Key Tips for Hazard Classification & Identification

Chemstore has over 21 years’ experience in area classification & the safe storage of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

On a daily basis our team receive enquiries and questions from our clients regarding the best practice to mitigate the risks and how to enable compliance for the storage of hazardous goods in their premises.

In this brief article we want to familiarize you with some key tips to identify hazards and know the risks you take when storing hazardous chemicals in your workplace.

According to the HSE guidance document ‘HSG71’ the most common cause of incidents in the workplace are:

• Lack of awareness of the properties of dangerous substances
• Lack of training
• Inappropriate storage conditions with respect to the hazards of the substance

SDS Sheets

When receiving dangerous substances to your premises the first document you should consult is the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) sheet for each substance.

The SDS sheet will provide key information for:

1. Identification of the substance
2. Hazard Identification
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire Fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling & Storage
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
9. Physical & Chemical Properties
10. Stability & Reactivity
11. Toxicology Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal
14. Transport
15. Regulatory Information
16. Other Information

Please ensure that any goods on your premises are supplied with SDS sheets.

CLP Classification System

European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures came into force on 20 January 2009 in all EU Member States, including the U.K. & Ireland It is known by its abbreviated form, ‘the CLP Regulation’ or just plain ‘CLP’.

From the 01^st June 2015 compliance with the CLP regulations will be mandatory in all EU member states.

The CLP labelling system was developed to provide striking labeling on goods that works as a clear indication to any personnel who work with dangerous goods in the workplace. The CLP classification labels is something that all your employees should be fully competent with.

Chemstore have provided information below on the notable CLP labels:

For any queries you have on hazard identification and storing dangerous goods in the workplace, contact any member of the Chemstore team today.