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Safe handling of chemicals
This article is part 2 of Protect's series on chemical safety, which offers practical insights into the safe and responsible handling of chemicals.
Many workplaces handle hazardous chemicals. When the risks associated with handling and use are managed, work can be carried out safely. If risk management fails, the consequences can include exposure, health hazards, and, in the worst case, accidents.
Preventing exposure is, above all, about protecting people's health. It starts with awareness, continues with action, and remains under control through continuous improvement.
Division of responsibilities in the workplace
Operator
The operator is responsible for overall chemical safety and resources. The operator is obliged to be aware of the hazardous properties of the chemicals they handle and the hazards associated with their handling. The activity may be subject to a permit. In large-scale operations, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency is the licensing authority, while the rescue services are responsible for permits for minor operations.
The operator is responsible for creating a foundation for a safety culture in the workplace. The purpose of this is to identify, investigate, and eliminate the causes of accidents, health hazards, and dangerous situations before they cause harm. The operator must ensure that adequate risk assessments are prepared and maintained. The safety level of the working environment and working conditions must be monitored, for example, through safety walks and audits. The operator is also responsible for providing training, ensuring adequate instructions, and providing the necessary personal protective equipment for the use of chemicals. In chemical safety, this means adequate care throughout the entire chain – from procurement to use and all the way to waste disposal.
Chemical use supervisor
A chemical use supervisor must be appointed in writing (as an amendment to the employment contract or a separate appendix) at large-scale chemical plants. According to legislation, a deputy chemical use supervisor is not required, but appointing someone to this position is highly recommended. The chemical use supervisor for hazardous chemicals must have passed the Tukes examination for industrial handling and storage of hazardous chemicals. The company must clearly define the duties and responsibilities of the chemical use supervisor.
The operator must also ensure that the supervisor has sufficient qualifications to perform their duties. The supervisor must ensure that the company operates in accordance with the regulations and permit conditions concerning hazardous chemicals and the guidelines that have been drawn up. The person in charge must be familiar with the operations of the production facility and the regulations governing it, and must have the right to suspend its operations if necessary.
Persons responsible for chemicals
In small-scale operations, it is not necessary to appoint a chemical safety officer. However, it is recommended that a person or persons be appointed to take responsibility for chemicals at the production facility. Their task is to implement, monitor, and maintain chemical safety in the same way as in large-scale operations.
Employees
All employees are obliged to act in accordance with the safety instructions provided and to report any abnormal situations in accordance with the company's established practices. Employees must also know where to find safety data sheets (SDS) when necessary.
Read more about safety data sheets here
Chemical procurement process
Figure 1. Chemical procurement process
A good chemical procurement process enables chemical-specific assessment. Exposure assessment can be carried out even before a new chemical is introduced. It is important and responsible to procure only necessary chemicals, strive to keep usage amounts as low as possible, identify the risks associated with chemicals, and keep them at an acceptable level. Waste management requirements must also be taken into account at the procurement stage.
Chemical exposure management
The H statements in the safety data sheet (SDS) describe the health hazards associated with the chemical. The SDS also specifies the personal protective equipment required for the safe use of the chemical. Read our previous article on safety data sheets.
Closed systems, local exhaust ventilation, and effective ventilation are the best ways to prevent exposure even before using protective equipment, as protective equipment should be the last resort to prevent exposure to chemicals. However, it is important that protective equipment is selected in accordance with KTT. Employees must also be instructed on the correct use, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment. Exposure control is mainly a matter of everyday practical choices that are reflected in every stage of work.
Identification of hazardous chemicals
You can identify hazardous chemicals by these labels, which comply with the CLP Regulation.
Every chemical package must be correctly labeled, as both the EU CLP Regulation and national chemical legislation stipulate that labeling packages is a legal obligation for companies to ensure safe use.
Occupational health care and exposure monitoring
Occupational health care conducts workplace surveys, monitors the health of employees, and performs health checks, especially in jobs that pose a particular risk of illness.
The aim of workplace surveys is to identify hazards in the work and working environment and to assess their impact on the health of employees. Exposure assessments involve, for example, determining whether there are any harmful vapors, gases, or dusts in the workplace. Exposure to chemicals can also be monitored by occupational health services through laboratory tests if the exposure can be measured using biomarkers.
Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals is also monitored using various registers, including ASA and CRM. In addition, training is required for the use of certain hazardous substances. For example, diisocyanate.
The combined effects of hazardous chemicals and other exposures, such as noise or vibration, are not yet fully understood. One example of this is the combined effect of styrene and noise, about which little information is currently available.
Exposure during leisure time
In addition to work, exposure can also occur during leisure time. Many types of exposure factors are associated with hobbies and home maintenance, such as fiberglass work in boat maintenance, window insulation work, and two-component adhesives used in model building. Lifestyle factors such as smoking can also increase overall exposure at work.
Chemical safety is continuous risk management
Safe handling of chemicals is not a single measure, but a whole set of measures based on clear responsibilities, proactive risk management, and everyday practical choices. When chemicals are known, exposure is systematically assessed, and control measures are in place, health risks can be kept under control both at work and during leisure time. The safe use of chemicals not only supports the health of employees but also the continuity and responsibility of the company's operations. Continuous monitoring, training, and development of operating practices ensure that chemical safety remains a genuine part of everyday life at work – not just in instructions, but also in practice.
The next part of this series of articles will look at safe chemical storage and labeling.
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