Introduction

Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and food processing — these sectors are heavily dependent on hazardous materials, or hazmat. While these materials are essential for operations, their improper handling can lead to serious health, environmental, and legal issues.

For example, the incident on California State Route 47 near the Port of Los Angeles on September 26, 2024, where a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned. It caused a fire and thermal runaway.

However, by fostering a safe and sustainable operational culture, B2B companies can not only comply with regulations but also pave the way for growth and improvement in hazmat handling, offering a promising future.

This blog is comprehensive. It discusses all aspects of OSHA compliance, training, best practices, and, importantly, how technology can significantly lower the risk. By leveraging the latest technological advancements, companies can enhance their safety measures and instill confidence in their employees and stakeholders, ensuring the seriousness and necessity of hazmat handling. Technology is a powerful ally in this journey, providing reassurance and confidence in safety measures.

Definition of Hazardous Materials

Any substance that triggers a risk to the environment or human health is considered hazardous to the environment. These could be:

Chemical Hazards

Oxidizers, flammables, acids, and solvents are examples of chemicals. These include anticholinergic agents, biotoxins, blisters/vesicants, blood/systemic agents, caustics (acids), choking/lung/pulmonary agents, convulsants, long-acting anticoagulants, metals, opioids, organophosphorus pesticides, nerve agents, organic solvents, tear gas/riot control agents, toxic alcohols, and vomiting agents.

Biological Hazards

Waste and infectious materials are examples of biological agents. Exposure to biological materials, such as bacteria, viruses, and biological toxins, causes this kind of damage. Because the pathogens frequently need time to multiply sufficiently to cause illness in the person carrying them, symptoms of etiological harm are often delayed.

Radiological Hazards

Radioactive isotopes are an example of a radiological material. Exposure to radioactive materials causes radiological harm, which is arguably the most poorly understood form of harm in the TRACEM model. It is impossible to see, feel, or smell the most dangerous forms of radiation. Radiation levels must be monitored and measured using specialized detection equipment, which emergency responders are increasingly able to obtain.

Physical Hazards

Explosives and pressurized gases, such as fragmentation, flying debris, blast overpressure, and secondary blast injuries, are examples of physical risks.

Spills, exposure incidents, fires, or even fatalities—as well as harsh regulatory penalties—can result from improper handling, labeling, or storage of these materials. This serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from a lack of adherence to safety guidelines.

Why Handling Hazardous Materials is a Top B2B Priority

In B2B settings, especially in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and healthcare, the risk scales with volume. A small mishap can lead to:

  • Workplace injuries or fatalities
  • Regulatory fines (OSHA, EPA, DOT, local agencies)
  • Production downtime
  • Brand damage and lawsuits
  • Environmental contamination

Buyers, facility managers, EHS officers, and safety decision-makers must align on standardized safety protocols, backed by data, training, and modern tools.

Important Rules Regarding Hazardous Materials

Understanding and adhering to federal regulations is not just a requirement, but a fundamental aspect of ensuring workplace safety. Key criteria to focus on include:

1. 29 CFR 1910.1200 – OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) is a cornerstone in ensuring workplace safety. It mandates employee training, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and appropriate labeling, all of which are crucial in preventing accidents and protecting our workforce.

2. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of the EPA

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of the EPA plays a pivotal role in managing hazardous waste. It oversees the disposal, storage, and management of these materials, underscoring the gravity of our responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

3. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a key player in ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials. It controls how these materials are packaged, labeled, and transported, providing assurance of safety in every step of the process.

4. ANSI and NFPA Standards

These standards provide best practices for workplace signage, fire safety, and storage.

Step-by-Step: Best Practices for Handling Hazardous Materials

Organizations need to establish a strong hazmat program that consists of the following in order to maintain safety and compliance:

Hazard Identification

  • Lab managers have to create a chemical inventory and risk assessments.
  • Lab personnel must utilize the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to classify materials.
  • Safety officers should check the materials that pose a risk and identify them for special handling.

Labeling and Signage

  • Supervisors must verify that the labels are understandable and in compliance with the GHS.
  • Display of the appropriate warning signs (corrosive, flammable, and toxic) is necessary.
  • Use color-coded containers and placards.

Suitability for Storage

  • Lab supervisors must sort incompatible substances (like acids and bases).
  • Use explosion-proof cabinets and climate-controlled storage for volatile materials.
  • Keep spill containment apparatus readily available.

Controls for Engineering

  • Automatic shutoffs, fume hoods, and ventilation systems that lower the risk of exposure must be available.
  • Organizations should invest in sensor-integrated smart storage solutions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Ensure gloves, respirators, and eye protection are appropriate for the type of chemical.
  • Educate employees on proper disposal, doffing, and donning techniques.

Instruction and Records

  • Provide yearly training to staff members and when new materials are introduced.
  • Keep SDSs for all hazardous materials easily accessible.
  • Maintain records of incidents, inspections, and training sessions.

Emergency Response and Spill Plans

  • Safety officers need to keep spill kits in key locations.
  • Establish detailed response plans for exposures, fires, and leaks.
  • Regularly practice emergency procedures with local emergency personnel.

Common Hazmat Errors to Avoid in Workplace Environments

Costly mistakes are made by even experienced teams. Keep an eye out for:

  • Missing or outdated SDSs.
  • Inaccurate labeling of secondary containers.
  • Keeping substances that are incompatible together.
  • Not providing training to temporary employees or new hires.
  • Poor ventilation or improper use of personal protective equipment.
  • Hazardous waste improperly disposed of.

Any of these could lead to actual safety repercussions, legal action, and regulatory audits.

How EHS Software Simplifies Hazmat Management

Spreadsheets and manual tracking are no longer sufficient. Organizations benefit from digital EHS platforms:

  • Keep your SDS databases current.
  • Track chemical inventories automatically.
  • Create compliance reports instantly.
  • Set reactivity and shelf-life alerts.
  • Assign remedial measures and track their completion.

EHS managers can concentrate on strategic risk reduction thanks to these systems, which also improve transparency and decrease human error.

ESG and Sustainability: Hazmat Safety Works as a Differentiator

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is a must for today's business-to-business (B2B) buyers and stakeholders. Safe handling of hazardous materials:

  • Lowers the risk to the environment.
  • Preserves the wellbeing of employees.
  • Exhibits proactive adherence to stakeholders and audits.
  • Boosts consumer trust and brand reputation.

Safety procedures can make or break a deal in RFQs, RFPs, and supplier audits.

Final Thoughts

EHS departments are not solely responsible for the safety of hazardous materials. It needs to be integrated into leadership, purchasing, inventory, and operations. B2B companies that adopt a proactive, technologically advanced, and training-rich strategy will surpass rivals in addition to remaining compliant.