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Chemical safety in the workplace

This course provides an introduction to chemical safety in the workplace and what you should know if you are working with chemicals. The course is an updated version of Chemical Safety in the Workplace (Introductory).

The course focuses on:

  • hazardous chemicals
  • exposure to chemicals
  • information on chemical labels
  • hazard pictograms
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Contact the Health and Safety helpdesk for more information or advice

This training is only available to HSE staff.

Factors to consider

These factors will help you determine the requirements for chemical safety training in your work area:

  • training needs assessment (TNA)
  • work activities
  • work environment
  • risk of exposure

Who this training is for

This module is mandatory for workers who might be exposed to chemical hazards. Access the training on HSelanD.

Course specification

After completing this programme, trainees will be able to

  • understand how chemical exposure can happen and the effects of exposure
  • identify and differentiate between hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals
  • understand the different hazards posed by chemicals in the workplace
  • find information about chemicals using labels and SDSs

Duration

This module takes approximately 30 minutes.

How to book

This module is available on HSeLanD (health and safety catalogue)

Assessment

To get a certificate of completion, you must complete a short assessment at the end of the module.

Training records

Managers must keep copies of employees' training records on file. This is in line with the HSE National Records Retention Policy.

The policy requires managers to keep electronic files for 7 years after an employee's term of service ends.

Get a template for recording, scheduling and monitoring training requirements in the OSH training toolkit.

Refresher training

This programme must be refreshed every 3 years. In some cases, refresher training may be required more frequently. This will be identified through the risk assessment or training needs assessment (TNA) process.

Acknowledgements

Health and Safety Authority