Chemical Storage and Handling in Science Toolbox Talk

This chemical storage and handling toolbox talk template from Health & Safety Zone provides school staff, science teachers, D&T technicians and food technologists with clear, practical guidance on safely storing and handling laboratory chemicals.

The guidance covers the full lifecycle of chemicals – from receipt and segregation, through labelling, PPE selection, ventilation, spill response, and waste disposal – and highlights the most common causes of injury such as chemical burns, inhalation of toxic fumes, fire and reactive incidents. It references the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring legal compliance. Detailed references to HSE chemical warehousing guidance (HSG71) and CLEAPSS best‑practice (CLEAPSS) are included.

• Use this toolbox talk for:
• Daily safety briefings before laboratory sessions
• Induction training for new teachers and technicians
• Compliance audits and record‑keeping
• Foundation for site‑specific risk assessments

Fully editable and shareable.

Implementing these procedures helps schools maintain a safe learning environment, reduces downtime from incidents, and supports curriculum delivery by ensuring labs are ready for use. Regular review of the toolbox talk reinforces a culture of safety among staff and students.

Compliant with: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.