Hazardous materials consist of numerous types of explosive, corrosive, and poisonous substances. The materials might be used as a reactant in an industrial process, as an additive in water treatment (acids and bases, for example), or as a source of fuel or energy (gasoline and nuclear materials). These materials might also be produced, wasted, or contaminated and thus require management as a hazardous waste. In all cases, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the chemical so that appropriate containers and labels for storage and transportation are used.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued regulation on how hazardous materials are to be stored, labeled, and transported. The DOT was actually the first to address these issues; the EPA simply adopted many of their regulations, and the agency continues...