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HAZMAT Guide

HAZMAT is an acronym for the term "hazardous materials," which are chemicals that can be damaging to both human beings and the environment. The Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the Department of Transport is the U.S. authority responsible for the safe transportation of HAZMAT by air, rail, highways and water.

  1. Materials

    • HAZMAT can be found in many places, including within households, in chemical manufacturing plants, hospitals and at HAZMAT waste disposal sites. Accidents can occur at any stage during the life of HAZMAT, such as production, transportation, storage and disposal, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    Safety

    • HAZMAT guides are produced as a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Transport, Transport Canada and the Secretariat of Communications & Transportation of Mexico. The aim of HAZMAT guidebooks is to provide information to ensure the safety of emergency responders and the general public during an incident involving hazardous materials.

    Guide

    • The U.S. Department of Transport aims to place a HAZMAT guide in every emergency service vehicle within the United States. The purpose of HAZMAT training and guidance is to identify a specific material and advise on the proper handling and response to a situation involving hazardous materials.

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