Chemical hazards

Contact: Anja Vomberg (vomberg@kan.de)

During the preparation and production of a substance or during its use, for example within a test method, employees may be exposed to chemical hazards. Standards in this area (for example governing safety cabinets, laboratory fume cupboards, or emergency safety showers) contain safety measures for protection against hazardous substances. Warning information concerning the risks posed by hazardous substances may also be necessary in standards (such as test standards). DIN 820-120 has been adapted for this purpose: users of this standard are now provided with examples of how warning information should be formulated in test standards. The reduction of emissions of hazardous substances and the provision of information to the user on the residual risks presented by these emissions are also an important aspect of standards governing machinery.

For further information on the subject, see:

• KANBrief 4/08: Safety instructions: help in the form of DIN 820-120
• KANBrief 2/05: A good shower is half the battle: emergency safety showers for laboratory use
• KANBrief 2/04: European standards governing laboratory fume cup-boards