Chemicals are widely used in many industries but can pose serious health and safety risks if not handled properly. This section covers chemical hazards, safe handling practices, and control measures. Learn how to read safety data sheets, use protective equipment, and store chemicals safely to reduce exposure and maintain compliance.
TL;DR Workplace cleaning and disinfection procedures follow one fixed order: clean visible soil first, then apply an approved disinfectant at the correct dilution and keep the surface wet for the full label contact time. Disinfection is reserved for high-touch surfaces, illness in the space, and blood or body-fluid spills — not applied to every surface … Read more
TL;DR — The Three Questions CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) is the EU’s legally binding implementation of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS). While CLP adopts most GHS hazard classes, it excludes some lower-severity categories, adds EU-specific hazard statements (EUH codes) and unique hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent substances, and maintains a mandatory … Read more
TL;DR CLP hazard pictograms are nine standardised symbols used on chemical labels under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (EC No 1272/2008). Each pictogram features a black symbol on a white background within a red diamond border, representing a specific category of physical, health, or environmental hazard. Derived from the UN Globally Harmonised System … Read more
TL;DR The CLP Regulation — Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 — is the European Union’s legally binding framework requiring manufacturers, importers, and downstream users to classify chemical hazards and communicate them through standardised label elements including pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements. It implements the UN Globally Harmonised System within the EU and is administered by … Read more
TL;DR I was halfway through a routine chemical storage audit at a coatings manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia when I pulled a 20-litre drum of methyl ethyl ketone off the rack and asked the nearest operator a simple question: “Where’s the SDS for this?” He pointed vaguely toward a filing cabinet two buildings away, behind … Read more
Hazardous chemicals are inevitable in many industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to construction and agriculture. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) to protect workers from chemical-related illnesses and injuries. Often referred to as the “Right-to-Know” Law, HAZCOM ensures that employees are fully aware of chemical hazards in the workplace and understand how … Read more
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential documents that provide detailed information on hazardous chemicals, including their properties, potential health risks, safe handling practices, and emergency procedures. These sheets are crucial for workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. Knowing where to find SDS is vital to ensure safety and legal compliance, whether you are an employer, employee, … Read more
Bunsen burners are essential laboratory tools used for heating, sterilization, and various experiments. However, they also present significant fire and burn hazards. To prevent accidents and ensure safe laboratory practices, it is crucial to follow specific safety guidelines every time a burner is used. From inspecting equipment and wearing appropriate protective gear to properly handling … Read more
Spill containment is a critical aspect of industrial safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance across all sectors—from oil and chemical manufacturing to food and beverage processing. Effective containment systems prevent leaks and spills from spreading, safeguarding workers, facilities, and the surrounding environment from contamination or harm. This comprehensive guide explores the principles, methods, regulations, and … Read more
Chemicals are an integral part of nearly every workplace – from specialized industrial reagents to everyday cleaning products. With this ubiquity comes risk: according to OSHA, over 50,000 work-related illnesses are reported each year due to chemical exposures (the majority being skin diseases, with many others affecting the respiratory system). High-profile industrial accidents and everyday … Read more