[Name of Organization] 

Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Policy and Procedure 

 

  1. Introduction 

A hazardous chemical refers to a chemical, which has the potential to cause harm to humans, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. Hazards include skin irritations, carcinogens or respiratory sensitisers, which have an adverse effect on a worker’s health as a result of direct contact with or exposure to the chemical, mainly through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Physicochemical hazards usually result from a substance’s physical and chemical properties, as is the case with corrosive, flammable, explosive or oxidising substances.  

  1. Purpose/ Objective 

The following outlines [YOUR COMPANY NAME]’s policy and procedures for managing health and safety risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals at the workplace. Moreover, it also provides a systematic method to identify and control potential risks related to hazardous chemicals for minimising the risk of adverse health and safety effects to people, property or the environment.   

  1. Application 

This policy and procedure offer practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks related to hazardous chemicals for persons conducting a business or undertaking the chemicals in the workplace. A person conducting a business or undertaking it can be a manufacturer, supplier or other employees, who use, handle, generate or store hazardous chemicals at the workplace. 

This policy is applicable to: 

  • Mixtures, substances, and articles used, generated, handled or stored, at the workplace that are labelled as hazardous chemicals  

  • the generation of hazardous chemicals from work processes, like toxic fumes release during welding.  

  1. Identifying hazardous chemicals  

In relation to chemicals, a hazard is a set of inherent properties of the mixture, substance, process or article, which can cause adverse effects to organisms or the environment. The initial step of managing risks involves identifying all the chemicals that are used, handles, stored or generated at the workplace. The identity of the chemicals can be usually determined by looking at the label, as well as the SDS, and reading what ingredients are in each product or chemical. In other cases, product specification sheets can also give information about the types of hazardous chemicals generated during a process, or by researching other sources, like codes of practice or guidance document on the process. Hazardous chemicals, which are contained in plant forming part of a manufacturing process, like a piping system, must also be identified. It ensures controls can be implemented in the event of an accidental rupture or spill or when cleaning or maintenance is needed.  

  1. Information, Education, and Training  

Information, education, and training should be provided to the employees in order to enable them to work proficiently and safely with hazardous chemicals.  

Information, education, and training should include: 

  • the nature of the hazardous chemicals  

  • the control measures, and how to use, as well as maintain them 

  • how to deal with emergencies along with evacuation procedures, spills, and first aid 

  • use of personal protective equipment and its boundaries  

  • health monitoring when it is needed and the worker’s rights and obligations ‘ 

  • how to access Safety Data Sheets and what information they provide 

  • the work practices and procedures to be followed in the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation, cleaning up, and disposals of the hazards chemicals.  

  1. Responsibilities 

Responsibilities of Senior Executives 

The senior executives should ensure that  

  1. systems, as well as procedures for hazardous chemicals management, are implemented, monitored,  and reviewed in the workplace  

  1. there are proper resources for effective hazardous chemicals management in the workplace, along with the appointment of one or more hazardous chemicals managers for the company.    

Responsibilities of Supervisors  

The managers or supervisors should be responsible for ensuring that  

  1. their area has a planned program of buying, identification, assessment, control, and monitoring of hazardous chemicals to meet legislative needs 

  1. as far as is reasonably practicable, there is a discussion with the employees and with health and safety representatives in matters, which can affect the work group regarding hazardous chemicals   

Responsibilities of Employees  

The employees should be responsible for 

  1. abiding by these procedures and following all the instructions and directions relating to the purchasing, handling, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.  

  1. making managers, supervisors, or health and safety representatives aware of any inappropriate use of   hazardous chemicals  

  1. reporting line managers or supervisors about an incident involving  hazardous chemicals on an immediate basis 

  1. Implementation and Review 

[YOUR COMPANY NAME] will review and can make changes to this policy and procedures as needed at a regular interval. 

 

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