Working with hazardous substances requires extra care and caution. Storing and labeling hazardous substances correctly is essential to ensure the safety of workers, prevent accidents and protect the environment. A well-implemented safety plan that includes proper storage and labeling of hazardous substances is the first step in creating a safe and hazard-free workplace.
This guide provides an overview of the safety measures needed to store and label hazardous substances and why these measures are so important. It also outlines the steps you can take to ensure that all hazardous substances are properly stored and labeled and that everyone in the workplace is aware of and understands the risks associated with them. Following these measures will go a long way toward creating a safe and healthy work environment.
What are hazardous substances?
A hazardous substance is any material that poses a potential risk to people and the environment. Classification of hazardous substances is based on their potential to cause harm, their persistence, and the difficulty of removing them from the environment. Hazardous substances are often flammable, corrosive, explosive, toxic, or a combination of these properties.
Chemicals found in laboratories, including cleaning and disinfecting agents, reagents, and other substances used in research and teaching, are also hazardous substances. Hazardous substances may be used in various ways. Some examples include storing them in bulk in a central location or using them in small quantities with various equipment, such as pipettes and microtiter plates.
Why is storing and labeling hazardous substances important?
