Handling Hazardous Substances in the Workplace
Course Overview
There are numerous chemicals in the workplace and many of them improve the quality of our lives. However, exposure to chemicals also creates risks for many workers. Solvents, inks, gases and even poisons are part of the daily working life for many workers and how these chemicals are stored, handled and used is the key to the safety of these workers.
Unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge of a certain chemical's characteristics can lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially when misused, spilt or involved in fires. This may endanger workers, the public, emergency crews, property and the environment. There is a lot of information about chemicals readily available, however sourcing the information that you need may be difficult. For example, how does the chemical need to be stored? Or what special requirements are there for the workers when they are using the chemical? This package will introduce the learner to the key requirements for managing chemicals in the workplace, and will also cover the key chemical groups commonly found in the workplace.
Key Content- Definition of a hazardous substance.
- Duties of employers and suppliers.
- Chemical exposure.
- How chemicals enter the body.
- Effects of chemicals on the body.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Emergency planning.
- Assessing Risk.
- Specific information about chemical groups.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this package, learners should be able to:- Identify how chemicals enter the body.
- Outline the key legislative requirements for managing chemicals in the workplace.
- Determine the type of information that should be provided on a MSDS.
- Discuss the information required on a label.
- Determine the type of personal protective equipment required for handling various different groups of chemicals.