Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards refer to hazards associated with a specific chemical or toxic substance. A chemical or toxic substance is considered hazardous when there is scientific evidence that it may cause acute or chronic negative health effects to exposed employees. Chemical hazards may take the form of a solid, liquid, dust, vapor, gas, mist, or fume. These hazards may damage the lungs, skin, eyes, mucous membranes, or specific organs. They may cause irritation, sensitization, or carcinogenic consequences. They may also pose physical hazards such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity.

A worker may encounter these hazards during the production, transport, and disposal of a chemical or toxic substance. Workers may be exposed to or work with the hazardous material in the process of other activities as well.

In the next few slides, we will examine some basic information about chemical hazards, including the various routes of entry into the human body, how to recognize health hazards, and the common health effects of chemical hazards.

To learn more about GHS visit our GHS Hazard Communication Online Training web page.