Hazard: inherent property of a source or situation capable of causing adverse effects. Adverse effects may include injury or ill health, damage to property or the environment, or a combination of these.
Hazard communication: a process that communicates chemical hazard information on labels, safety data sheets and employee training. The objective is to provide easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.
Hazardous material: a broad term used to include chemicals which may classified with environmental, health, and/or physical hazards. Hazardous materials are often regulated in environmental, health, safety and transportation regulations.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): a 16-section form required to be developed and supplied by the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer for each hazardous chemical to downstream users. The purpose of the form is to communicate information on the product’s chemical hazards. Some countries have specific requirements for the format, mandated sections, and language requirements. SDS requirements have not yet been adopted globally.
Secondary container: any container that a material has been transferred into from the primary shipping or manufacturer’s container. These containers are also called work-place containers or in-plant containers, tanks, processing equipment.