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CHMP: Hazardous Materials Identification and Handling

CHMP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Hazardous Materials Identification and Handling

Hazardous Materials Identification and Handling

This domain tests whether you can classify a material, select the right regulatory regime, and handle it without creating a release. Expect working knowledge of DOT hazard classes (49 CFR 171–180), OSHA HazCom/GHS (29 CFR 1910.1200), and RCRA waste identification (40 CFR 260–262).

Core rules

  • DOT classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers/organic peroxides, 6 toxic/infectious, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous. A shipping paper needs the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class/division, and packing group; placards follow the quantity table.
  • OSHA HazCom requires a 16-section SDS, GHS pictograms, signal words, and a written hazard communication program. The SDS is not the shipping paper and does not replace DOT classification.
  • RCRA: a waste is hazardous if it is listed (F, K, P, U) or exhibits a characteristic: ignitability (D001), corrosivity (D002), reactivity (D003), or toxicity (D004–D043, via TCLP).
  • Store by compatibility, provide secondary containment, and keep containers closed except during transfer. Universal wastes have streamlined rules but still require proper accumulation and export controls.
  • Release reporting: CERCLA reportable quantities (40 CFR 302) and EPCRA 304 emergency release notification; EPCRA 311–313 inventory/emissions.

Worked example

A spent solvent has a closed-cup flash point of 120°F, pH 2.1, and TCLP benzene at 0.8 mg/L. Flash point below 140°F makes it DOT Class 3 and RCRA D001. pH ≤2.0 would be D002, but 2.1 is just outside, so do not assign D002 without another basis. Benzene above the TCLP regulatory level (0.5 mg/L) makes it D018. Check the F-list for spent solvent still.

Traps

DOT flammable liquid is ≤140°F; OSHA's flammable liquid definition is ≤100°F-do not mix them. Corrosivity is pH ≤2 or ≥12.5, not “near 2.” A characteristic waste can be hazardous even without a listed code.