According to the fire code, a hazardous material is defined as any material that because of its quantity, concentration, physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or the environment if released into the work place. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and any material that a business or local implementing agency has a reasonable basis for believing that it would be injurious to health and safety of persons or harmful if released into the workplace or the environment.

In the City of Norco the hazardous materials program is managed by Riverside County in cooperation with the Norco Fire Department. The Hazardous Materials Management Division office for the Norco area is located at 2274 South Main St. #204 in the City of Corona. Riverside County Hazardous management program is responsible for regulating hazardous materials, business plans, inspections and chemical inventory, hazardous waste, underground storage tanks and risk management plans.

The goal of this program is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous materials are properly managed.