Consumers and workers

Workers - using chemicals at work

If you use chemicals at work, you should:

• look out for the changes and check that you are doing what is needed to use the chemical safely. If you are an employer, alert your employees to these changes too
• speak to your chemical suppliers if you have any questions or if you don't understand the changes that have been made
• if you are an employer, provide your employees with adequate information, instruction and training
• follow the advice provided on the new labels and, where appropriate, in Safety Data Sheets

Remember that other laws apply when using chemicals at work to ensure the protection of workers. Guidance and advice on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is available:

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Some workers may be especially vulnerable, for example young people or pregnant/breast-feeding mothers. Additional helpful advice and guidance is available:

• Young workers
• The law - New and expectant mothers

Consumers

Advice on consumer protection is available from GOV.UK: consumer protection.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards provides useful information on product safety for businesses and consumers:

• Product safety for businesses: A to Z of industry guidance
• Consumer product safety: advice for staying safe
• Sale of goods and services and data protection

If you need more advice, you should ask your local trading standards office.