Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials

Dangerous goods, also called hazardous materials or HazMat, are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. They are often subject to chemical regulations. "HazMat teams" are personnel specially trained to handle dangerous goods. Dangerous goods include materials that are radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, bio-hazardous, toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic. Also included are physical conditions such as compressed gases and liquids or hot materials, including all goods containing such materials or chemicals, or may have other characteristics that render them hazardous in specific circumstances.

Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes, and other property.

Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used, or stored at an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States--from major industrial plants to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores.   A County Ordinance was adopted in 1990 requiring all businesses in Beaufort County to register those products identified as Hazardous Materials, County Ordinance 90-29 (Registration required).

The below links are provided to assist the owner, agent or legal representative of every business subject to the above ordinance to register or renewal these materials:

Initial Registration Instructions

Initial Registration Form

Renewal Instructions

Renewal Form

Point of contact for these forms or questions concerning Beaufort County's Hazardous Material registration program can be addressed to our Hazardous Material Program Manager, Louise Murray at 843-255-4000 or email louisem@bcgov.net