Hazardous Substances Checklist

Chemicals and dangerous substances are known to cause  diseases and health complications if the correct safety precautions are not taken when workers are exposed to them.

Sample hazardous substances checklist                               

1. A hazardous substances policy is in place?
2. Management is committed to the objectives of the policy?
3. Sufficient resources have been provided to ensure that the objectives of the policy are met?
4. Staffs at all levels are aware of, and understand, the policy?
5. A purchasing system is in place to vet the introduction of new hazardous substances?
6. A system is in place to ensure that all hazardous substances in the workplace are appropriately labelled?
7. A system is in place to ensure that material safety data sheets are obtained for all hazardous substances?
8. A hazardous substances register is in place, properly maintained and accessible to relevant employees and their supervisors?
9. Emergency and first aid arrangements are in place for dealing with incidents involving hazardous substances?
10. Relevant employees and their supervisors are consulted on health and safety issues related to the use of hazardous substances in the workplace?
11. Risk management is undertaken for all hazardous substances and related processes, and the hazardous substances management program is regularly monitored and reviewed?
12. Workplace monitoring is undertaken where necessary and appropriate control measures are instituted where potential problems are identified?
13. Health surveillance is undertaken where necessary and appropriate control measures are instituted where potential problems are identified?
14. All relevant employees and their supervisors receive appropriate information, training and supervision to ensure the safe use of hazardous substances in the workplace?
15. A system is in place to ensure that all accidents, incidents and near misses involving hazardous substances are reported, investigated and recorded, and that appropriate corrective measures are implemented?
16. Records of risk assessment, control measures, workplace monitoring and health surveillance are kept for the duration required by local regulations?
17. Systems are in place to ensure the safe and proper disposal of hazardous substances and related waste?

This Hazardous Substances Checklist is extracted from our Health and Safety Manual