How to Buy Hazardous Material

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(7 Ratings)

Hazardous products include solids or liquids that are flammable or explosive (gasoline, solvents); release toxic fumes (bleach); are corrosive (drain cleaner); or are poisonous (pesticides, paint stripper). Here's how to be a smart consumer of these products.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Material Safety Data Sheets
Nontoxic Cleaning Solutions
Glass Storage Jars
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers

Step 1

Read the container label carefully. Be familiar with the use, storage, warnings and safe disposal of the product, as well as with how to clean up spills.
Step 2

Ask the vendor for the Material Safety Data Sheet and read it carefully.
Step 3

Make sure the product you're purchasing is designed specifically for your purpose.

Tips & Warnings

Consider nontoxic alternatives for hazardous chemicals.
Caustics include cleaning and maintenance products such as ammonia, bleach, drain cleaners and pool chemicals.
Flammables include materials that catch on fire easily, including gasolines as well as many paints, wood finishes, thinners, solvents and cleaners.
Toxics include pesticides and insecticides.
Keep the number for poison control near your phone.
Keep the product in its original container with the label affixed. If you must change containers, keep the label with the new container.