Working safely with chemicals is the main goal in most offices. However, if you do not know what you are doing, you will not be able to create a secure operating system or install proper security devices. 

Chemicals are complex. For example, imagine something relatively harmless in it, but mix it with water, and now you have a fire or explosion. Also, some chemicals may not harm you immediately but can lead to chronic health conditions after prolonged exposure.

This blog is about identifying hazardous chemicals and avoiding risks regarding these hazardous chemicals. Know the chemicals you use, how they affect the health of your workers, and then the physical and chemical hazards (think of fires, explosions and emissions) that can harm property and the environment.

We, here at CloudSDS, introduce you to the method for hazard identification and how you can use it to assess and control all chemical hazards in your workplace.

Security Data Sheet (SDS)

A security data sheet (SDS), formerly MSDS, was designed to provide emergency response personnel and hazardous materials users with appropriate procedures for handling or operating a specific material. SDS is manufactured by a chemical manufacturer and contains the following information:

  • Health and physical hazards associated with the substance
  • Physical properties, reactivity and toxic data
  • First aid, storage, disposal, accident control and leakage/leakage procedures
  • This information is used exclusively in case of a spill or accidental contact of a person with the material. See the SDS page for more details.

Identify the Hazardous Chemicals You are Using

Detecting chemical hazards begins with the proper identification of a chemical. You do this to walk around your office and physically identify each chemical. 

Check the product label and see the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the chemical manufacturer or supplier; Now make a list of each chemical name and where they are stored or maintained.

Identify the Health Risks Associated With Chemicals

Chemical health hazards are ways in which people can physically harm themselves through chemicals. Some examples:

  • Toxic gases – Can be inhaled.
  • Toxic fluids – Can be swallowed, swallowed or absorbed by the skin.
  • Corrosive liquids and powders – Can contact the skin.
  • Cancer Dirt – Inhale.

So for every chemical on the list you created earlier, you need to identify every way that can cause physical harm to a person. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) describes this information in the “Hazard Identification” and “Toxicological Information” sections.

When identifying chemical health hazards, you need to be fully prepared. We have said before that chemicals are involved and that many of them have more than one health hazard. 

A clear example of this is paint solvents, which can cause respiratory damage and death from toxic fumes. But solvent fumes cause many workers to lose consciousness or concentration and then die due to falls or activity defects. 

If you are new to this, we recommend that you consult with your supplier as well as professional  WHS consultants who specialize in hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials.

Physical, chemical hazards are ways in which chemicals can damage the office as well as the open environment. Fires, explosions and ecosystem damage are all the result of physical and chemical hazards.

The chemical hazard class usually identifies physicochemical hazards you find in SDS, examples …

  • Flammable liquid
  • Explosives
  • Oxidizing gases
  • Self-reactive materials and alloys

When identifying physical and chemical hazards in your workplace, you should also include methods for handling, storing, and using chemicals. Inspecting workers, talking to supervisors and line employees, reviewing operating procedures and working ways; Ask questions such as:

  1. Do employees keep chemicals in the workplace?
  2. Are portable containers left without wire overnight?
  3. Are all employees fully trained to use PPE properly?
  4. Can unauthorized workers access chemical stores?
  5. Are hazardous chemicals well secured and safe in safety chemicals?
  6. Are emergency showers and eyewash stations set up?
  7. Do site visitors boast or use electronic devices near incandescent stores?

Use a Method for Risk Identification and Risk Control

We have mentioned for some time that chemical hazards are tricky. To ensure that you are recommended using the method for risk management, we will not ignore it – this is a complete system we have developed specifically for handling hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials.

Follows a simple 4-step sequence of risk identification, evaluation, control and review; You systematically detect and manage every chemical hazard in your workplace. Our system ensures a complete design and (if adequately complied with) 100% compliance with chemical safety laws in the USA.

Here’s how it works:

  • Identify: Follow our guidelines for adequately identifying, storing, or handling every chemical you use in your workplace; Even the chemical hazards associated with all of these.
  • Assess: Work with our practical tools and templates to assess the consequences of office accidents and how often they can occur.
  • Control: The use of a control range to introduce (ideally) risk mitigation measures by eliminating each chemical hazard or (if not possible) reduction of the risk/probability/frequency of a chemical accident or emergency.
  • Permanence: Develop a system for conducting regular reviews to ensure overall security and compliance in your workplace.

Destroying Hazardous Chemicals or Materials from the Office is Always the Best Method for Accident Control

Detecting chemicals is only an essential step for you to fully fulfil your WHS responsibilities regarding hazardous chemicals in the workplace. We encourage you to download and read our free e-book to manage the risk of dangerous substances in the workplace. You will quickly learn how to use our chemical management method in your workplace and manage and control every chemical hazard in your workplace.

SDS Management System

An SDS management software also comes with useful features like container tracking, smartphone and tablet integration and compliance checks.

CloudSDS provides innovative and efficient solutions that reduce the complexity of the customer and improve the performance of business tasks related to global Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Businesses such as manufacturing and distribution, transportation, use and disposal of chemicals and products have realized significant savings through the use of our cloud-based SAS products and services.

CloudSDS products and services help customers identify and reduce risks and liabilities.

The guiding principle of CloudSDS is to reduce complexity, simplify workflow and make offices safer.