How is a hazardous substance defined?

• A. A substance that is flammable
• B. A substance needing safe storage and handling
• C. A substance without a known safety data sheet
• D. A non-toxic chemical

Answer: (B)

A hazardous substance is defined as a substance that presents a potential risk to health, safety, or the environment, requiring special considerations for safe storage and handling. This definition encompasses a wide range of materials that can pose various dangers, including chemical, physical, or biological hazards.

The importance of proper storage and handling lies in the fact that hazardous substances can lead to serious incidents, such as spills, fires, or exposures that could harm workers or the surrounding community. Therefore, having guidelines and protocols for their management is essential to mitigate any risks associated with these substances.

The other options, while they mention aspects that could relate to hazardous materials, do not capture the complete definition of a hazardous substance. Flammability, the presence of a safety data sheet, and toxicity all represent specific characteristics rather than a comprehensive definition. A hazardous substance can indeed be flammable, but not all flammable substances are necessarily hazardous in all contexts. Similarly, the lack of a safety data sheet indicates poor information availability rather than the substance's inherent danger, and non-toxic chemicals are not classified as hazardous at all.