working with chemicals

• How might I be exposed to chemicals at work?  more...
• What harm can chemicals do me?  more...
• How can I tell if the chemicals I work with are dangerous?  more...
• My employer gives us gloves. Isn't that enough?  more...
• I work as a painter and decorator. What harm can paints and varnishes do me?  more...
• I am a hairdresser. Can hair dyes and perming lotions be harmful?  more...
• What happens if I get dermatitis?  more...
• What kind of personal protective equipment should my employer give me?  more...
• Who should I speak to if I have a health and safety problem at work?  more...
• Do I have to wear the protective clothing my employer gives me?  more...

further information

NEW: Hazardous substances, a UNISON guide for Health and Safety Reps, available from UNISON, tel: 0845 355 0845, or as a pdf from the UNISON website.

Hazardous substances at work, available from the Labour Research Department, tel: 020 7928 3649.

Becky Allen (1999). Chemical hazards handbook, available from the London Hazards Centre, tel: 020 7794 5999.

COSHH: a brief guide to the Regulations, available from www.hse.gov.uk, or HSE Books, tel: 01787 881165, fax: 01787 313995, free.

Read the label – how to find out if chemicals are dangerous, available from www.hse.gov.uk, or HSE Books, tel: 01787 881165, fax: 01787 313995, free.

Pesticides – use them safely, available from www.hse.gov.uk, or HSE Books, tel: 01787 881165, fax: 01787 313995, free.

Working safely with solvents, available from www.hse.gov.uk, or HSE Books, tel: 01787 881165, fax: 01787 313995, free.

Information sheets on dermatitis, gloves, or safety data, available from UNISON, www.unison.org.uk/safety/infosheets.asp