Activities Involving Non-Laboratory Chemical Preparations
Hazards:
The non-laboratory use of chemical preparations (mixtures or solutions of two or
more substances) is widespread throughout QMUL and includes use as
adhesives, detergents, cleaning agents, dyes, inks, paints, pesticides,
photographic developers and fixers and solvents. Such preparations are
purchased and supplied for a specific purpose or use. Chemical preparations
may possess the following hazards:
 Toxic or harmful properties, including acute (immediate) or chronic
(delayed) effects;
 Corrosive or irritant effects;
 Allergenic effects and respiratory or skin sensitisation;
 Chemical and physical effects such as fire, explosion and dangerous
reactive properties.
Risk Factors:
 Handling chemical preparations of unknown composition, those in
unlabelled containers and those of unknown hazard;
 Using any chemical preparation in a way which is contrary to the
suppliers’/manufacturers’ instructions;
 Using any chemical preparation for a purpose other than that for which it is
recommended or supplied;
 Mixing together two or more chemical preparations unless this is
specifically required by the suppliers’/manufacturers’ instructions;
 Storing chemical preparations in open, unstoppered, damaged or
unlabelled vessels or containers;
 Handling chemical preparations without appropriate personal protective
clothing or equipment;
 Storing, dispensing or using flammable chemical preparations near to
ignition sources including flames, electrical equipment and hot surfaces;
 Spraying chemical substances or applying them to any large surface in an
unventilated area;
 Handling large or heavy containers of chemical preparations including
dispensing or transferring dusty or liquid preparations from large to small
containers without containment or control measures to prevent spills and
splashes;
 Handling or storing chemical preparations in areas where food and drink
may be kept or consumed.
Risk Control Measures:
1. Use the least hazardous preparation consistent with the work to be done,
use the least quantity and do not purchase or store more than is needed
for the foreseeable future;
2. Store chemical preparations in a safe and secure manner as
recommended by the suppliers’/manufacturers’ recommendation keeping
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incompatible preparations away from each other and flammable
preparations away from sources of ignition, after use return the
preparation to its proper storage place;
3. Use stock in chronological sequence of acquisition so that preparations do
not deteriorate because of extended storage;
4. Read the warning labels and/or safety data sheets and learn about the
hazards of the chemical preparation and the working practices for its safe
use, if in doubt contact your manager or supervisor for further information
or instruction;
5. When handling dusty or volatile preparations, when applying them to large
surfaces, when spraying or when using open tanks or vessels containing
chemical preparations whether they are health or fire hazards, it may be
necessary to provide exhaust ventilation or personal respiratory
protection;
6. Do not siphon a chemical preparation by mouth however harmless it may
appear;
7. Gloves, eye protection and other protective clothing may be necessary
when handling any preparation which is toxic, harmful, corrosive, an
irritant or cause allergy to prevent skin contact;
8. Chemical preparations should be carried only in stoppered or sealed
containers;
9. Clean-up any spills or splashes especially on skin or clothing, wash the
hands after handling chemical preparations and always before eating and
leaving work;
10. Dispose of residues and wastes according to the suppliers’/manufacturers’
recommendations or through QMUL waste disposal procedures, label
waste containers to describe the identity of the contents;
11. Cover cuts, grazes and other skin abrasions with a water proof dressing
before handling any chemical preparation, wash cuts and wounds under
running water and seek medical advice if they are likely to be
contaminated.
Persons at Special Risk:
Those with a history of allergic or asthmatic symptoms who routinely handle or
work with respiratory or skin sensitizers (defined by risk phrase R42 “May cause
sensitisation by inhalation” e.g. isocyanates, platinum salts, rosin core solder
fumes and R43 “May cause sensitisation by skin contact” e.g. hydrazine and its
salts, potassium dichromate, epoxy compounds, formaldehyde and its aqueous
solutions, acrylates).
Health Surveillance:
Those at special risk should report symptoms of respiratory sensitisation
(periodic wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness) or skin sensitisation
(sore, red or itching skin) to their manager or supervisor who will arrange referral
To the medical centre/occupational health.
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Exclusions:
This assessment is not adequate for work involving chemical preparations
containing asbestos, lead and lead compounds and explosive materials.
Relevant Statutory Provisions and Other Guidance:
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
The Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972
Preventing asthma at work, How to control respiratory sensitizers, HSE, reprinted
2005
Respiratory sensitizers: a guide for employers, HSE,IND(G)95(L).
Solvents & You, HSE, IND(G)93(L).
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