A chemical hazard arises from contamination with harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.
Chemicals have the ability to react when exposed to other chemicals or certain physical conditions. The reactive properties of chemicals vary widely and they play a vital role in the production of many chemical, material, pharmaceutical, and food products we use daily. When chemical reactions are not properly managed, they can have harmful, or even catastrophic consequences, such as toxic fumes, fires, and explosions. These reactions may result in death and injury to people, damage to physical property, and severe effects on the environment. Process safety management (PSM) is used to prevent and mitigate chemical reactivity hazards.
Mitigation of chemical hazards
Chemical hazards, such as a chemical spill, may be mitigated through the process of decontamination.
In a major spill, when large numbers of people have been potentially exposed, mass decontamination may be initiated.