Final answer:
Hazard Class 3 materials include flammable and combustible liquids that are regulated due to their ability to easily ignite and burn at room temperatures. These materials must be handled with care according to strict regulations to prevent accidents and ensure environmental and human safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hazard Class 3 Materials
Hazard Class 3 materials are regulated due to their flammable nature. According to the United States Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) hazardous waste regulations, Hazard Class 3 includes flammable liquids, combustible liquids, and any liquids that have a flashpoint of not more than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). Flammable liquids can easily catch fire and burn at room temperatures, making it critical to regulate these substances to prevent accidents and ensure safe handling.
Moreover, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) defines listed wastes and characteristic wastes. Listed wastes include materials specifically listed as hazardous, which are from non-specific sources, specific sources, or discarded chemical products. Characteristic wastes are classified as hazardous based on properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Dioxin-bearing wastes and halogenated hydrocarbons are examples of such hazardous wastes, which require special attention in handling, transportation, and disposal to prevent risks to health and the environment.
In summary, Hazard Class 3 materials encompass a wide range of flammable and combustible liquids that pose a significant risk of causing fire-related incidents, which makes strict regulation and proper handling practices absolutely essential for safety.