Modern industry depends heavily on chemical products to carry out numerous processes and daily tasks. From cleaning and maintaining equipment to manufacturing goods, chemical products are fundamental. However, their use in the workplace presents risks to health and safety that must be managed rigorously. This article analyses how the responsible use of chemical products protects workers, minimises risks and improves efficiency in the workplace.
The importance of chemical safety in the workplace
The presence of chemical products in a working environment can be as beneficial as it is dangerous if the right measures are not taken. Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that workers are informed and protected against possible exposure to hazardous substances.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), millions of workers around the world are exposed to hazardous substances, which increases the risk of workplace accidents, chronic diseases and other adverse health effects. Appropriate preventive management not only protects people, but also reduces costs arising from sick leave, penalties and lost productivity.
Practical example: Products such as CH Química’s NETINOX, designed for cleaning stainless steel, are examples of safe chemical formulations when used following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Although it is effective and safe under normal conditions of use, misuse of any product can expose the user to unnecessary risks.
Types of chemical risks and chemical agents in the workplace
A chemical agent is any substance or mixture that, because of its physicochemical, toxicological or physical properties, may pose a risk to the health or safety of workers. Chemical risks at work are classified according to the nature of the hazard they present:
Classification by type of hazard
- Toxic substances and substances of acute toxicity: they cause serious harmful effects even with a single exposure to high doses. Acute toxicity is classified into categories according to the route of exposure (oral, dermal, inhalation) and the median lethal dose (LD50).
- Irritant substances: they cause inflammation of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes without destroying the tissue. They are the most common in cleaning and industrial hygiene environments.
- Corrosive substances: they destroy living tissue on contact. They require specific protective equipment and strict handling protocols.
- Flammable and explosive substances: they create a risk of fire or explosion in the presence of ignition sources.
- Harmful substances: they cause adverse effects that are less severe than those of toxic substances, but which can be relevant in the event of repeated exposure.
- Environmental chemical contaminants: they disperse in the workplace air in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dust, contaminating the air that workers breathe.
Knowing the type of chemical hazard to which workers are exposed is the first step towards implementing appropriate preventive measures and selecting the right protective equipment.
Main health impacts of exposure to chemical products
Exposure to chemical products without proper precautions can cause harmful effects of varying severity depending on the substance, the concentration, the route of entry and the duration of exposure. The main health impacts are:
- Respiratory conditions: inhalation of vapours, gases or aerosols can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, chemical bronchitis, occupational asthma or, in serious cases, pulmonary oedema.
- Skin irritation and damage: direct contact with irritant or corrosive substances causes contact dermatitis, chemical burns and skin sensitisation.
- Eye damage: splashes of corrosive or irritant substances can cause serious eye injuries, including loss of vision in extreme cases.
- Chronic systemic effects: prolonged and repeated exposure to certain chemical contaminants can affect internal organs (liver, kidneys, nervous system) and, in some cases, have carcinogenic or reproductive effects.
- Acute poisoning: a one-off exposure to high concentrations of toxic substances can cause acute conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Measures to reduce health risks
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves resistant to the substance in question, masks or respiratory protective equipment, safety goggles and protective clothing according to the level of risk.
- Adequate ventilation: in enclosed spaces, it is essential to have general ventilation or local exhaust systems that prevent vapours and contaminants from accumulating in the working environment.
- Product substitution: whenever possible, replacing a hazardous substance with a less hazardous one is the most effective preventive measure.
- Training and education: regular training in the safe use of chemical products is essential to prevent incidents and reduce accidental exposure of workers.
Risk assessment and classification: labelling, safety data sheets and H statements
To implement correct management of chemical products in the workplace, it is essential to carry out a rigorous risk assessment. This involves classifying each product according to its properties: flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, reactivity and other relevant factors.
Safety data sheets (SDS)
Safety data sheets (SDS, formerly known as MSDS) are mandatory documents that must be available for every hazardous substance or mixture used at work. They contain information on composition, physicochemical properties, health and environmental hazards, first-aid measures, storage conditions and recommended protective equipment.
What H statements are
H statements (hazard statements) are alphanumeric codes established by the CLP Regulation that describe the nature of the hazard of a chemical substance or mixture. They appear on labels and in safety data sheets. For example, H301 indicates “toxic if swallowed” and H315 indicates “causes skin irritation”. Knowing what they mean allows workers to understand the real risks of each product before handling it.
The manuals and labels of CH Química products include all this technical information, making it easier to understand and safely use each product in the workplace.
