Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances are dangerous. How dangerous depends on the type of substance, what it is made of, how it enters the body, and the amount of substance that enters the body.
Your workplace may use a lot of different hazardous substances. Some may be things you see every day such as paint, glue, cleaning liquid and powders.
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A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to you. |
Harm to health may occur suddenly, such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin; or it may occur gradually over years, such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others.
We use hazardous substances almost every day of our lives. It may be antiseptic for a cut, paint for the walls, or a cleaning product for the bathroom or toilet. They may seem harmless, but even these ordinary things can make you very sick if they are used incorrectly.
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It is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and to provide information, training and supervision. First aid treatment for hazardous substances should be part of your training. |
Material Safety Data Sheet
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information on a hazardous substance. It gives more details than a label. MSDSs are provided for your employer by the manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances.
If you need more information on what you are using, ask your supervisor or safety and health representative for an MSDS.
It is important that hazardous substances in workplaces are used according to the manufacturer or supplier's written instructions (the MSDS) and agreed safe work procedures.
Remember:
- follow safe work procedures;
- always correctly wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing provided by your employer;
- do not eat, drink or smoke while working with a hazardous substance;
- do not keep food or drink near the substance;
- wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap and water before going to the toilet or eating and drinking; and
- read the MSDS.
