What are the four primary classes of hazardous materials?

The four primary classes of hazardous materials indeed include Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic, and Reactive because these classifications directly relate to the characteristics and behaviors of substances in various situations.

Flammable materials can easily ignite and sustain combustion, posing a significant fire hazard. Corrosive substances can cause destruction of living tissue or severe corrosion of materials upon contact, making their handling particularly dangerous. Toxic materials are harmful or lethal when ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with skin, requiring strict management to prevent exposure. Reactive materials can undergo dangerous reactions when exposed to other substances or conditions, potentially leading to explosions, the release of toxic gases, or other hazardous incidents.

These classifications are crucial in both emergency response scenarios and everyday handling of materials, as they guide safety procedures and regulations to mitigate risks in environments where hazardous materials are present.