Although the Navy has exacting definitions for the terms hazardous material, hazardous chemical, and hazardous substance, lets, for simplicity of discussion, lump them all together and simply say that these materials, because of their quantities, concentration, or hazardous properties, pose a substantial hazard to human safety and health or to the environment. The risks associated with these materials include flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, and reactivity. From your study of this chapter and the EA3 TRAMAN, you should be able to see readily how many of the materials you test, or use for testing, in the laboratory fall within the above definition. Heated asphalt can cause severe burns if allowed to come into contact with the skin, and asphalt cutbacks are highly flammable with low flash points. Some of the chemicals that you will use in materials testing are highly toxic and corrosive. Others react with water, forming explosive gases; however, not all of the hazardous materials that an EA uses are confined to the laboratory. For example, the ammonia used with reproduction equipment gives off highly toxic fumes. For these and other reasons, all such materials must be handled, used, stored, and disposed of properly and with caution. As a crew leader, you must recognize the threat that hazardous materials pose to all personnel present on the jobsite and take action to prevent mishaps.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be received and maintained for all hazardous materials in your work space. The MSDS identifies any hazards associated with exposure to a specific material. It identifies personal protective equipment and other safety precautions required as well as first aid or medical treatment required for exposure. By federal law, a crew leader is required to inform his or her crew members of the risks and all safety precautions associated with any hazardous material present on the jobsite. A good time for you to do this is during your daily standup safety lectures.