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Health and Safety at work- hazardous substances

Environmental Health

Section dealing with the hazardous substances used in workplaces.

Service ID:
email: ehadmin@staffordbc.gov.uk
telephone: 01785 619402
sms: 07781 471023
fax: 01785 619319
complaints: welcome.asp?id=2505

 

To make an online request for information please click here

 

How can I tell if a product I work with is hazardous to my health?

Is it OK for me to work with hazardous substances?

Where can I find further information?

 

FAQ

 

How can I tell if a product I work with is hazardous to my health?

 

All hazardous substances must be labelled to warn the user. The standard warning is a black cross on an orange or yellow background, below which a word showing the grade of hazard is given - ' Irritant; Corrosive; Harmful; Toxic or Very Toxic. A similar style of warning is often used to warn if a product is highly flammable. These warnings are very important and are why hazardous materials should never be decanted into unlabelled containers. TOP

 

Is it OK for me to work with hazardous substances?

 

Employers are required to use the least hazardous products in their workplace. In some instances there may be no alternative but to use a hazardous substance. If this is the case then the employer must properly assess the risks and ensure that practical control measures are put in place. Employees must be given adequate information about the hazards and controls and properly trained to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues. Employees must then comply with their employer's safety controls. TOP

 

Where can I find further information?

 

Contact the Technical Team on 01785 619402 or e-mail. Alternatively, further information can be found on the Health & Safety Executive website, to visit this site, click here.                                                                               TOP



This page is maintained by Environmental Health, was last updated on 27/10/2008 and will expire on 01/04/2009. Subscribe to changes to this page here.