Chemicals/substances are commonly assigned with a classification based upon the manner in which they pose a hazard to people. For the term “hazardous” RGU is identifying that the substance has the potential to have a detrimental impact on the health of a person and creates a health hazard.
The less common term ‘dangerous’ indicates that the substance can have a detrimental impact on the safety of a person and creates a physical hazard. Dangerous substances are defined as those that are either explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable and need to be managed in a specific way to mitigate their hazards.
To help Schools/Departments whose activities require the use of dangerous substances, RGU has implemented a DSEAR Assessment template to help undertake and record a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk. In conjunction with DSEAR Assessment guidance this will provide confidence in DSEAR compliance.