
- Why it matters: Some cause immediate harm, others cause long-term diseases that may not show up for years.
- Chemicals that can cause fires, explosions, or dangerous reactions
- Examples:
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, solvents)
- Explosives
- Compressed gases (propane, acetylene)
- Oxidizers (hydrogen peroxide, bleach)
- Why it matters: Improper storage or mixing can lead to catastrophic events (fire/explosion).
- Chemicals that can harm wildlife, soil, or water
- Examples:
- Oil spills into waterways → kills fish and aquatic plants
- Pesticides → damage ecosystems
- Note: The environment pictogram is mandatory under WHMIS (Canada) but optional in OSHA (U.S.). However, both emphasize protection of the environment.
Hut 8
‹#›
Chemical Hazards
Hut 8 EHS Team
Created on September 9, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Syllabus Organizer for Higher Education
View
Internal Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence Use
View
Math Mission
View
Simulation: How to Act Against Bullying
View
World Ecosystems
View
AI Diagnostic Survey for the Corporate Environment
View
Video: Keys to Effective Communication
Explore all templates
Transcript
Chemical Hazards
Chemicals can harm people, property, and the environment in different ways. Hazards are grouped into three main categories under OSHA HazCom and WHMIS.
Physical Hazards
Environmental Hazards
Health Hazards
Hut 8
‹#›