Chemical Safety in the Workplace for Small Businesses
This guideline is to help you find out about the chemicals that are used in your workplace. A chemical inventory worksheet is attached to assist you to:
- Create a complete list of the chemicals in your workplace
- Know where they are located, how much you have, and how you are using them
- Know about the risks they pose
- Confirm whether necessary controls are in place
- Where controls are lacking, identify corrective actions to be taken.
Table of Contents
- Why is this booklet important for your business?
- Chemical inventory sheet
- Steps for completing your chemical inventory
- Step 1 Describing the chemical
- Step 2 Determining the risk
- Step 3 Controlling the chemical
- Step 4 Record keeping
- Common chemicals: hazards and severity
These publications are available for downlaod from the Environmental Risk Managemsent Authority (ERMA) New Zealand’s website
- Chemical Safety in the Workplace for Small Businesses guideline [pdf file size: 1,140KB] [external link]
- Chemical Inventory Sheet [excel spreadsheet, size: 101KB] [external link]
