What Are Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are substances that pose a risk to health, safety or the environment due to their physical or toxic properties. These can include corrosive acids, flammable solvents or any material capable of causing harm through exposure or improper handling.

Recognising what a chemical hazard is allows employers and employees to implement the right safety controls and emergency procedures. From correct labelling and storage to having the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in place, awareness plays a vital role in preventing accidents.

However, even with strict controls, incidents can still occur. In the event of a spill or splash, rapid decontamination is critical. That’s why emergency safety showers and eyewash stations are essential in workplaces handling hazardous substances to ensure chemicals are quickly washed from the skin or eyes to minimise the severity of injury.

What is a Chemical Hazard?
A chemical hazard refers to any substance that has the potential to cause harm to people, property or the environment. These hazards arise from the chemical’s physical or toxic properties, how it is used and the conditions in which it is stored or handled. Understanding what a chemical hazard is helps workplaces identify risks and implement the right control measures to protect workers.

International safety systems such as the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) define and classify chemical hazards to ensure consistent labelling and communication worldwide.

How Do You Know If a Chemical is Hazardous?
Knowing whether a chemical is hazardous is vital for ensuring safe handling, storage and emergency response. Fortunately, there are clear systems in place to help identify and understand these risks before an incident occurs.

The first step is to check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Every hazardous chemical must have an SDS, which provides detailed information about its composition, potential hazards, safe handling procedures and emergency measures. It outlines what to do in case of a spill, leak or exposure, and specifies the type of PPE required. Reviewing the SDS allows workers to understand the level of risk and how to manage it safely.
Another way to recognise hazardous materials is by reading container labels and hazard symbols. Under the GHS, all chemical containers must display standardised labels that clearly communicate the nature of the hazard. These labels include:

• Signal words such as ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning,’ indicating the severity of risk.
• Pictograms, which are symbols (like flames or skull and crossbones) that visually represent the type of hazard.
• Hazard statements describing the specific danger, such as ‘causes severe skin burns’ or ‘highly flammable liquid.’

These labels and symbols are used on chemical containers to quickly alert workers to potential risks, ensuring they take proper precautions. Recognising these visual warnings is essential for preventing accidents and responding effectively in emergencies where exposure occurs.

Why Emergency Equipment is Essential
In workplaces where hazardous chemicals are used, rapid decontamination can make the difference between a minor incident and a serious injury. When a chemical comes into contact with the skin or eyes, every second counts. The longer the substance remains, the greater the potential for burns, irritation or absorption into the body.

That’s why safety showers and eyewash stations are a vital part of any chemical handling area. They provide an immediate source of clean tepid water to flush away hazardous substances, helping to reduce the severity of burns and prevent long-term damage. By ensuring exposed areas are thoroughly rinsed within the first few seconds of an accident, this equipment supports effective first aid before medical assistance arrives.

To be effective, emergency equipment must also be installed in the right location. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 and EN15154 standards recommend that safety showers and eyewash stations are:
• Positioned within 10 seconds’ reach of where hazardous chemicals are used or stored
• On the same level as the potential hazard
• Kept free from obstructions such as doors or stored materials
• Clearly visible and well-lit, with signage that ensures workers can locate them quickly during an emergency

Hughes designs and manufactures a wide range of emergency safety showers and eyewash stations that meet these standards. These include plumbed-in, self-contained and temperature-controlled units to suit both indoor and outdoor environments. Each product is built to deliver a consistent water flow for the required 15-minute decontamination period, ensuring full compliance and reliable performance when it’s needed most.

To maintain this level of performance, it’s essential to carry out regular testing, maintenance and staff training. Routine weekly activations confirm that equipment is working correctly, while annual inspections ensure continued compliance with international standards. Training employees on proper use ensures they can respond quickly and confidently in an emergency, helping to protect people from serious chemical injuries.

To ensure your site is fully prepared for immediate decontamination in the event of a spill or splash of a hazardous chemical, explore the range of Hughes products and provide essential protection when every second counts.