Hazardous chemicals

Skin contact, splashes or breathing in of fuels, solvents, adhesives, gases and other hazardous chemicals and substances, or reactions between incompatible ones.

Also known as: Contact with fuel, Hazardous substances, Chemical exposure, Contact with hazardous chemicals, Exposure to hazardous chemicals, Contact with hazardous substance, Exposure to adhesives, Skin irritation, Respiratory irritation, Adhesive spill, No Safety Data Sheets, Poor labelling, Exposure to hazardous gases, Hazardous gases, Contact with refrigerant gas, Reactive contact with other hazardous chemicals, Incompatible chemicals, Exposure to fuel, Inhalation, Ingestion, Eye & skin damage, Contact with battery acid

How to control hazardous chemicals

Eliminate the chemical or substitute a less hazardous product, such as a water-based or lower-toxicity alternative.
Keep a current safety data sheet (SDS) for each chemical and a hazardous chemicals register, and make them available to workers.
Use local exhaust ventilation or work in well-ventilated areas when using solvents, adhesives or other volatile chemicals.
Label all containers, including decanted ones, and store incompatible chemicals apart in bunded, ventilated storage.
Train workers in safe handling, spill clean-up and the first aid measures listed on the SDS.
Wear the gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection specified on the SDS for each chemical.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.