With Workplace Safety, BEWI has consolidated its chemical management in one shared solution across the company’s departments in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. For the factory in Øksnes, this has delivered better oversight, easier access to safety information and greater control in day-to-day work.
About BEWI
BEWI is a leading international supplier of packaging, component and insulation solutions, with 76 wholly or partly owned factories and over 3,000 employees in 14 European countries. The company supplies industries including aquaculture, construction, industry and logistics, where its solutions are used, amongst other things, for the safe transport of seafood and effective insulation in building projects.
A need for better oversight
At BEWI, chemicals are part of everyday working life. At the factory in Øksnes, chemicals are used daily in everything from production and maintenance to cleaning, welding and larger tasks such as overhaul work. In total, 56 chemicals are registered at the location, including raw materials, lubricants, cleaning agents and paints. With multiple chemicals in use, the need for better oversight was clear.
“We had a large number of chemicals and wanted better control. We have achieved that now,” says Hugo Reinholtsen, safety representative at BEWI Øksnes.
When BEWI chose Workplace Safety, several factors were decisive. Flexibility, ease of use, price and good dialogue were among the most important considerations.
“BEWI wanted a solution that was both flexible and straightforward to work in. At the same time, it was important to build a structure that makes it possible to bring multiple locations together in the same solution,” says Ask Hide, delivery manager for Workplace Safety.
Easier access in day-to-day work
The system has been well received at the factory in Øksnes and has provided better oversight and control of the chemicals used in daily operations.
To make the chemical register easily accessible, posters with QR codes have been placed at several points around the factory. This makes it simple for employees to find safety data sheets and risk assessments when they need them. The other departments in Norway have equivalent posters tailored to their factory.
In day-to-day work, risk assessments are used most frequently. For Reinholtsen, being able to quickly locate previous assessments and safety data sheets is a major advantage.
“I use risk assessments most in day-to-day work. It is straightforward to find previous assessments that have been carried out and to find safety data sheets,” says Reinholtsen.
Better collaboration across departments
One of the advantages of the solution is that it makes it easier to share experiences and gain insight into which chemicals are used at other departments. For BEWI, this means it is easier to identify safer alternatives and work on the substitution of hazardous substances.
“Knowledge sharing has become easier. We can more easily see which chemicals other departments are using and assess safer alternatives,” says Reinholtsen.
A system in development – with close follow-up
Workplace Safety is continuously developed with new features and improvements, something BEWI sees as a significant advantage in day-to-day use.
“New and smarter features are constantly being added to Workplace Safety. Uploading data sheets has become much faster, and the global database has grown in content. This means we spend less time uploading data sheets ourselves.”
At the same time, the collaboration with Workplace Safety is highlighted as an important part of the overall experience.
“The dialogue has been good — I have received help with things I have been unsure about. Suggestions for improvements seem to be well received. This shows that the system is being well looked after,” concludes Reinholtsen.
Today, Workplace Safety is used across BEWI’s departments in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the solution has become an important part of the work of maintaining oversight of chemicals and safety information.
Did you know that all hazardous chemicals must have a safety data sheet? A safety data sheet can be the difference between control and chaos if an accident occurs. Find out what a safety data sheet is, why it is so important, and common challenges for businesses.
What is a safety data sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document (digital or hard copy) that provides an overview of how chemicals should be handled, used and stored. All SDSs follow a standard 16-point layout so that the information is easy to find, no matter what chemical you are working with.
All companies that manufacture, import, distribute or use hazardous chemicals must have access to up-to-date safety data sheets. This requirement applies both to suppliers and to employers who handle chemicals as part of their daily operations.
Examples of sectors where SDS are required:
Agriculture and aquaculture
Automotive and mechanical engineering
Cleaning and facilities management
Construction and civil engineering
Healthcare
Industrial manufacturing
Laboratory and research
Painting and surface treatment
What is the difference between a safety data sheet and a chemical inventory?
A safety data sheet applies to one specific chemical. It describes the hazards associated with the substance, how it should be handled and used safely, and what to do in the event of spills, fire or other incidents.
A chemical inventory is a complete overview of all hazardous chemicals within a business. It contains all the safety data sheets and enables employees to quickly find the information they need.
