Do I have to train my staff in chemical handling?

Under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations, you must make sure your workers have and understand the information, training and instruction they need to do their work safely.

Workers need information about:

• Any work happening in their work area involving hazardous substances
• Where to find information about the hazards of each hazardous substance in the workplace and how to handle and store those substances safely. This includes the SDS but is not limited to the SDS.

Chemical Handling training and instruction needs to include:

• The physicochemical and health hazards of the substances (i.e. are they explosive, flammable, corrosive, toxic or oxidising)
• How to safely use, handle, store and dispose of the substances
• How to use plant (in other words equipment) necessary to manage the hazardous substances safely, including personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Any other duties the worker might have under the Regulations
• The worker’s role in an emergency involving the hazardous substances

• Classifying hazardous substances
• Potential adverse effects of hazardous substances on the body and environment, types of exposure, monitoring and treatment options
• Safe storage, tracking requirements, handling and disposal of hazardous substances
• Response to uncontrolled release of hazardous substances
• Health and safety information for safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances

31290: Demonstrate knowledge of the safe management and potential adverse effects of hazardous substances in the workplace

31293: Demonstrate safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances in the workplace