Substances

Petrol

Petrol is highly flammable and is one of the most hazardous substances that we use. Because it is so easily ignited, you must handle it with great care.

Gases under pressure

All gases under pressure (even non-hazardous gases such as nitrogen) must comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

Diesel

While diesel is not a particularly flammable substance, it is an environmental hazard with considerable clean-up costs if it should leak into a drain, watercourse or the soil.

Explosives (including pyrotechnics)

To use and store explosives safely (including pyrotechnics), you must comply with the requirements set out in the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

Fumigants

Fumigants are used to control a variety of pests, for example, fungi, insects and rabbits. They are highly hazardous substances and must be managed safely to prevent them causing harm to people and the environment.

Safe use of isocyanates

This approved code of practice covers the safe storage, transport, use, and disposal of isocyanates.

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG)

Liqufied petroleum gas (LPG) is a highly flammable gas and is dangerous if not used safely. Because it is easily ignited, you need to know how to stay safe when using and storing it.

Surface coatings

Paints, dyes, inks and adhesives are some of the most commonly used hazardous substances, and are collectively known as surface coatings. The hazardous properties of these substances are classified (put into groups) to determine how the risks can be managed.

Pesticides on farms

Pesticides are considered to be a hazardous substances as they include a combination of chemicals which can cause serious harm to humans. Safe handling of pesticides is important to yourself and others on the farm safe.

Used or waste oil

If used oil is not stored, used or disposed of properly it can harm people and the environment.

Using insecticides safely

Organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs) are the active ingredients in some insecticides. They can be used to control a wide range of horticultural pests, but are toxic to people and the environment.

Managing lead-based paint

Exposure to lead-based paint can cause lead poisoning which can be a serious illness. Many older buildings have been painted with lead-based paint and precautions should be taken when removing this paint.

Preventing sulphur fires and explosions

The purpose of this code of practice is to establish reasonable protection requirements to eliminate or reduce the hazards of explosion and fire inherent in the processing and handling of sulphur.

Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs)

Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) can harm humans and the environment if not used correctly. You need to follow the rules for handling, using and storing them to protect yourself, other people, and the environment.

Organic Solvents

This page provides information to help you identify and manage the risks from using organic solvents such as toluene, thinners and methyl ethyl ketone in your business.

Storing flammable liquids

Safely storing containers of flammable liquids is important to minimise the risk of fire and explosion.

Certification of locations holding toxic and corrosive substances

This guide explains the certification requirements of toxic and corrosive substances when they are in storage.