The easiest way to determine if a substance being used is hazardous is to check the label. Words like "Hazardous", "Warning", "Poison", "Harmful" or "Corrosive" will give a good indicator as will other information on the label about specific health effects.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information and advice on the safest ways to handle hazardous substances in the workplace. These should be made available by employers for all hazardous substances which are readily accessible to workers. In the absence of an MSDS, employees should assume a substance to be hazardous and take appropriate care.

Chemicals and hazardous substances to watch out for

» Petrol containers and gas cylinders – must be stored securely, away from heat sources and out of the path of vehicle traffic. These are highly flammable substances and could cause serious injury or fatality if not carefully handled and stored.

» Solvents – are often used as cleaners or degreasers. Solvents can impair memory and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness, cancers and death.

» Spray paints – inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long-term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis.

» Batteries – contain acid and must be treated with caution. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when handling batteries – rubber gloves, eye protection (goggles may be needed to avoid splashes), overalls and solid work boots.

» Welding operations generate hazardous fumes and should be separated from other workshop activities and from workers who may not be protected by fume extraction systems, ventilation or appropriate PPE. It may be possible to weld out of doors in good weather.

» Dust is caused by jobs like sanding, sweeping, grinding and cutting. Cutting and sanding operations can generate small metal pieces which can be hazardous if inhaled and/or irritating to the eyes etc. Employers can reduce dust by using machines that are enclosed or fitted with local exhaust ventilation.

» Where possible, use non-hazardous substances or safer alternative substances.
» Obtain MSDS for all hazardous substances and make them easily accessible to all workers.
» Instigate and maintain a hazardous substances register in the workplace.
» Engineer proper controls to eliminate possible exposure to hazardous substances.
» Provide training on the correct way to handle and use hazardous substances to all relevant workers.
» Provide and maintain all personal protective equipment (PPE) in good working order.
» Ensure workers are properly trained in the use of PPE.
» Ensure suitable labelling on all hazardous substances containers.
» Carry out regular risk assessments on the use of hazardous substances in the workplace.
» Provide health surveillance whenever exposure to a hazardous substance could lead to disease or ill health.