Regulations require all manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous chemical products to provide SDS'. Besides products and substances which are classified as hazardous, the legislation also considers chemicals with occupational exposure limits as hazardous.
Chemical inventory should include all of the products you use that meet these criteria. The purpose of the inventory is to help staff and emergency responders to be safer and more effective while performing their duties.
So how can you meet all of the requirements while saving time and money?
In the next couple of paragraphs, we will outline the seven tips for chemical inventory management.
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Compile a list of all chemicals used at your facilities
The first step is a preparation of an inventory of all chemicals. Determine which chemicals from the inventory meet the definition of hazardous chemicals. Finally, develop a way to track these chemicals. Keep track of when the new chemicals are introduced, or old products are replaced or updated.
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Train your employees
Every employee who works with hazardous chemicals should be trained on how to handle them safely. Employees should know what SDS are and where to find the relevant information.
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Provide access
All employees handling the hazardous chemicals need to have access to SDS'. The employer must ensure that employees have SDS at hand at all times, without leaving their work area.
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Update your SDS’
Create procedures for the SDS updating. Select employees responsible for managing chemical inventory. Ensure that all hazardous materials are in the inventory and that you have the latest versions of SDS'.
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The new chemical approval procedure
It is crucial that you have a procedure at hand for the admission of new chemicals. When introducing a new chemical in your processes, develop an internal procedure for selecting and approving this new chemical. Authorise only specific personnel for the approvals.
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Look for safer alternatives
Always be on the lookout for safer chemical alternatives. It is in your company and employees' interest to check for safer options. If there are no safer alternatives for the chemicals you use, ensure that your facilities are equipped with appropriate protective equipment to handle all of the risks.
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Use software solutions for the management of the Chemical Inventory
Look for a software solution that can help you save money and time while still ensuring the safety of your workplace and compliance.