amended) requires employers to:

assess the risks that arise from the use of hazardous substances. This will include any arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents or emergencies, such as those resulting from serious spillages. The assessment must also include the health and safety risks arising from storage, handling or disposal of any of the substances

prevent, or if this is not reasonably practicable, control exposure to such substances

provide staff with information, instruction and training about the risks, steps and precautions the employer has taken to control these risks, eg provision of appropriate rubber gloves or appropriate eye protection

What you should know

Substances can take many forms and include:

chemicals

products containing chemicals

fumes

dusts

vapours

mists

nanotechnology

gases and asphyxiating gases

biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols, it is classed as a hazardous substance

germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories

Most businesses use substances, or products that are mixtures of substances. Some processes create substances. These could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people. 

Sometimes substances are easily recognised as harmful. Common substances such as paint, bleach or dust from natural materials may also be harmful.