Chemical Safety

examples of hazardous materials

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Examples of Hazardous Materials in Chemical Safety Workplaces

Knowing examples of hazardous materials is a foundational step in chemical safety. In most workplaces, hazardous materials (often shortened to “hazmat”) include chemicals or products that can cause harm through toxicity, flammability, corrosivity, reactivity, or other health and physical hazards. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to identify hazardous chemicals, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), ensure proper labeling, and train employees on the hazards they may encounter.

If you handle chemicals across multiple sites, departments, or storage areas, keeping documentation current becomes difficult quickly. A centralized platform like SwiftSDS helps by organizing your SDS library, supporting GHS-aligned hazard communication, and making SDS access available on any device—right when workers need it.

How OSHA Defines “Hazardous Chemical” (and Why It Matters)

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200, a “hazardous chemical” is any chemical classified as a physical hazard (like flammable liquids) or a health hazard (like carcinogens). HazCom aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which standardizes hazard classification, labels, and SDS sections.

This matters because a “hazardous material” in your facility isn’t just what seems dangerous—it’s what is classified as hazardous. That classification triggers key employer duties:

  • Maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical (readily accessible during each shift)
  • Ensure containers are properly labeled (including shipped and workplace labels)
  • Provide effective employee training at initial assignment and when new hazards are introduced
  • Keep a written hazard communication program

If your SDSs aren’t quickly accessible to employees, you may be out of alignment with HazCom—even if you “have them somewhere.”

List of Hazardous Materials: Common Workplace Categories and Examples

Below is a practical list of hazardous materials grouped by hazard type. Many products fall into multiple categories, so always confirm the hazard classification by reviewing the SDS (especially Sections 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11).

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

These ignite easily, creating fire and explosion risks—especially near ignition sources or when vapors accumulate.

  • Gasoline
  • Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
  • Acetone (common solvent)
  • Toluene and xylene (industrial solvents)
  • Paint thinners and certain coatings

Chemical safety note: Storage and handling controls (approved cabinets, grounding/bonding, ventilation) should match the SDS recommendations and applicable fire codes.

Corrosives (Acids and Bases)

Corrosive substances can cause severe skin/eye burns and damage metals. They also pose inhalation hazards depending on volatility.

  • Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid)
  • Sulfuric acid (battery acid)
  • Nitric acid
  • Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda/lye)
  • Ammonium hydroxide (ammonia solutions)

Chemical safety note: Corrosives often require compatible containers, secondary containment, eyewash/shower access, and PPE specified by the SDS.

Toxic and Highly Toxic Substances

These can cause acute poisoning or chronic health effects via inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.

  • Carbon monoxide (a toxic gas)
  • Methanol
  • Sodium cyanide (used in some industrial processes)
  • Hydrogen sulfide (common in wastewater and petroleum operations)
  • Certain pesticides and rodenticides

OSHA tie-in: HazCom requires training that employees can understand, including how exposure occurs and what to do in emergencies.

Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides

Oxidizers increase fire intensity and can react violently with fuels or incompatible materials.

  • Hydrogen peroxide (higher concentrations)
  • Calcium hypochlorite (pool chemical)
  • Sodium chlorate
  • Potassium permanganate
  • Organic peroxide catalysts used in resins/fiberglass work

Chemical safety note: Keep oxidizers away from flammables, store as directed, and review incompatibilities in SDS Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity).

Compressed Gases (Including Cryogens)

Compressed gases present pressure hazards, fire hazards, and potential asphyxiation risks. Some are toxic or corrosive.

  • Oxygen (oxidizer under pressure)
  • Acetylene (flammable gas)
  • Propane
  • Chlorine (toxic/corrosive)
  • Nitrogen and argon (simple asphyxiants)
  • Liquid nitrogen (cryogenic burn and asphyxiation risks)

Reactive and Water-Reactive Materials

Reactive chemicals can polymerize, decompose violently, or react dangerously with water.

  • Sodium metal and potassium metal (water-reactive)
  • Calcium carbide
  • Certain isocyanates used in foams and coatings
  • Some epoxy hardeners and initiators

Chemical safety note: Incompatibility management is a core prevention strategy—don’t store “because there’s space.” Store because it’s compatible.

Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reproductive Toxins

These present serious long-term health hazards and require strict exposure controls.

  • Benzene (carcinogen)
  • Formaldehyde (carcinogen/irritant)
  • Hexavalent chromium compounds
  • Lead compounds (also regulated under specific OSHA standards)
  • Certain glycol ethers

OSHA note: Some of these substances are also covered by substance-specific standards beyond HazCom (depending on your operations). HazCom still applies for labeling, SDS, and training.

Dusts and Particulates (Combustible and Health Hazards)

Dust is often overlooked in “examples of hazardous materials,” but it can be both a health hazard and a fire/explosion hazard.

  • Wood dust
  • Flour and grain dust
  • Aluminum or magnesium dust
  • Silica dust (from cutting/grinding)

Chemical safety note: Even “nuisance dust” can become dangerous at the right concentration and particle size. Review SDSs for powders and consider dust collection, housekeeping, and ignition control.

Where to Verify Hazards: SDS and GHS Labels

The most reliable way to confirm whether something belongs on your internal list of hazardous materials is the SDS and the container label.

Key SDS Sections to Review

  • Section 1: Product identification and supplier
  • Section 2: Hazard identification (GHS classification, pictograms, signal word)
  • Section 4: First-aid measures
  • Section 7: Handling and storage
  • Section 8: Exposure controls/PPE
  • Section 10: Stability and reactivity

Label Elements Required Under HazCom

OSHA-aligned GHS shipped labels generally include:

  • Product identifier
  • Signal word (Danger/Warning)
  • Hazard statements
  • Precautionary statements
  • Supplier identification
  • Pictograms

Practical Steps to Manage Hazardous Materials in the Workplace

Once you’ve identified your chemical hazards, apply a consistent process to reduce risk and demonstrate compliance.

  1. Build and maintain a current chemical inventory (including location and quantity)
  2. Ensure every hazardous chemical has an SDS that is readily accessible to employees
  3. Confirm container labeling for both shipped and workplace containers
  4. Train employees on hazards, protective measures, and emergency actions
  5. Review storage compatibility and segregation (acids/bases, oxidizers/flammables, etc.)
  6. Standardize inspections for leaks, expiration dates, and container condition

This is where SDS management can become a bottleneck. SwiftSDS helps simplify these requirements by centralizing your SDS library in a secure cloud location, supporting GHS-aligned documentation, and enabling mobile access so workers can pull up SDS information instantly. It also supports chemical inventory management—helping you track locations, quantities, and expiration dates for better control across your facility.

Conclusion: Build a Safer Program with a Living List of Hazardous Materials

A strong chemical safety program starts with awareness and documentation. Whether you work with flammable solvents, corrosive cleaners, compressed gases, or toxic substances, keeping an accurate inventory and maintaining accessible SDSs is essential for aligning with OSHA HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) and protecting employees.

Treat your “list of hazardous materials” as a living system—updated when products change, processes change, or new hazards are introduced.

Call to action: Ready to reduce SDS chaos and improve chemical visibility? Explore how SwiftSDS can centralize your SDS library, streamline OSHA HazCom readiness, and give your team fast mobile access to critical chemical safety information. Visit SwiftSDS SDS Management to learn more.