06 Jul HSA chemical safety course
HSA launches free online chemical safety course for small business
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched a free short on-line course, on chemical safety in the workplace on its e-learning portal, http://hsalearning.ie. The course is aimed at workers, supervisors and safety representatives, in any sector where chemicals are used. The 30 minute introductory courses will give learners a quick, free and invaluable introductory guide to identifying and managing hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
The short interactive course provides a general overview of chemical safety in the workplace, including a broad outline of the types of chemical substances found in workplaces. Course objectives include developing a chemical inventory, understanding information on the labels and safety data sheets and identifying hazardous chemicals. The course also provides an overview of chemical risk assessment, information on exposure and how to implement a hierarchy of control.
At the end of this course learners should be able to:
- identify all hazardous chemicals in the workplace
- recognise the difference between hazardous/ non-hazardous chemicals
- identify ways hazardous chemicals can enter the body
- develop a chemical inventory
- find information on chemicals through the use of labels and Safety Data Sheets
- examine risk and determine possible risk reduction measures using the hierarchy of control.
Senior Chemicals Inspector with the HSA, Majella Cosgrave said: “This free introductory course will help workers, supervisors and others to assess the risk in their workplaces from hazardous chemicals and put controls in place to prevent injury and illness, in a practical and straightforward way. Workers will benefit from taking the short course by understanding how to stay safe when using chemicals in their daily work. Employers can usefully incorporate it into staff induction or training programmes and will be particularly relevant for those working in businesses such as cleaning companies, printers and garages.”
For further information please visit hsa.ie.