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Last Updated on September 18, 2025

Safe hazardous chemical handling is a job requirement in many workplaces, but it comes with significant risks. To protect staff who come into contact with dangerous substances, employers are responsible for ensuring that employees are properly trained and informed about safety procedures when handling these substances.

Critical regulations, such as OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), mandate that information about chemical and toxic substance hazards be documented and accessible to workers in the workplace. Containers must be properly labeled with appropriate hazard warnings and employees must receive training on the safe handling of chemicals and how to respond to potential hazards.  In addition, protective measures, including personal protective equipment, must be readily available as part of safe hazardous chemical handling protocols.

To help you maintain a safe workplace and reduce the risk of chemical accidents, we have outlined fundamental guidelines for handling hazardous chemicals that you can implement as part of your protocols.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive and your organization may have specific requirements beyond these suggestions.

Be Alert and Cautious

Hazardous chemical handling can pose risks to life, health and property. Every hazardous substance should be treated with the utmost care and respect, considering its potential dangers. To help ensure workplace safety, all staff should follow these essential safety practices:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay alert when working with hazardous materials. Anticipate potential challenges and be prepared to act quickly if something goes wrong.
• Use chemicals only for their intended and approved purposes. Improper use can cause dangerous and unpredictable outcomes.
• Follow all established procedures designed to minimize risk and ensure safety.
• Attend job training, both in-house and online, to minimize the risk of accidents and stay current on best practices.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling hazardous materials, even if gloves were worn.
• Keep work areas clean at the end of every shift to minimize the risk of contamination or accidental exposure.

Use Proper PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be easily accessible for any employee who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Proper PPE is an important line of defense against injury and contamination.

• Always inspect your PPE carefully before each use. Ensure it is clean, fully intact and safe for use.
• Do not use damaged equipment. If any part of your PPE is worn, torn or damaged, do not use it.  Dispose of damaged equipment and replace it immediately. 
• Wear properly fitted PPE. A correct fit maximizes effective protection and ensures compliance with workplace safety standards.

Properly Seal, Label, and Store All Chemicals

Each chemical has specific requirements for labeling, sealing and storage to ensure safety and maintain chemical integrity, as mandated by regulations. For example, organic peroxides, commonly used in the rubber and plastic industries, are highly unstable and demand strict adherence to safety protocols during storage.

Chemicals should be identified with standardized labels in compliance with OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard or the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) standard.

As a general rule, make sure that all containers are properly labeled and that that material are contained in appropriate containers. Do not use any unlabeled or improperly contained chemicals, even if you think you know what’s inside. Report any damaged containers or illegible labels to a supervisor immediately.

If you are unsure of a chemical’s specific procedure, refer to the safety data sheet (SDS), which provides information on the composition, hazards and emergency protocols for that particular chemical.

Containers must be tightly sealed to prevent leaks, contamination or evaporation. Store chemicals according to their hazard class as listed on the SDS. Generally, materials should be stored in a well-ventilated, cool, dry area, taking care to separate any incompatible materials.  Flammable materials should be stored in flammable cabinets and acids and bases should be kept apart from other chemicals.

Know Your SDS Data

Required by law, the SDS is a regulatory document required by OSHA that provides health, safety and environmental information about a chemical.  It must accompany all chemical substance shipments and be stored in an easily accessible location for at least 30 years after the last receipt of a shipment.

Staff should become familiar with the data listed on the SDS, including:

• Proper storage requirements
• Safe handling procedures
• Exposure controls/PPE
• Physical and chemical properties
• Health hazards
• First aid and fire-fighting measures
• Disposal considerations

Employees also should review and understand first aid measures and emergency exposure procedures for every hazardous chemical that they contact while performing their job duties.

Compliance with SDS-related regulations supports a safe workplace. That’s why staff must have access to SDSs and a clear understanding of the information they contain.  This ensures safer handling, proper storage and effective emergency response when working with hazardous substances.

Understand Emergency Procedures

Emergency protocols for hazardous chemicals are essential to protect personnel, property and the environment during a chemical incident.  These protocols typically include:

• Procedures for evacuation
• Spill or fire containment
• Emergency reporting
• Medical response to emergencies
• Incident reporting

Regardless of the specific chemicals being handled, your entire team should be thoroughly trained in the emergency procedures and know how to use the required equipment in the event of an accident. For example, staff should understand how to use spill kits, operate eyewash stations and utilize PPE as well as follow emergency communication protocols.

Some workplaces have safety teams or conduct drills to help employees become familiar with these safety procedures so they can act swiftly during a real emergency.

Hazardous chemical handling can be dangerous. With the proper care and handling, and adherence to protocols, you can minimize the risk of an accident. At H.M. Royal, we take workplace safety very seriously. SDS and technical data sheets for all chemicals we distribute are easily accessible on our website. For more information or assistance, please contact an H.M. Royal product specialist.