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813 Construction Worksite Safety
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Hazards

Failure to recognize the hazards associated with chemicals can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, fires and explosions on construction sites.

Worker with chemical burns
Failure to recognize the hazards associated with chemicals can cause injuries on a construction site.

Health hazards: Hazardous chemicals can produce acute and/or chronic (short-term and/or long-term) illness and other health issues. Some examples of hazardous substances that can cause illness include:

  • carcinogens
  • toxic agents
  • irritants
  • corrosives
  • sensitizers

Physical hazards: Hazardous chemical physical hazards produce injuries. Some examples include:

  • combustible liquids
  • compressed gases
  • explosives
  • flammables
  • organic peroxides
  • oxidizers
  • unstable (reactive) agents

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-2. What is an example of a hazardous chemical physical hazard?