Chemical agents are defined by specific EU directives as any agent which by virtue of its properties or the way it is used, presents a risk to the safety and health of employees.  As chemical agents are hazardous, they must be handled according to their safety data sheets.  Risk control measures need to be put in place to minimise exposure and therefore a  safe system of work must be implemented by the Unit concerned.  The Chemical Agents Regulations set down the required safety controls including:

1 Chemical agents must be risk assessed.

Regulations and Guidance (See Downloads & Links)
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001
Link

Guide to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations - HSA

2011 Code of Practice - HSA

Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Summary - UK Hazard Rating Methodology, HSE

Examples of Risk Assessment Procedures (See Downloads)
Example 1 - Isopropyl Alcohol CAS 67-63-0
Example 2 - 2 Methyl -2-Propanol CAS 75-65-0

Relevant Extracts from NUI Galway Safety Statement (See Downloads)
Guidelines/Summary of Chemical Agents Regulations - Part 5.12a

2 Prevent and Control of Exposure
Principles of Prevention/Hierarchy of Controls - 2005 Act Schedule 3

Approved Handling Procedures - Appendix 23a

3 Emergency Procedures
Chemical Spills - Emergency Action Plan - Appendix 19f

4 Information and Training
EC Risk and Safety Phrases/Newer Hazard and Precautionary Statements - see HSA Chemical Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Poster and Sigma Aldrich examples in the Links. 

Chemical Safety in the Workplace (HSA) Link

SDS - Safety Data Sheets Link

Chemicals need to be properly labelled up.  To ensure that chemical solutions are clearly identified use the attached labels provided by the NCBES Safety Team. 

1. Print off colour labels using Avery QuickPEEL L7160 63.5 x 38.1 mm labels.

2. Chemical users then fill in the name of the solution, it's concentration, their (printed) name and the date.    

3. Use the pictograms to circle the hazard(s) of the particular chemical agent. 

4.  Put the chemical label on the container(s) and wash off when no longer needed (e.g. soak in detergent).