CHEMICAL SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Control exposure, splash, fire and incompatible-storage hazards.
Hazards, control measures and daily pre-work verification.
Toolbox Topic
CHEMICAL SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Review inhalation, skin and eye contact, fire, reaction, spill and environmental hazards during the use, handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, and verify SDS information, labelling, PPE, ventilation and emergency arrangements before work begins.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
A chemical's hazards cannot be identified by smell or appearance alone. Before use, review the product label and Safety Data Sheet to understand hazards, exposure routes, required PPE, first aid and spill-response requirements.
Chemicals must remain in original or correctly labelled containers. Unlabelled containers, drink bottles and incompatible containers can lead to misidentification, incorrect use and dangerous reactions.
Glove selection depends on the chemical involved. Not every glove protects against every substance. Ventilation, goggles or face shields, protective clothing and respiratory protection must be selected according to the SDS and risk assessment.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker transferred a cleaning chemical into an unlabelled small container that had previously held a different product.
The chemicals reacted, generating heat and irritating vapour. The worker was exposed to a splash because suitable eye and hand protection had not been selected.
The incident could have been prevented by using an original or labelled container, reviewing the SDS, checking chemical compatibility and selecting the correct PPE.
REMEMBER
Do not use a chemical if the label is unreadable, the contents are unknown or suitability has not been confirmed. Stop the task and report it.
KEY HAZARDS
Inhalation, ingestion or absorption through the skin.
Eye and skin burns or irritation from splashes.
Ignition of flammable liquids, vapours or aerosols.
Mixing incompatible chemicals.
Unlabelled or incorrectly labelled containers.
Poor ventilation and vapour accumulation.
Spills, leaks and environmental contamination.
Chemical waste placed in unsuitable containers.
CONTROL MEASURES
Review the current SDS before starting work.
Verify the product label and GHS pictograms.
Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and clothing.
Provide suitable ventilation and respiratory protection.
Keep chemicals in suitable, correctly labelled containers.
Segregate incompatible chemicals during storage.
Keep eyewash and emergency showers accessible.
Provide a spill kit and suitable absorbent materials.
Place waste in closed and correctly labelled containers.
Stop work, control the area and report exposure or spills.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Team, we will not begin until the chemical label and SDS have been reviewed. We will confirm the correct gloves, eye protection and protective clothing. Chemicals will not be transferred into unlabelled containers, and incompatible products will be kept separate. During a spill or exposure, we will stop work, secure the area and follow the emergency procedure.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Where is the SDS for the chemical being used?
Are the label and GHS pictograms readable?
Which gloves are suitable for this chemical?
Where are the eyewash and emergency shower?
Is the spill kit and suitable absorbent material ready?
What is the first action during exposure or leakage?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
SDS available
Label readable
Container suitable
PPE suitable
Ventilation adequate
Eyewash accessible
Emergency shower accessible
Spill kit ready
Waste container ready
Team briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
| # | Name | Position | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SafeBase HSE Resource — Safety Data Sheets, chemical risk assessments and site procedures take priority.