Chemical Safety

safe handling of chemicals in the workplace

chemical safetysafe handling of chemicals in the workplace, chemical handling, chemical handling safety

Safe handling of chemicals in the workplace: why it matters

Safe handling of chemicals in the workplace protects employees from acute injuries (burns, poisoning, respiratory irritation) and long-term health effects (sensitization, cancer, organ damage). It also prevents fires, explosions, environmental releases, and costly downtime. Strong chemical handling safety starts with understanding hazards, controlling exposures, and ensuring everyone can quickly access accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical, ensure containers are labeled, and train employees on chemical hazards and protective measures. A dependable SDS management process is the backbone of compliance and practical day-to-day chemical handling decisions.

If workers can’t find an SDS in seconds, they can’t verify hazards, PPE, first aid, or spill response when it matters most.

OSHA requirements that drive chemical handling safety

OSHA regulations don’t just “recommend” good practices—many are mandatory. These are the most relevant to chemical safety rules:

Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

Under HazCom, employers must:

  • Maintain a current SDS for each hazardous chemical and make it readily accessible to employees during each work shift
  • Ensure workplace containers are properly labeled (including secondary containers, where applicable)
  • Provide effective employee training on chemical hazards, protective measures, and how to use labels and SDSs
  • Implement a written Hazard Communication program

A centralized SDS system can reduce the risk of missing, outdated, or inaccessible documents. SwiftSDS supports cloud-based SDS access and organization so employees can locate the right SDS from any device—helpful for multi-site operations and remote work areas.

PPE and exposure controls (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I)

OSHA’s PPE rules require hazard assessments and appropriate protective equipment where hazards exist. For many chemicals, SDS sections (especially Sections 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11) guide PPE selection, ventilation needs, incompatibilities, and emergency measures.

Flammable/combustible liquids (29 CFR 1910.106) and other chemical-specific standards

For certain chemical categories—like flammable liquids—OSHA has additional requirements for storage cabinets, containers, bonding/grounding, and quantity limits. Employers should cross-check these requirements against SDS information and actual use conditions.

Chemical handling safety principles: the hierarchy of controls

Effective safe handling of chemicals in the workplace follows the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing methods that remove the hazard rather than relying only on worker behavior.

  1. Elimination/Substitution: Use a less hazardous chemical or process when possible.
  2. Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed transfer systems, splash guards.
  3. Administrative controls: Procedures, training, scheduling, limiting access.
  4. PPE: Gloves, goggles, face shields, aprons, respirators (when required and properly managed).

SDS data helps determine which controls apply. With SwiftSDS, teams can quickly reference storage requirements, exposure limits, and PPE guidance without searching file cabinets or shared drives.

How should chemicals be stored and handled safely?

Safe storage is a major part of chemical handling safety because many incidents occur when chemicals aren’t in use—during receiving, staging, storage, or waste accumulation.

Storage rules to reduce fires, reactions, and releases

Use these foundational chemical safety rules:

  • Keep chemicals in original, labeled containers whenever possible; if transferred, label secondary containers in line with HazCom expectations.
  • Segregate incompatible chemicals (e.g., acids away from bases; oxidizers away from organics/flammables). Always confirm incompatibilities using SDS Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity).
  • Store flammables in approved flammable storage cabinets and follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 guidance for quantities and storage conditions.
  • Control temperature and ignition sources: keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and direct sunlight when indicated.
  • Use secondary containment for liquids where spills could spread (especially corrosives and toxics).
  • Inspect containers routinely for corrosion, bulging, leaks, or damaged closures.
  • Track expiration dates and peroxide-forming chemicals; dispose of expired materials safely.

Handling rules during use and transfer

Daily chemical handling tasks (mixing, dispensing, transferring, cleaning) are high-risk moments. Adopt procedures such as:

  • Review SDS hazards and PPE before first use or when processes change.
  • Use the smallest practical quantity at the workbench; keep bulk containers in proper storage.
  • Avoid “free pouring” volatile or corrosive liquids; use pumps, funnels, or closed systems.
  • Add chemicals in the correct order (for example, add acid to water, not water to acid, when SDS/procedures specify).
  • Never eat, drink, or store food in chemical handling areas.
  • Wash hands after handling chemicals—even if gloves were worn.

