main content Control of hazardous substances at work

You may be exposed to many different substances whilst at work, most are harmless but others have to be controlled. If you think you are handling substances at work in an unsafe way or have any concerns regarding hazardous substances, contact us. We can offer help and advice on the controls you may need to use. In some cases we may need to visit your workplace to assess how substances are being used and stored.

Details

Employers should assess the products they are using, take steps to provide the safest products available, give employee training and as a last resort provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees to handle hazardous substances.

Substances can be harmful if we breath them in, get them on our skin or if accidentally eaten. We may become unwell or sensitised to a substance we have previously been exposed to without problem for many years. For example a person working in a stable handling bales of straw containing dust can develop difficulties with breathing. Similarly, a person working and handling hair perming lotions in a salon can develop skin problems.

We are not usually harmed if we follow the safety advice and controls given on products by manufacturers. Often we suffer when we take a chance or think that it wont affect us.

Next Steps

You should approach your doctor if you are feeling unwell from handling substances at work. You should also approach your employer if you suspect that you are being exposed to harmful substances at work without proper safety controls in place.

You can also contact us. We will discuss the substances you are handling at work and give advice on appropriate safety precautions. Or we may visit your employer unannounced and confidentially to investigate further.

Contacts

Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Telephone: 020 8313 4830
Fax: 020 8313 4450
e-mail: health.safety@bromley.gov.uk
Address:
Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH