Latest news with #COSHH
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to meet chemical safety packaging regulations
Chemical safety compliance is a crucial aspect of industries handling hazardous substances. Proper packaging not only protects the environment and people but also ensures adherence to strict regulations imposed nationally and internationally. Packaging for chemical safety compliance involves a combination of suitable materials, precise labelling, and robust design standards to prevent accidents and legal penalties. This article explores the essentials of chemical packaging, focusing on how businesses can meet compliance requirements effectively. Packaging hazardous chemicals is far more than just containing a product. It is about preventing leaks, spills, and dangerous reactions during transport and storage. Chemicals come with diverse properties — some are corrosive, flammable, or toxic — and each requires specific packaging solutions to maintain safety. Safety packaging helps reduce risks to handlers, emergency responders, and the public. Improper packaging can lead to chemical exposure, environmental contamination, and costly recalls or fines. Moreover, compliance with regulations such as the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) in the UK, is legally binding. The right packaging also plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of chemicals during shipment. It prevents contamination and degradation, ensuring products arrive safely and function as intended. Hence, companies must pay close attention to packaging materials, labelling, and design specifications to remain compliant and uphold safety standards. Choosing the correct packaging materials is the foundation of chemical safety compliance. Packaging must be resistant to the chemical it contains and able to withstand external factors like temperature changes, pressure, and physical impact. Common materials include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums, glass bottles, metal cans, and composite containers, each suited for different types of chemicals. For example, corrosive acids may require corrosion-resistant plastic or lined steel drums, while volatile solvents might need sealed metal containers to prevent vapour release. Packaging design also involves secondary containment — such as placing a chemical container inside a secure outer packaging to catch leaks — and incorporating features like tamper-evident seals and pressure-relief valves where necessary. This reduces the risk of spills and explosions, especially during transport. Packaging must pass rigorous testing, including drop tests, leakproofness, and pressure resistance, in line with standards like UN recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods. Such certifications demonstrate the packaging's capability to safely contain chemicals under routine and emergency conditions. Accurate labelling is essential for chemical safety compliance and plays a vital role in emergency response. Labels must clearly display hazard pictograms, signal words such as 'Danger' or 'Warning', hazard statements, and precautionary advice as per the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Beyond labels, packages need accompanying documentation like Safety Data Sheets (SDS), transport permits, and declarations of dangerous goods. These documents provide detailed information about chemical properties, handling instructions, and emergency measures. Failing to comply with labelling and documentation requirements can result in significant legal penalties and increased safety risks. Clear, consistent labelling aids in the correct handling and storage of chemicals by workers and logistics personnel, preventing accidents. Businesses must keep abreast of regulatory changes and ensure all packaging is updated accordingly. Many industries use specialised software to manage compliance documentation and label printing, reducing errors and improving traceability. Maintaining compliance requires continuous monitoring and improvements. Regular audits of packaging materials, design, and labelling processes help identify potential gaps before incidents occur. Training employees in chemical handling and packaging regulations ensures awareness of best practices and the importance of compliance. Staff should know how to inspect packaging for damage, verify labels, and correctly prepare shipments. Sustainability is also becoming a key consideration in chemical packaging. Selecting recyclable or reusable packaging materials helps reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety standards. Furthermore, businesses benefit from collaborating with packaging experts and regulatory consultants to keep up with evolving safety standards and industry trends. Investing in research and development to innovate safer, more efficient packaging solutions provides a competitive edge. Ultimately, packaging for chemical safety compliance is a complex but essential task for any organisation dealing with hazardous materials. From selecting suitable packaging materials and design to ensuring clear labelling and documentation, every step must meet strict regulatory requirements. Adopting best practices in packaging not only safeguards people and the environment but also protects businesses from legal and financial risks. As regulations evolve and sustainability gains focus, ongoing vigilance and innovation will be key to maintaining effective chemical safety compliance. "How to meet chemical safety packaging regulations" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Safety expert warns of scammers selling free online courses
A Chorley safety expert has warned the public about online scammers charging people for his content. Dale Allen, founder of the Safety-Verse, said "copycat" companies have been taking his freely available health and safety courses and selling them to unsuspecting users. The Safety-Verse offers certified training through The Knights of Safety Academy, covering topics such as online safety, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, and mental health awareness. Mr Allen said: "For years, we have proudly provided free health and safety training to over 300,000 students to help people upskill, stay safe and build careers. "Our mission has always been rooted in one thing—access for everyone with no barriers. "These resources were created to save lives, not to be exploited for profit behind closed doors. "The misuse of our content without permission is deeply disappointing, unethical and unlawful." Mr Allen said "copycat" sites were not only charging for the free courses, but also issuing the Knights of Safety Academy's official certificates as if they were their own. He is now advising people to access the courses through the official Safety-Verse platform and to report any websites offering the training for a fee. While the copying activity is a breach of copyright law, Mr Allen said his bigger concern was that people were being exploited. Mr Allen added: "It's not just about the law, it is the principle. "People deserve honesty and clarity and we want to protect the value of free, open safety education." He also warned the public to be cautious of similar schemes online, including websites that charge for government services which are otherwise free, such as getting a tax refund from HMRC or applying for child benefit. The 44-year-old became interested in health and safety after a near-death experience at the age of five, when he almost choked on a marble. His mother was able to save him by holding him upside down and slapping him on the back until the marble dislodged. Mr Allen said the incident was a turning point in his life and led him to dedicate himself to safety education. More information and free training resources can be found at
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
HSENI inspectors to visit food production premises
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has announced a new programme of focused advisory and inspection visits across the agri-food sector as part of its healthier workplaces campaign. David Lowe, acting principal inspector of HSENI's Agriculture and Food Group, said that inspectors will be visiting food production premises 'to help ensure business are protecting their workforce from long-term health problems'. 'Employers have a duty to make sure their workers are safe and healthy, especially when dealing with substances that can damage their lungs, including chemicals and grain or flour dust,' he said. HSENI Over the next year, HSNI inspectors will be visiting agriculture and food production premises in Northern Ireland to ensure hazardous substances are being handled properly and that appropriate safety measures are in place. 'They will focus on how employers manage hazardous substances in the workplace and comply with their legal duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (NI) Regulations 2003 (COSHH). 'They will also be looking more specifically at those substances which have been assigned a workplace exposure limit (WEL), which cause known health effects and where health surveillance may be required,' Lowe added. HSENI confirmed that there will be a mixture of announced and unannounced inspections. Duty holders are reminded that they have very specific responsibilities under COSHH, and they must ensure they are familiar with the regulations and complying with them fully. 'Occupational respiratory diseases are all too common, but they are also preventable. No one should develop ill health simply because of the job they do. 'If anyone has concerns about their lung health they should speak to their GP,' Lowe said. Occupational lung disease symptoms include a persistent cough, as well as severe difficulties in breathing, chest tightness and coughing up blood. Symptoms can often be painful and debilitating, affecting the person's way of life and in severe cases can prevent sufferers from leading a normal lifestyle. To help businesses prepare for visits, HSENI has created a checklist that outlines what inspectors will be looking for, which is available on the executive's website.
