Laws & legislations
The majority of companies have some contact with
chemical products. In some cases, companies handle large amounts of
chemicals, which can often be harmful to health and the
environment. In order to reduce the risks, there are numerous
different regulations that companies must observe. Naturally,
anyone handling chemical products at work needs to be familiar with
all the applicable rules and regulations.
Users of chemicals are covered by rules that aim to protect both
human health and the environment. These requirements, based on EU
directives, have been incorporated into national legislation and
regulations. There are also special regulations for manufacturers
and importers.
When chemical products labelled with hazard symbols or that for
any other reason can be assumed to be hazardous are present in the
workplace, the employer must assess the potential risk of
ill-health and accidents. The risk assessment constitutes the basis
for product selection as well as various measures to prevent and
limit damage. The results of the risk assessment must be
documented. Using a risk evaluation it is possible to decide
whether safety measures are required, whether handling methods
should be amended, or perhaps even whether the product needs to be
replaced. There are also general requirements for systematically
investigating and assessing the risks associated with activities
from the perspective of human health and the environment. Of
course, these also include chemical management.
The product selection principle applies to all chemical
management. This means that use of chemical products that it is
feared may entail risks to human health or the environment must be
avoided, if these can be replaced by less hazardous products. This
rule also applies to goods that contain or have been treated with a
chemical product. Choosing less hazardous chemical products
requires a great deal of patience. A holistic and systematic
approach is required for this work to be successful. Cooperation
between multiple parties both within and outside the company is
often necessary.
Up-to-date chemical product lists must be available. The primary
aim of these lists is to create an overview of health and
environmental risks. Detailed lists are an excellent starting point
for relaying information quickly, referring to background
information, investigating risks, replacing hazardous chemicals,
drawing up reports, and much more.
In order to ensure safe handling of chemical products, the
entire chain must remain intact. Perhaps the most important factor
is that all those concerned have the necessary knowledge and
awareness. Clear and rapid information is vital in the event of
accidents. There must be procedures in place for passing on
information and reporting incidents and accidents.