Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials can pose a threat to the surrounding community and environment if not handled correctly. Make sure you have a plan in place and know what to do if a warning is issued.

What are hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are substances that are capable of causing loss of life, injury to a person, or damage to the health of a person or to the environment. They may be released by accident or by a deliberate criminal act.

Every year DFES personnel attend and control a range of HAZMAT incidents. These can involve explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and gases, poisons, corrosive substances, radioactive materials and infectious materials.

Did you know? DFES responds to almost 1,000 hazardous situations each year?

Dangers of hazardous materials

Exposure to some hazardous materials could cause serious injury or be fatal for both people and animals. HAZMAT incidents can also damage buildings, homes, property, and the environment.

Effects vary depending on the type of hazardous material and the level of exposure.

Exposure usually occurs through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. Typical acute health effects include headaches, nausea or vomiting and skin corrosion, while chronic health effects include asthma, dermatitis, nerve damage or cancer.

Know your risk

HAZMAT incidents can happen during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You are at risk when chemicals are used unsafely or released in harmful amounts where you live, work or play.

Containing uncontrolled hazardous materials is a complex and challenging task requiring a range of different response methods to ensure everyone’s safety.

What to do in a HAZMAT incident

Evacuate the area and warn people in the immediate vicinity.
Call 000.
Ask for fire services and advise (where possible and without endangering yourself):
address and location of spillage.
name of hazardous material and UN number.
amount of material split.
form of material (solid, liquid, gas).
if any people are affected or injured.

HAZMAT preparation

HAZMAT alerts and warnings

Avoid the area if possible.
If you are already in the area, follow the advice of emergency services personnel and remain inside with doors and windows closed.
If you have medical concerns, contact your doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.