Managing waste is only one area of environmental management. There are also hazards associated with other chemicals used by the food manufacturing processes. Substances used may include detergents and cleaning agents, inks and solvents used for labelling and packaging, and solvents, paint, oil and grease used for maintenance.
Chemicals in your work area may be obvious because you use some of them daily, but some other chemicals are less obvious. These can be contained in the pipes and ducting running through your work area and only become obvious if a leak occurs.
Chemicals may be hazardous to human health or the environment if they are not managed, handled and contained correctly. Chemicals can enter the body by inhalation (breathing), through the skin (including cuts and scratches) or ingestion by mouth (eating, drinking, smoking, wiping mouth, licking lips). Their effects may be acute (immediate) or chronic (long term).
For the health and safety of yourself, others and the environment, it is important that you know:
Chemicals and goods that may be dangerous or have harmful effects on people, property or the environment may be gases, liquids or solids. They may be dangerous because they are:
Your safety and the safety of others and of the environment is of the utmost importance. There are a number of sources of information about safe use of chemicals and dangerous goods, including:
Product labelling may include product identification, guidelines for safe handling, storage, packaging and transport.