Labels and Safety Data Sheets: making information usable

HazCom compliance depends on employees understanding hazards and knowing where to find details quickly.

What workers should know about labels

GHS-aligned labels typically include:

  • Product identifier
  • Signal word (Danger/Warning)
  • Hazard statements and precautionary statements
  • Pictograms
  • Supplier information

What workers should pull from the SDS

Key SDS sections for chemical handling safety include:

  • Section 2: Hazards identification (GHS classification)
  • Section 4: First-aid measures
  • Section 7: Handling and storage
  • Section 8: Exposure controls/PPE
  • Section 10: Stability and reactivity (incompatibles)
  • Section 6: Accidental release measures

A common breakdown in the real world is access: SDS binders go missing, documents become outdated, or contractors can’t locate them. SwiftSDS provides a centralized SDS library with mobile access, helping meet the HazCom requirement that SDSs are readily accessible during the work shift.

For more on organizing your program, see Safety Data Sheet Management.

PPE, ventilation, and hygiene: practical chemical safety rules

Selecting and using PPE correctly

PPE must match the hazard. A few best practices:

  • Choose glove materials based on chemical compatibility (not all “chemical-resistant” gloves resist all chemicals).
  • Use chemical splash goggles when handling corrosives or splash hazards; add a face shield when splashes are likely.
  • Ensure PPE fits and is maintained—damaged PPE can create a false sense of safety.
  • If respirators are required, follow OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), including medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.

Ventilation and work practices

  • Use fume hoods or local exhaust for volatile, toxic, or irritating chemicals.
  • Keep lids closed and containers sealed when not actively dispensing.
  • Prevent cross-contamination by using dedicated tools, clean scoops, and clearly labeled transfer containers.

Spill response and emergency readiness

Spills and exposures are manageable when teams are prepared.

Build a spill response plan

  • Identify likely spill scenarios and appropriate cleanup materials.
  • Stock spill kits matched to your chemicals (universal, corrosive, solvent, mercury as applicable).
  • Train employees on evacuation triggers, cleanup limits, and reporting.

Plan for first aid and incident response

  • Verify eyewash and shower availability where corrosives are used (align with hazard severity and proximity needs).
  • Post emergency numbers and procedures.
  • Use SDS Section 4 and Section 5 (Firefighting measures) to guide first responders.

Centralizing SDS access with SwiftSDS helps responders quickly confirm hazards, incompatibilities, and first-aid instructions, especially during off-hours or in large facilities.

Managing chemical inventory to prevent risk creep

Chemical hazards grow when inventory is unmanaged—extra containers, unknown products, and expired chemicals increase the chance of incidents. Strong inventory controls support safer chemical handling.

  • Maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory by location
  • Reduce duplicates and minimize on-hand quantities
  • Track storage compatibility by area
  • Flag chemicals nearing expiration or requiring special management

SwiftSDS supports chemical inventory management, helping teams track locations, quantities, and expiration dates so storage and handling practices remain aligned with real conditions—not outdated spreadsheets.

Training and accountability: making safety consistent

Even the best procedures fail without reinforcement. HazCom requires training at assignment and when new hazards are introduced, but effective programs go beyond minimum compliance.

  • Train on labeling, SDS use, PPE, storage segregation, and spill response
  • Use job-specific examples (receiving, maintenance, production, lab work)
  • Document training and refresh it periodically
  • Encourage near-miss reporting and continuous improvement

Take the next step with SwiftSDS

Safe handling of chemicals in the workplace depends on fast access to accurate SDSs, clear labeling, smart storage, and consistent training—all aligned with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). SwiftSDS helps streamline SDS organization, improve mobile accessibility, support GHS labeling practices, and strengthen chemical inventory control.

Ready to reduce SDS confusion and improve chemical handling safety? Explore SwiftSDS and request a demo to simplify compliance and protect your team.