Why is it important to have a system to control hazardous substances? When dealing with chemical substances it is necessary to identify the health, fire and explosion hazards they create. It is essential to introduce and maintian an effective system to control these substances. What type of chemicals should be included in the control programme? Every substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, should be listed. Even ordinary materials such as soap powders, disinfectants, degreases and aerosols should be included as they too are potentially hazardous under certain circumstances. How do you go about formulating a hazardous substance control programme? A detailed survey should be carried out to locate, identify and list all chemicals substances found in the workplace, whether hazardous or not. Each substance listed should be assessed for hazards or potential hazards. A hazardous substance sheet should now be completed for each of the substances shown to be hazardous. Copies of these records, in the form of data sheets (MSDS- material safety data sheet) should be made available to the area of work in which the substances are used, to trainers and first-aid personnel.
