Every enterprise uses various chemicals, and the HSE department must take a systematic approach to their introduction.
Even at the stage of selecting isopropyl alcohol or a cleaner, colleagues from the procurement department or process engineers should consult with us on the feasibility of the purchase in terms of health hazards for personnel, PPE selection, storage rules, first aid, and the selection of primary fire extinguishing equipment. All these questions are answered by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
According to the international GHS system, every safety data sheet contains 16 standard sections.
GHS (Globally Harmonised System) is an acronym for the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. GHS (Globally Harmonised System) is a system that standardizes and harmonizes the classification of hazards and the labeling of chemicals. It is based on a comprehensive logical approach to the following tasks:
Hazard coding and visual labeling by hazard class provide detailed information on whether a chemical is highly flammable, or can cause irritation or dizziness when inhaled, or upon contact with eyes or skin.
By studying the document, we can assess the current level of readiness for safe work and plan necessary additional actions before use begins — for example, purchasing a special apron or a half-mask with filters for protection against ammonia vapors. A paste or remover can be extremely dangerous and require enhanced protection; it is important to try to find less risky alternatives and replace them if possible. There are known cases where suppliers neglect to provide safety data sheets according to the relevant GOST standards; in such cases, we search for documents online using the unique CAS number. There are also specialized, massive databases with safety data sheets in various languages.
After considering all the details, we approve the purchase of chemical products, ensuring that the storage area is prepared (usually a special ventilated cabinet marked with a sign), PPE is staged and issued to employees, appropriate fire extinguishers are in place, spill kits (absorbent booms and pillows) are available, the SDS itself is printed or available electronically, sufficient local ventilation is provided, and emergency eye wash facilities are present — for petroleum laboratories, an emergency shower is also required. Before use, employees must be familiarized with the key provisions of the MSDS to understand "what they will be holding in their hands" and realize that any container must be completely sealed after use. Acids and alkalis require increased attention to the selection and consistent use of PPE.
During industrial hygiene monitoring, we must include these substances in the list of chemical factors and, based on the results, assess what the employees are breathing and whether additional measures are needed.
This is not enough, as we must ensure that new employees do not suffer burns and that no incidents occur. In our company, we maintain an inventory of all chemicals at the facility, specifying the departments; we make safety data sheets publicly accessible, include these topics in HSE training and safe behavior videos, and verify compliance with all agreed measures — for instance, checking for containers with unknown or unlabeled liquids.
Neglecting safety measures when using chemicals will sooner or later lead to unpleasant consequences. Some substances are so dangerous that, for example, in ship holds during or after transport, gas analysis of the environment and the use of industrial gas masks are required both initially and throughout the contact period.
Undoubtedly, this topic is one aspect of occupational risk assessment, followed by the creation of a protocol and visual aids for personnel.