UK Legislation and Guidance to Work Within

When purchasing, storing, using or disposing of chemicals in the UK, organisations should work within all relevant legislation, official guidance, school policies and site-specific risk assessments.

Before You Start: Chemical Safety Checklist

• Read the chemical label carefully before use.
• Review the latest Safety Data Sheet before purchase, storage, handling or disposal.
• Complete or check the relevant COSHH assessment.
• Confirm the correct PPE is available and worn.
• Check that suitable storage is available before ordering or receiving the chemical.
• Confirm chemical compatibility with containers, equipment, storage cabinets and nearby substances.
• Make sure emergency procedures, spill kits, eyewash facilities and first aid arrangements are in place.
• Only allow trained and authorised users to handle hazardous chemicals.
• Keep chemicals away from food, drink, personal items and unauthorised users.
• Plan the disposal route before purchasing or preparing chemical solutions.

Understanding Chemical Hazards

Chemicals may present several different hazards. Some can burn skin, irritate eyes, catch fire, harm the environment, release harmful vapours or react dangerously with other substances. Always check the label, hazard pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements and Safety Data Sheet.

Chemical Hazard Symbols Explained

Hazard symbols help users quickly identify the main risks associated with a chemical. They should be used alongside the full label, SDS and COSHH assessment rather than used alone.

Safety Data Sheets: What to Check

A Safety Data Sheet, often called an SDS, provides essential information about hazards, handling, storage, exposure controls, first aid, fire response, spill response, transport and disposal.

COSHH Assessments Explained

A COSHH assessment helps identify how a hazardous substance could harm people and what controls are needed to reduce that risk. It should consider the chemical, the task, the quantity used, who may be exposed, how exposure could happen and what control measures are required.

Purchasing Chemicals Responsibly

Chemicals should only be purchased when there is a clear educational, laboratory or operational need and when suitable controls are already in place.

• Check whether the chemical is suitable for the intended environment.
• Purchase the smallest practical quantity to reduce storage and disposal risks.
• Confirm any legal restrictions, licensing requirements or age restrictions.
• Ensure the supplier provides appropriate labelling and Safety Data Sheets.
• Check that receiving staff know how to inspect, log and store the chemical on arrival.
• Avoid unnecessary duplication, overstocking or purchasing chemicals without a disposal route.
• Confirm suitable storage cabinets, spill controls and PPE are available before ordering.

Receiving and Labelling Chemicals

Chemical safety starts before a bottle reaches the shelf. Every delivery should be checked, logged and stored correctly as soon as possible.

1. Check the delivery.
   Inspect packaging for damage, leaks, missing labels or incorrect items.
2. Confirm documentation.
   Make sure the current SDS is available and accessible to users.
3. Check labels.
   Confirm the chemical name, concentration, hazard pictograms and supplier information are clear.
4. Record the chemical.
   Add it to the inventory with quantity, location, date received and any expiry date.
5. Store promptly.
   Place it in the correct cabinet or storage area based on compatibility and SDS information.
6. Label prepared solutions.
   Any decanted or prepared solution should be labelled according to your local procedure.

Chemical Storage Best Practice

• Store chemicals in designated, clearly labelled storage areas.
• Use appropriate cabinets for flammables, corrosives, acids, alkalis or toxic substances where required.
• Keep original labels intact and readable.
• Keep lids, caps and closures secure when not in use.
• Keep chemicals away from food, drink, personal items and unauthorised users.
• Maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory.
• Check expiry dates, container condition and signs of leakage regularly.
• Store heavy containers low down where practical.
• Keep spill trays, bunds and cabinet sumps clean and unobstructed.
• Do not store chemicals in unsuitable, damaged or unlabelled containers.

Chemical Segregation

Chemical segregation means keeping incompatible substances apart to prevent dangerous reactions, fires, toxic gas release, contamination or uncontrolled heat generation.

Safe Chemical Handling Procedure

1. Plan the task.
   Review the procedure, SDS, COSHH assessment and supervision requirements.
2. Prepare the area.
   Clear the bench, check ventilation and make sure spill materials are available.
3. Wear appropriate PPE.
   Use goggles, gloves, lab coat, face protection or respiratory protection where required.
4. Handle carefully.
   Pour, measure and transfer slowly to reduce splashes and spills.
5. Keep containers controlled.
   Close lids promptly and avoid leaving open containers unattended.
6. Label any prepared solutions.
   Include name, concentration, hazard information, date and responsible person where required.
7. Clean and return.
   Clean equipment and return chemicals to the correct storage area promptly.

Chemical Inventory Management

A good inventory helps reduce risk, avoid overstocking, locate chemicals quickly and identify chemicals that need replacing or disposing of.

Chemical Disposal

Chemical disposal must follow the SDS, local procedures, hazardous waste requirements and the instructions of your organisation or licensed waste contractor.

Equipment Commonly Used With Chemicals

Using the correct supporting equipment helps improve safety, storage, spill response, handling and compliance.

Common Chemical Safety Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Chemical Safety Troubleshooting Guide

Emergency Actions

Chemical Safety Checklist

Chemical Safety FAQs

What is chemical safety?

Chemical safety means identifying chemical hazards and using appropriate controls for purchase, storage, handling, use, emergency response and disposal.

What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet is a document that provides information about a chemical’s hazards, safe handling, storage, exposure controls, emergency measures and disposal guidance.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a UK framework for assessing and controlling risks from hazardous substances.

Can chemicals be stored alphabetically?

Alphabetical storage alone is not safe because incompatible chemicals may be placed next to each other. Chemicals should be stored by compatibility and hazard type.

What should I do if a chemical has no label?

Do not use it. Isolate it safely and follow your organisation’s identification and disposal procedure.

Can chemicals be poured down the sink?

Only if your approved procedure specifically allows it. Many chemicals require specialist disposal and must not enter drains.

How often should chemicals be reviewed?

Chemical inventories and storage areas should be reviewed regularly, with particular attention to expiry dates, container condition, labels and unnecessary stock.

What equipment is commonly needed for chemical safety?

Common equipment includes COSHH cabinets, spill kits, safety goggles, gloves, lab coats, labels, storage trays, glassware and appropriate waste containers.

Need Chemicals or Laboratory Safety Equipment?

Choosing suitable chemicals and safety equipment helps support practical science while reducing storage, handling and disposal risks. Better Equipped supplies school chemicals, COSHH cabinets, PPE, spill kits, laboratory glassware and science safety equipment for schools, colleges and laboratories throughout the UK.

About This Guide

This guide was written and reviewed by Better Equipped's technical team, drawing on experience supplying chemicals, laboratory safety equipment, COSHH cabinets, PPE and practical science resources to schools, colleges, universities and laboratories throughout the UK.

Our aim is to help schools, technicians, teachers and laboratory users approach chemical purchasing, storage, handling and disposal more safely and responsibly.

Last reviewed and updated: June 2026