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What this material is

Hoshen's professional guidance

This material reflects Hoshen's professional practice. It is not legislation and establishes no legal duty. Adapt it to your site, your risks and the requirements that apply to you.

Suggested length: 5–10 minutes

Why it matters

Harm from chemicals is not always felt immediately. Repeated low-level exposure can do as much damage as a single event.

Key points

  1. 1.Before use, read the safety data sheet. Not the trade name.
  2. 2.A container is never left unlabelled. Unidentified material is treated as hazardous.
  3. 3.Do not transfer material into a food or drink container, not even temporarily.
  4. 4.Ventilation and local extraction come before respiratory protection, not instead of it.
  5. 5.A spill kit is available, complete, and somebody knows how to use it.
  6. 6.Store by compatibility: materials that are not compatible are not stored together.

What to check today

  • Is every container in the area labelled?
  • Are the safety data sheets available and current?
  • Is the spill kit complete?

Discussion question

What is the most hazardous material we hold, and who knows why?

Reviewed on: 22 August 2026