Applicable regulations: REACH, CLP and RD 374/2001
There are various regulations governing the use of chemical agents at work and the marketing of hazardous substances. The main ones at European and Spanish level are:
- REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006): sets out the requirements for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemical substances manufactured or imported in the European Union. It obliges manufacturers and distributors to document and communicate the risks of their products throughout the entire supply chain.
- CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008): harmonises the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures in the EU, adopting the criteria of the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS). It defines the hazard pictograms and the H and P statements that must appear on labels.
- Royal Decree 374/2001: transposes into Spanish law the European Directive on the protection of workers against risks related to chemical agents at work. It establishes the employer’s obligations regarding risk assessment, preventive measures and health surveillance of exposed workers.
For companies that use CH Química products, complying with these regulations is easier, as the company provides all the technical documentation and safety data sheets needed to ensure regulatory compliance.
Good practices for the safe management of chemical products
Correct management of chemical products in the working environment requires systematising the following practices:
Storage and handling
- Proper storage: products must be kept in ventilated, cool places away from heat sources, flames or incompatible products. Containers must remain closed when not in use.
- Regular inspection of containers: periodically check the condition of containers and their labels to detect leaks, deterioration or loss of safety information.
- Segregation of incompatible products: substances that may react with each other must be stored separately to avoid accidental hazardous reactions.
Selection of specific products
Every task requires the right product. Using solutions designed specifically for each application reduces the risk of accidents and improves efficiency. A clear example is the use of CH Química’s Solartech Clean for cleaning solar panels: a generic product could damage the photovoltaic cells, whereas one formulated for that application guarantees cleaning without risk to the installation.
Safe chemical products: selection criteria and advantages
A growing trend in the chemical industry is the development of products that are less hazardous and safer for the user and the environment, without giving up effectiveness. When selecting a chemical product for workplace use, it is advisable to consider the following criteria:
- Toxicological classification: prefer products with lower acute toxicity and lower irritant or sensitising potential.
- Biodegradability: products formulated with biodegradable components reduce environmental impact and make waste management easier.
- Complete documentation: the manufacturer must provide an up-to-date safety data sheet, labelling in accordance with the CLP Regulation and technical advice.
- Proven effectiveness: a safer product is only a good choice if it also meets the technical objective for which it is used.
CH Química’s bactericidal and fungicidal products, such as the Airnet Airpur Kit, are formulated to be highly effective while minimising the impact on human health and the environment. They comply with strict regulations and offer a sustainable solution for critical needs such as the disinfection of air-conditioning equipment.
Investing in certified-quality products not only means greater safety for workers, but also lower costs associated with workplace accidents, occupational diseases and penalties for regulatory non-compliance.
Towards a safer working environment through the proper use of chemical products
Health and safety at work are essential for employee wellbeing and the productivity of any company. With the responsible use of chemical products, compliance with current regulations —REACH, CLP, RD 374/2001— and the implementation of good management practices, it is possible to significantly reduce the risks associated with occupational exposure to chemical substances.
By choosing high-quality products such as those from CH Química, companies guarantee a safe, effective working environment that is respectful of their employees’ health and of the environment.
Frequently asked questions about chemical products and workplace safety
What are chemical risks at work?
Chemical risks at work are the hazards to workers’ health or safety arising from exposure to chemical agents: substances, mixtures or products that can come into contact with the body through inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion. They include risks of acute toxicity, irritation, corrosion, sensitisation, chronic effects and the risk of fire or explosion, among others.
What are H statements and what are they for?
H statements are hazard statements established by the European Union’s CLP Regulation. They are alphanumeric codes that describe the nature of the hazard of a chemical substance or mixture and must appear on labels and safety data sheets. They allow users and workers to quickly identify the risks associated with a product before handling it.
What are the main health effects of exposure to chemical products?
The main health effects of exposure to chemical products are: irritation or burns to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes; respiratory conditions ranging from irritation to occupational asthma; acute poisoning following one-off exposure to high concentrations; and chronic effects such as liver, kidney or neurological damage, or even carcinogenic effects, following prolonged and repeated exposure without adequate protection.
What regulations govern the use of chemical agents at work in Spain?
In Spain, the use of chemical agents at work is regulated mainly by Real Decreto 374/2001, which sets out the employer’s obligations regarding risk assessment, preventive measures and health surveillance of exposed workers. At European level, the REACH and CLP regulations complete the regulatory framework by governing the registration, classification and labelling of chemical substances and mixtures.
How can the impact of chemical products on workers’ health be reduced?
The most effective measures for reducing the impact of chemical products on occupational health are: replacing hazardous substances with lower-risk alternatives whenever possible, ensuring adequate ventilation in workplaces, providing workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, delivering regular training in the safe use of products, and keeping safety data sheets accessible to all staff.