Substances Hazardous to health

Ensure that all chemicals are displaying clear labels identifying the type of chemical and how to use it safely.  NEVER decant chemicals into unlabeled containers.

Ensure that chemicals are secured when not in use.  Keep them out of the reach of children and ideally keep chemical stores locked. Ensure that only authorised persons have access to the stores. 

Chemicals should always be stored in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet.  Care should be taken to ensure that incompatible chemicals are separated. Labels should face outward so that they can easily be read and chemicals should be stored upright.

Chemicals should only be used in the way stated on the Material Safety Data Sheet or label.  Never use a chemical for any purpose other than how stated. 

Make sure that you have the correct PPE and that it is worn at all times.  Never use chemicals without the correct PPE and ensure that you and your staff know what the PPE symbols mean. 

The Material Safety Data Sheet will confirm how the chemical should be disposed of. Never flush chemicals down a drain unless the MSDS states that this is the correct disposal method. 

The Material Safety Data Sheet will confirm how the chemical should be disposed of. Never flush chemicals down a drain unless the MSDS states that this is the correct disposal method. Contain spills and have a spillage and clean up plan.

Suitable signage should be displayed.  Signage will included those to identify the presence of chemicals, whether chemicals are flammable or explosive, what PPE is required, that smoking is not permitted, that no unauthorised access is permitted etc. 

Signs should be clean, easy to read and understand and should be replaced if they become damaged. 

If chemicals are spilled they should be contained and you will need to ensure that this is done in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet. Never flush chemicals down a drain unless the MSDS says that this is the correct way of disposing of the spilled chemicals.  Ensure correct PPE is available and worn and make sure that those cleaning up the chemicals have been trained and are competent. 

When assessing the risks always ensure that you include the risk of fire where there are flammable chemicals or gases present.  

No smoking should be permitted where there are flammable or explosive liquids, gases or dusts.

Fire extinguishers or extinguishing systems may be required. 

Oxidizing chemicals are able to generate their own heat and have been known to spontaneously combust.  These chemicals should therefore not be stored in the same location as combustibles. 

Where you store significant amounts of flammable or explosive chemicals or have the potential for dust explosions you must have a suitable fire risk assessment. There is guidance elsewhere on this site related to fire. 

Significant amounts of ammonium nitrate may require notification under the Notification and Marking Of Sites Regulations.