Chemical Safety

Chemical Safety Training Ireland

Chemical hazards exist in almost every workplace, from cleaning chemicals and paints to solvents, fuels, laboratory substances, and industrial process chemicals. Safety Squad provides practical Chemical Safety Training designed to help employers meet their legal obligations, reduce exposure risks, and create safer working environments.

Our training is tailored to your workplace and the specific chemicals used by your team, ensuring employees understand the hazards, controls, and safe working procedures relevant to their daily activities.

The Legal Framework for Chemical Safety in Ireland

Employers in Ireland have legal responsibilities to assess, control, and manage chemical hazards under a range of health and safety regulations.

• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 – Requires employers to assess chemical risks, implement controls, and provide training.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations 2001 – Establishes additional controls for carcinogenic and mutagenic substances.
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 – Governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals.
• CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 – Introduces standardised classification, labelling, packaging requirements, and GHS hazard symbols.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 – Requires employers to provide information, instruction, training, and supervision relating to workplace chemical hazards.

Failure to provide adequate chemical safety training, maintain current Safety Data Sheets, or implement suitable controls may result in HSA enforcement action, legal liability, and significant risks to employee health.

What Does Safety Squad’s Chemical Safety Training Cover?

Chemical Classification & Labelling

Learn how hazardous chemicals are classified and labelled under the CLP Regulation.

• GHS hazard pictograms
• Signal words and warning statements
• Hazard and precautionary statements
• Understanding chemical labels

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Participants learn how to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets and use the information to manage workplace chemical risks effectively.

• The 16-section SDS format
• Exposure controls and emergency information
• Storage and handling requirements
• First aid and firefighting measures

Routes of Exposure

Understanding how chemicals enter the body and how exposure can be prevented.

• Inhalation
• Skin absorption
• Ingestion
• Injection and accidental exposure

Chemical Risk Assessment

Guidance on identifying chemical hazards, assessing risks, and documenting controls in line with HSA guidance.

• Chemical inventory management
• Risk identification and evaluation
• Exposure assessment
• Control implementation

Hierarchy of Controls

Understanding the preferred order of risk control measures when managing chemical hazards in the workplace.

• Elimination
• Substitution
• Engineering controls
• Administrative controls
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Practical guidance on selecting, using, maintaining, and replacing chemical-resistant PPE.

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Eye and face protection
• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• Protective clothing and footwear

Spill Response & Emergency Procedures

Employees learn how to respond safely and effectively to chemical spills, leaks, releases, and exposure incidents.

• Emergency response planning
• Spill containment procedures
• Emergency equipment
• Incident reporting requirements

Storage & Disposal

Safe chemical storage and disposal practices designed to minimise risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Chemical compatibility and segregation
• Storage cabinet requirements
• Waste management procedures
• Environmental considerations

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for employees who work with, handle, store, transport, or are exposed to hazardous chemicals.

• Manufacturing and engineering employees
• Maintenance and facilities teams
• Laboratory personnel
• Cleaning and janitorial staff
• Construction workers
• Warehouse and logistics teams
• Healthcare professionals
• Supervisors and managers responsible for chemical safety

Course Duration & Certification

Training is delivered onsite and customised to your workplace chemical inventory. Standard courses are designed for groups of up to 10 participants.

• Practical, workplace-specific training
• Groups of up to 10 participants
• Customised for high-risk environments
• Certificate issued upon successful completion
• Certification valid for 2 years

Why Choose Safety Squad?

• Experienced health and safety consultants
• Training tailored to your workplace chemicals
• Compliant with Irish and EU regulations
• Practical, easy-to-understand content
• Support with chemical risk assessments and COSHH documentation
• Training delivered at your premises anywhere in Ireland

Book Chemical Safety Training Today

Ensure your employees understand chemical hazards, legal requirements, and safe working practices while reducing workplace risk.

Call 01 636 3112 to arrange Chemical Safety Training for your team, or complete our enquiry form today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chemical Safety Training?

Chemical Safety Training teaches employees how to identify chemical hazards, interpret labels and Safety Data Sheets, use controls, and work safely with hazardous substances.

Is Chemical Safety Training required by law?

Yes. Employers must provide information, instruction, training, and supervision for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals.

What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

An SDS is a document that provides detailed information about a chemical, including hazards, safe handling, storage, emergency procedures, and disposal requirements.

What are GHS hazard symbols?

GHS pictograms are internationally recognised hazard symbols used to communicate chemical hazards such as toxicity, flammability, corrosion, and environmental risks.

How often should Chemical Safety Training be refreshed?

Training should generally be refreshed every two years or whenever significant changes occur in chemical inventories, processes, or workplace risks.

Who should attend Chemical Safety Training?

Anyone who uses, handles, stores, transports, or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals should receive appropriate training.

Can the course be customised for our chemicals?

Yes. Safety Squad tailors training to your specific chemical inventory, processes, hazards, and workplace environment.

Do participants receive certification?

Yes. Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training course.

Do you provide chemical risk assessments?

Yes. We can assist with chemical risk assessments, COSHH assessments, Safety Data Sheet reviews, and compliance documentation.

Can training be delivered onsite?

Absolutely. All Chemical Safety Training can be delivered at your workplace anywhere in Ireland.