About hazardous chemicals Chemicals are widely used in homes, manufacturing, agriculture, and many other areas of our society. Many of these chemicals are classified as hazardous because of their potential to harm people, property or the environment. Hazardous chemicals are commonly found in storage facilities and manufacturing plants, and hazardous chemicals are routinely shipped by truck, rail and ship. In spite of government regulations, the possibility always exists for a serious incident involving one or more hazardous chemicals.
Federal laws require training in the handling of and emergency response to hazardous chemicals.
The video discusses the physical properties of chemicals, explaining how these properties contribute to the hazardous nature of the chemical. Compressed, liquefied and cryogenic gases are covered as well as liquids and solids. The concepts of specific gravity, boiling point, solubility and pH are explained, showing how an understanding of these properties will help workers and emergency responders to safely handle chemicals. The NFPA 704 standard marking system, which rates flammability, health, reactivity and special hazards of chemicals, is discussed. The viewer learns about PEL, STEL and IDLH guidelines for chemical exposure, and procedures to follow to safely handle chemicals.