What type of material can cause harm in the workplace?

Hazardous materials are substances that can pose a significant risk to health and safety in the workplace. These materials can include chemicals, biological agents, and any other substances that can cause harm to employees or the environment. Hazards can manifest in various forms, such as physical injury, health issues due to exposure, or environmental damage.

When handling hazardous materials, workers must be trained on proper safety protocols, which may include personal protective equipment (PPE), safe storage practices, and emergency response measures. The classification of a material as hazardous is often determined by its chemical properties, potential for exposure, and the circumstances in which it is used.

The other types of materials listed—non-hazardous material, organic material, and chemical residue—do not inherently carry the same level of risk. Non-hazardous materials are safe for use without special precautions, organic materials may refer to substances that are biodegradable and less harmful, and while chemical residue can sometimes pose risks, it is not classified as a material in the same way hazardous materials are. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for maintaining safety in any culinary environment.