Online Hazardous Substances Course

The learning objectives from the Echo3 online hazardous substances course include.

Provide a comprehensive understanding of different hazardous materials, their classifications, and the potential risks they pose in common workplace settings.

Firstly, provide staff with an understanding of the risks they face is a fundamental step in creating a safe workplace.  This includes recognizing symbols, labels, and safety data sheets (SDS).  Learners will also gain an understanding of their legal obligations and hazardous substances regulations.

Secondly, educate proper handling, storage, and disposal techniques for hazardous substances.  This includes recognising the symbols, labels from the Globalised System from the Classification and Labelling of chemicals. Learning will also understand the purpose of safety data sheets (SDS).

Thirdly, emphasise safety protocols and preventive measures to minimise risks and accidents. This includes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), spill responses and understanding general emergency response procedures.

Ultimately, the course aims to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to identify, handle, and mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials thereby making your workplace safer.

A hazardous substance is a substance or mixture of substances that are potentially harmful to health.  Hazardous substances can take many forms and include:

• Chemicals
• Fumes
• Dusts
• Vapours, mists and gases
• Nanotechnology
• Bacteria and other micro-organisms

Virtually all workplaces use or contain hazardous substances of some kind. Some examples of hazardous substances include:

• Wood, grain and paper dust
• Glues, adhesives, solvents and paints
• Pesticides and chemical fertilisers
• Medicines and biological agents, bleach and other cleaning agents with a warning label
• Oils and fuels
• Printer/photocopier toner and inks

The 9 hazard warning symbols are used on packaging and containers to standardise and make clear the hazards posed substances.

What parts of the body can hazardous substances affect?  The effect obviously depends on the specific substance and how it entered the body.  Some typically effects are;

Brain & nervous system – Exposure to hazardous substances can affect the brain causing confusion, delirium and unconsciousness. Unusually high levels or prolonged exposure can, depending on the substance, interrupt the nervous system causing a variety of conditions such as seizures, drowsiness and numbness of the hands and feet.

Mouth – Swallowing hazardous substances can burn lips, mouth and food passages.

Eyes – Eyes are very sensitive organs and easily damaged. Exposure to hazardous substances can cause chemical burns, dryness and irritation.

Blood – Once in the body, hazardous substances may penetrate the bloodstream causing damage to tissues and vital organs of the body.

Skin – Certain hazardous substances such as corrosives may be absorbed through the skin and cause burns. Solvents and detergents may cause dermatitis.

Lungs – Exposure to certain hazardous substances can cause severe respiratory distress and a variety of lung diseases from asthma to cancer.

Heart – Exposure to hazardous substances can disturb the action or rhythm of the heart.

Liver/kidneys – The liver and kidneys can sustain damage as they struggle to filter the hazardous substance.

Digestive system – Hazardous substances in the digestive system can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.