What is classified as a hazardous substance?

A hazardous substance is specifically defined as a chemical that poses a risk in the workplace, often due to its potential to cause harm to individuals through exposure. This classification derives from factors such as its toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, or reactivity.

Understanding this classification is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that appropriate measures are implemented to protect workers. While common cleaning supplies and some natural substances could be hazardous depending on their composition, not all of them inherently fit the classification. A harmless food ingredient, on the other hand, is typically considered safe and does not pose a risk, thus excluding it from the definition of a hazardous substance. Therefore, recognizing the specific criteria for what constitutes a hazardous substance helps in the assessment and management of workplace safety.