Some Tips for a Successful Chemical Management Program
Chemical substances can pose significant risks for any business that manufactures, stores, distributes, or otherwise uses them. Being able to identify and manage these risks effectively is essential to help protect it, its workforce, and the environment. Because of this, having well-designed and properly executed plans and procedures for chemical management is extremely important. Here we present a few basic tips for having a successful chemical management program.
Some Key Things to Do
Tip 1: Maintain Awareness
For a chemical management program to succeed, all involved parties must be keenly aware of several factors, including chemicals used, the reasons for their use, the manner in which they are used, and the potential dangers that they pose. In addition, this awareness and understanding must be maintained as the status of one or more factors may change over time (new chemicals, new potential hazards, etc.). Conducting regular inventories is a fundamental part of this process, as is keeping current safety data sheets (SDSs) on file. Periodic training or instruction may also be useful in maintaining awareness.
Tip 2: Stay Up to Date
When dealing with the management of chemicals, the availability of timely information is critical to enabling informed decision making. Keeping up to date with advancements in chemical science, with new toxicological research findings, with state and federal laws, and with compliance requirements is imperative for businesses that deal with chemicals in any capacity. Having access to the most current chemical hazard information possible can be one of their most important assets in this regard.
Tip 3: Be Comprehensive
In any business, there should be a thorough understanding and knowledge of the chemicals it uses. This is crucial to maintaining workplace safety, and it is key for any chemical management plan. This knowledge should be comprehensive, encompassing all relevant chemical substances and their storage procedures, usage instructions, corresponding safety precautions, and more.
Tip 4: Communicate
Effective communication, at all points and among all individuals, is vital for any chemical management program. This is essential not only to make certain that a business is compliant with necessary regulations and standards, but also to help ensure the safety of its workforce. Utilizing a written hazard communication program and providing relevant employee training are potential ways to facilitate this communication.
For Additional Information
The key to designing, developing, and implementing a successful chemical management program is information. For chemical safety professionals desiring a detailed, comprehensive, current, and highly authoritative chemical hazard information resource, ToxPlanet offers an unmatched solution. To learn more about our products and how they can help address your needs, contact ToxPlanet and register for a Free Trial.
