Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CHMM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of hazardous materials management centers on ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This is crucial because hazardous materials, if not managed correctly, can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Effective hazardous materials management practices are designed to prevent accidents and exposures that can result from improper handling or disposal.

This includes identifying hazardous materials, implementing safety protocols for their use, storing them in compliant facilities to prevent leaks and spills, and ensuring that disposal methods adhere to regulatory requirements. Proper management helps mitigate risks associated with exposure to toxic substances, which can lead to serious health issues, environmental contamination, and legal liabilities for organizations.

While promoting recycling and reuse, minimizing disposal costs, and enhancing employee productivity and safety are important considerations in a broader sustainability and operational agenda, they serve as secondary benefits within the overarching goal of ensuring safety in the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Hence, while those aspects are valuable, they do not define the primary focus of hazardous materials management.