What is classified as a substance that could cause injury to personnel or damage to the environment?

A hazardous material is classified as a substance that poses a potential risk to health, safety, or the environment. This classification is based on the properties and characteristics of the material that can lead to adverse effects, such as being flammable, reactive, toxic, or corrosive. The definition encompasses a wide range of substances, including chemicals that may cause injury to personnel through exposure, accidental contact, or spills.

Understanding what constitutes hazardous materials is crucial for effective building maintenance practices, as it helps in implementing appropriate safety protocols and regulations to handle, store, and dispose of these substances. In contrast, controlled substances typically refer to drugs regulated by law due to their potential for abuse or addiction, non-hazardous materials do not present significant risks, and chemical products can vary widely in their risk profiles—only some may qualify as hazardous based on their specific properties.