Hazardous substance management simply explained

Published Jul 14, 2025

Yellow warning signs on black barrels in a row.

What is hazardous materials management?

Hazardous materials management includes all measures for the safe handling of hazardous substances. This includes the identification and classification of substances, the implementation of protective measures, employee training and the regular review and updating of safety guidelines.

Why is hazardous materials management important?

Hazardous materials management pursues the overarching goal of handling hazardous substances safely in order to protect people and the environment. This essentially includes

Preventing accidents at work: Hazardous materials management establishes targeted workplace safety measures to prevent accidents at work as well as occupational illnesses.
Working safely: Hazardous materials management creates the necessary conditions for safe working conditions with hazardous or potentially harmful substances.

Which laws regulate hazardous materials management?

Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG):

The legal basis for hazardous materials management is part of Section 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV):

The Hazardous Substances Ordinance specifies the measures employers must take to protect employees.

EU chemicals legislation

The following EU regulations are relevant to the handling of hazardous substances:

REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006: This specifies the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals within the European Union.
CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008: Forms the legal basis for classifying, labeling and packaging chemicals in the European Union.
Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012: Regulates how biocidal products are to be sold, dispensed and used throughout Europe.

What role does a hazardous substances officer play?

As experts, hazardous substance officers are responsible for advising companies on the handling of hazardous substances. To this end, they are in contact with the management, specialist departments and employees. Hazardous substances officers carry out risk assessments, define precautions for protective measures and provide training for employees.

Gelbe Warnzeichen auf schwarzen Fässern in Reihe.

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To the solution

What are the components of hazardous materials management?

The typical structure of hazardous materials management includes:

Hazardous substances register

A hazardous substances register lists all hazardous substances in the company and thus helps to keep an eye on them. The focus is on substances that are harmful to health and the environment. 12 of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance stipulates that a hazardous substances register must include the following information:

The name of the hazardous substance as noted in the safety data sheet
Information on the hazard characteristics
The areas in which the hazardous substances are used
Information on the quantities in which the hazardous substances are used in the company

Risk assessment

In a risk assessment, employers record the main hazards that employees may encounter when handling hazardous substances. The aim is to maximize safety in the workplace. Companies should note that work with hazardous substances may only begin once the risk assessment has been fully completed.

Safety data sheets

Safety data sheets contain relevant information on all hazardous substances in the company. As they provide information on the respective substances, they support the creation of hazardous substance registers.safety data sheets include information on:

Hazardous substance labeling
Potential hazards
Correct handling and disposal
Required storage
Options for transporting the hazardous substances

Operating instructions

An operating instruction contains the basic information on all hazardous substances in the company. With a maximum length of two pages, operating instructions are significantly shorter than safety data sheets. Operating instructions deal with questions such as:

What are potential hazards?
What protective equipment is appropriate?
Who should be contacted in an emergency and what actions are necessary?

Protective equipment

Protective equipment for every employee. In other words, tools that provide employees with the best possible protection against accidents at work and occupational illnesses. It usually consists of

Protective gloves
respiratory protection
protective boots
protective suit
eye protection

Storage and disposal of hazardous substances

Companies are obliged to provide a hazardous materials store that protects the health of employees. Environmental protection must also be taken into account. Typical suitable storage locations are

Sump trays
Shelves or cabinets for hazardous substances
Gas cylinder containers

Hazardous substance training

In hazardous substances training courses, employees are informed about what must be observed when handling hazardous substances.

What role does software play in hazardous materials management?

software helps those responsible to organize and manage hazardous materials management. It provides an up-to-date overview of hazardous substances at all times and helps to comply with legal requirements. Furthermore, operating instructions can be created with little effort and labeling can be simplified. It is particularly practical when digital hazardous materials management is connected to the ERP system via an interface.