ABSTRACT
The intrinsic chemical, health and environmental hazards of chemical substances and preparations have to be communicated to the user, to enable the material to be used and stored safely. This is achieved by standardized classification and labeling of ‘dangerous’ chemicals, and by providing safety data sheets. This information is used to ensure that chemical workers are operating under safe conditions with appropriate engineering controls to minimise chemical release and using adequate protective equipment to minimise exposure to released chemicals, and that appropriate environmental protection measures are taken. (See also Chapter by Uluatam.)
The information used to classify a chemical substance as ‘dangerous’, either to health or the environment, can be used for hazard assessment, which can be combined with chemical exposure data to product a risk assessment. Further information on toxicity or exposure may be needed to refine the risk assessment, before any necessary risk management action is taken to ban or restrict the use of the chemical. Risk management measures for chemicals, which may be taken after a risk/benefit evaluation, can be in the form of recommendations for safe use, labeling or occupational exposure limits. There are also legal provisions for banning chemicals, or restricting their use to safe conditions.
