What is Considered Hazardous Material?

January 27th, 2022

Being a homeowner often involves renovations or repairs. Sometimes we use substances without knowing how to dispose of them or store them properly. It is important to be able to recognize what is considered a hazardous material. The following blog post will provide you with information to help you identify materials that may be considered hazardous on your property.

What is a Hazardous Material?

When we talk about hazardous materials, we are talking about any material that presents an environmental and health hazard due to its properties. This can be products that present a risk of explosion, that are flammable, toxic, radioactive or corrosive, as well as any material or substance that is considered to be a hazardous material.

List of Hazardous Materials

Section 3 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) identifies the properties that characterize hazardous materials. For example, mineral or synthetic oils, mineral or synthetic greases, contaminated empty containers, gas cylinders or aerosol containers, materials or objects containing 3% oil or grease and those containing more than 1,500 milligrams per kilogram of organic halogens, materials containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or contaminated by PCBs are included in the list of materials or objects, regardless of their properties, that are considered to be hazardous materials It should be noted that certain materials are excluded from this list because they are already covered by another regulation, such as contaminated soils, construction materials, scrap metal, absorbent cloths used for the recovery of hazardous materials, biomedical waste, pesticides, treated wood, liquid manure, sump waste, etc.

Storage of Hazardous Materials

The storage of hazardous materials must be done according to strict standards specific to each type of object or material. These standards concern the characteristics of the containers, their compatibility with the stored hazardous materials, labelling and certain requirements relating to buildings, storage areas and equipment. It is important to know that they apply as soon as the quantity of hazardous material stored exceeds 100 kilograms.

Disposing of Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials come in a variety of forms and their handling can require proven expertise. The transportation of hazardous materials is highly regulated. Some materials can be taken to a collection center intended for this type of product, for others you may have to call upon teams of specialists in this type of operation. Rigorous management at all levels of the operation is also essential to comply with current government standards and to obtain proof of proper disposal and destination.

There are a lot of standards and regulations surrounding hazardous materials and it’s easy to get confused. If you believe you have hazardous materials in your home, contact professionals who can advise you on the proper disposal or storage of these materials. It is a matter of health and safety.