Hazardous substances in the workplace

Hazardous substances can be found in all workplaces and may cause harm to the human body and the environment. Employers have a duty of care to workers which includes ensuring that they not exposed to the effects of hazardous substances.

Hazardous substances can be found in all workplaces and may cause harm to the human body and the environment. Employers have a duty of care to workers which includes ensuring that they not exposed to the effects of hazardous substances.

The employer should ensure that workers are provided with information, instruction and training on how to use chemicals safely.
Meet your legal requirement with iProtectU EHS:

  • Chemical and hazardous substance risk assessment
  • International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) approved eLearning
  • Email scheduling and distribution of documents and training to employees


iProtectU EHS has more than 300+ other training resources and every risk assessment type and template you may require.

IIRSM Approved Chemical and Hazardous Substance Training

Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to numerous health issues such as poisoning, skin rashes and vital organ problems. Hazardous substances will have different routes of entry to the human body, and some may not be detectable such as dusts, fumes and mists. Hazardous substances are present in numerous states such as liquid, gas, solids or powders. Certain products may also require dilution before use, representing additional precautions pre and post dilution. It is important to always read the safety data sheet.

iProtectU EHS provides simple and effective chemical training and exposure management.

Risk Assessment

Employers must ensure that a safety data sheet (SDS) is available to employees for each hazardous substance used in the workplace. iProtectU EHS Health and Safety software provides a central chemical and substance register, a legal requirement. Easy to complete and understand chemical and hazardous substance risk assessments can also be completed, shared and scheduled to employees.

iProtectU risk assessments comply to The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), a United Kingdom legal requirement imposed on employers to protect employees and other persons.

Health Exposure effects

Health effects will depend on the type of hazardous substance exposure, its concentration and exposure duration. Some of the possible health effects can acute or chronic.

Labels and Warnings

Manufacturers of hazardous substances are required by law to provide warning labels and safety data sheets also known as an SDS with their products.

Reducing exposure to hazardous substances

Eliminating the need for chemicals or their substitution for safer ones will reduce risk considerably. Where chemicals are required engineering and administrative control should be developed and communicated to employees. In all instances appropriate PPE should be provided and controls to ensure it is also worn and used correctly.

iProtectU EHS software is fully compliant to international chemical and hazardous substance requirements. Risk Assessments are supported by International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) approved training. https://www.iirsm.org/

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