chemical hazard classification

Chemical hazard classification is the systematic categorization of chemicals based on their inherent properties and potential risks to human health and the environment. This classification is crucial for determining appropriate safety measures, personal protective equipment, and emergency response strategies, particularly within frameworks such as the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Not to be confused with chemical compatibility, which assesses interactions between substances, chemical hazard classification focuses solely on the individual hazards presented by each chemical.