Chemicals are commonly used in industrial, commercial, pharmaceutical, agricultural and domestic situations and may be in the form of solid, liquid or vapour/gas. Solids may be divided into fine particles (such as dusts) or coarse particles (such as granules or lumps). Liquids may or may not release significant amounts of vapour. A material may consist of a single chemical or a mixture of chemicals. It may occur naturally or be created by industrial processes. In workplaces, chemicals are usually present in containers such as tanks, drums or bags, but in some cases they may not be (e.g. welding fumes released to the atmosphere).
Health effects from hazardous chemicals
Health of workers can be adversely affected by over exposure to chemicals and can have both acute and chronic effects.
Managing the risk
Employers and self-employed persons have a responsibility to manage the risk from worker exposure to chemicals, which includes monitoring, health surveillance, training and consultation.
Specific chemicals
Laboratory operators, diesel users and air conditioning personnel should also be familiar with hazardous substances and dangerous goods and how they react in certain situations.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) 2009.
