In the workplace, we use chemicals for various purposes. It ranges from general cleaning to using in manufacturing processes. Chemicals may exist as a single substance such as IPA to more complex substances. Many of theses chemicals are hazardous to health and environment and many are flammable.
Hazardous chemicals in the workplace can be divided into 3 main categories:
• Physical hazards (e.g. flammable, explosive, and reactive)
• Health hazards (e.g. toxic, corrosive, narcotic, irritating and carcinogenic)
• Environmental hazards (e.g., aquatic toxicity and ozone depleting)
In Singapore, hazardous chemicals are regulated by different authorities. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulates exposure of personnel to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The National Environment Agency (NEA) licenses the import, storage, usage and disposal of prescribed hazardous substances that can pose environmental health problems. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) controls the transport and storage of petroleum and bulk flammable substances while the Singapore Police Force regulates explosives and their precursors for security reasons.
Legal Requirements
One important requirement for storing, using and handling chemicals is to have the safety data sheet (SDS) made available to all persons that are likely to be exposed to the chemicals. This is governed by the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations.
Under Regulation 43, it is stated that:
Where any hazardous substance is used, handled or stored in a workplace, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the workplace to –
(a) obtain a safety data sheet of the substance;
(b) assess the information in the safety data sheet and take precautionary measures to ensure the safe use of the substance; and
(c) make available the safety data sheet to all persons at work in the workplace who are liable to be exposed to the substance.
Likewise, it is the duty of the seller or any agent of the seller to provide the buyer with a safety data sheet for the substance that —
(a) gives accurate and adequate information on the substance; and
(b) conforms with any Singapore Standard relating to safety data sheets or such other standards, codes of practice or guidance as is issued or approved by the Council (i.e. WSH Council).
There is a maximum penalty of $10,000 imposed on the seller or his agent if he fails to provide a safety data sheet or any person who provides inaccurate, inadequate or misleading information in a safety data sheet.
Singapore Standard SS 586
The format for the preparation has been standardised, and in Singapore, it is covered in Singapore Standard SS 586 Part 3: Preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Some points to note in the standard:
- Date of issue and revision date should be stated. (Normally, this will be on the top of the first page, or on the last page.) (Cl 3.6)
- Information in the SDS is non-confidential (Cl. 3.7.3). However, there may be some propriety information when it comes to the composition of the ingredients. This is covered in the Annex A of the Standard.
- The SDS should be reviewed regularly and revised when necessary (Cl. 5). The review shall be carried out:
- there is a change in formulation which affects the properties of the substance
- there is a change in the substances which may alter the safety, health or environmental hazard
- whenever new information on safety, health or environmental hazard is available
- when there is new regulations, standards, code of practice or guidelines
- even if no changes, should be reviewed and updated at interval of not more than 5 years
Contents of Safety Data Sheet
The safety data sheet contains 16 Sections. These sections should be clearly separated. Below is a brief summary of each section. For full details, please refer to the actual standard, SS 586 Part 3.
Section 1: Identification
This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier.
- Product identifier
- Other means of identification
- Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
- Manufacturer’s or Supplier’s details
- Emergency phone number
Section 2: Hazards Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:
- Classification of the substance or mixture (e.g., flammable liquid, category 1).
- GHS Label elements including precautionary statements
- Signal word.
- Hazard statement(s).
- Precautionary statement(s).
- Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions
of the symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g. flame, health hazard).
- Other hazards which do not require classification – Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.
Section 3: Composition / information on ingredients
This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed.
- Substances
- Chemical identity of the substance.
- Common name, synonyms of the substance.
- Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.
- Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to
the classification of the chemical. - Chemical formula
- Mixtures
- Same information required for substances.
- The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage in descending order by mass or volume) of all ingredients or as a range (in descending order by mass or volume)
The recommended ranges are:
> 60% 30 – 60% 10 – 30% <10%
Hazardous ingredients at more than the cut-off values must be indicated.
- Complex substances
Chemical classes should be distinguished, where possible. Concentration range as above should be used to show variable concentrations of the various chemicals.
- Trade secrets
Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed: non-disclosure is permitted subject to the conditions stated in Annex A of the standard. This also applies to chemicals imported into Singapore.
Section 4: First Aid measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:
- Description of necessary first aid measures by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion).
- Most important symptoms / effects, acute and delayed
- Indication of for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, if necessary
Section 5: Fire Fighting measures
This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information consists of:
- Suitable extinguishing media
Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment that is not appropriate for a particular situation. - Specific hazards arising from the chemical
Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous combustion products created when the chemical burns.
- Special protective actions for fire fighters
Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.
Continue in Part 2
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