Final answer:
Hazardous materials are classified as listed, characteristic, or mixed wastes. The NFPA hazard diamond provides a summary of major hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hazardous materials have several key elements in their basic description. They are classified as either listed, characteristic, or mixed wastes. Listed wastes are materials specifically listed as hazardous wastes, while characteristic wastes exhibit certain properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Mixed wastes contain both hazardous and radioactive components. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) hazard diamond is a symbol that provides a summary of the major hazards of a chemical substance.