Safe Handling of Chemicals Training at Workplace

Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000, simply known as USECHH 200, stipulate that any workers involved in the handling of hazardous chemicals must undergo safe handling of chemicals training before being put to such work activities.

Regulation 22 stipulates that the employer shall review and conduct the training program:

• at least once every two years,

• if there is a change in the hazard information on the chemicals hazardous to health, safe work practices or control measures; or

• (c) each time employees are assigned to new tasks or new work areas where they are exposed or likely to be exposed to chemicals hazardous to health.

Hazardous chemicals are substances that can harm people, property, and the environment. They include many common industrial, commercial, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and domestic chemicals. Hazardous chemicals must be treated as a risk in the workplace.

This includes storing, handling, and managing them correctly to prevent occupational diseases, injuries, and fatalities from hazardous chemicals and to avoid harm to workers, members of the public, property, and the environment.

Training Contents

The training should cover, but not be limited to, the topics below:

• Awareness of the legislation related to the use of hazardous chemicals at the workplace,

• Have an overall understanding of the basics of managing chemicals and waste.

• Know how to describe the proper handling and storage of hazardous waste.

• Recognize responsibility for the correct identification, minimization, containment, and disposal of hazardous chemical waste.

• Be able to differentiate between different types of chemicals and waste.

• Understand the effects and potential hazards created by each type of chemical and waste.

• Know how to obtain and use the safety data sheet (SDS),

• List procedures for chemical spills emergencies, and

• Know how to respond to chemical spills, leaks, or accident situations.