Definition of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are substances that may be corrosive, flammable,
explosive, spontaneously combustible, toxic, oxidising, radioactive,
biological, water reactive or gases under pressure or liquefied.
Fuels such as petrol and LPG provide by far the largest volume
of dangerous goods, and many industries and even homes may contain
these and other types of dangerous goods. The law (Dangerous Goods
Act 1985) provides for exterior signs to be shown warning of significant
amounts of dangerous goods on a site. These may take the form of
the word HAZCHEM, or might display dangerous goods diamond symbols.
The manifest box is another sure sign that dangerous goods are present.
What are Hazardous Substances?
Hazardous substances are substances with the potential to harm
health. They can be gases, liquids or solids, and can be either
pure substances or mixtures.
Hazardous substances are classified according to their long term
health effects, while dangerous goods are classified by their immediate
physical and / or chemical effects.
What are Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials are other materials that may have hazardous
properties, and include dangerous goods, hazardous substances, scheduled
poisons, hazardous wastes and environmental pollutants. CFA categorises
all these materials together under the title 'Hazardous Materials'
or 'HAZMATS'.
Hazardous Materials Incident
A hazardous materials incident involves the actual or impending
spillage or release of a hazardous material, in sufficient quantity
to pose a danger to life, property or the environment. A hazardous
materials incident may occur during manufacture, use, handling,
transport or storage of hazardous materials.