In short: A safety data sheet provides detailed information about one chemical. A chemical inventory brings together all the safety data sheets used within the organisation in one place.
Why do we need safety data sheets?
SDSs are needed to handle chemicals safely, protect employees from health hazards and describe procedures for first aid, fire and spills. Not only that, but updated SDSs are required by law through REACH and CLP, and are an important part of a company’s health, safety and environment (HSE) work.
Examples of situations where SDS is needed:
When receiving new chemicals in the workplace: When a new chemical is introduced into the organisation, the SDS must be reviewed to assess risks, the need for personal protective equipment (PPE), storage requirements and any special precautions.
In the event of spills, fire or other incidents: In emergency situations, the SDS provides clear instructions on how to handle the incident, which extinguishing agents may be used, and how to protect people and the environment.
During inspections by authorities: Regulatory authorities may require documentation showing that the business has up-to-date SDS and that they are actively used as part of health and safety management.
During the transport of dangerous goods: The SDS contains information on classification, packaging and labelling required for safe transport and compliance with current regulations.
When using a new chemical: Before a new substance is put into use, employees need to understand its hazards, the required protective measures and the correct handling procedures. The SDS provides the foundation for instruction and training.
For waste handling: The SDS provides guidance on how chemical residues and packaging should be handled and disposed of safely to prevent environmental harm and legal breaches.
In risk assessments: The SDS is used as a basis for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing necessary preventive measures within the organisation.
What should a safety data sheet contain?
A safety data sheet is always structured according to a fixed 16-point template. This makes it easy to find the right information, no matter what chemical you are working with.
The 16 points consist of:
Identification (name of the substance/product and supplier)
Hazard identification (health, fire and environmental hazards)
Composition (content and hazardous components)
First aid measures (what to do in case of accidents)
Firefighting measures (suitable extinguishing media and protective measures)
Measures in the event of a spill (handling of spills and leaks)
Handling and storage (safe procedures and storage requirements)
Exposure controls/protective equipment (limit values and protective equipment)
Physical/chemical properties (appearance, smell, boiling point, etc.)
Stability/reactivity (conditions that may cause hazardous reactions)
Toxicology (effects on health)
Ecology (impact on the environment)
Disposal consideration (waste management)
Transport (UN number and transport requirements)
Regulations (laws and regulations that apply)
Other information (additional info and update date)
Who is responsible?
The supplier’s responsibility
The SDS must be free, up-to-date and available to professional users. Among other things, the data sheet must contain limit values and relevant emergency number. In the event of new information or regulatory changes, the supplier must update the SDS and send it to customers who have received the product in the last 12 months.
The employer’s responsibility
Procedures must be established to ensure that safety data sheets are of satisfactory quality, meet the requirements of the regulations and are updated when new information or versions become available. The employer is responsible for checking the SDS when new chemicals are used, ensuring that the data sheets are up to date, and obtaining missing information from the supplier if they are incomplete.
If an error is discovered, the employer must check whether a newer version is available and contact the supplier for an update.
Known challenges
Difficult to keep SDS up to date
Many companies find it challenging to keep their chemical inventory and SDS documentation up to date. When the company uses chemicals from several manufacturers and suppliers, it quickly becomes challenging to keep track of all the changes they make to their SDS.
There are no fixed deadlines for updating data sheets, and changes can therefore be made at any time. SDSs must be revised as soon as there is new information about hazards or regulations. This requires structured routines to ensure that the SDS is always updated in relation to the chemicals the company actually uses.
Safety information must be easily accessible and understandable for employees
It is a legal requirement that employees have easy access to safety data sheets for the chemicals they work with. In practice, this can be challenging if the data sheets are stored in digital systems that employees have not been adequately trained in, behind passwords, or only exist in paper archives.
Most people who handle chemicals at work are not chemists, and it can be challenging for employers to provide ongoing and necessary training in how an SDS should be understood and used.
A proper SDS provides an overview, creates security and ensures compliance with legal requirements. When companies take safety data sheets seriously, both HSE work and emergency preparedness are strengthened. So make sure you have a system that makes it easy to keep all safety data sheets up to date and available, so that safety information becomes a natural part of your daily work with chemicals.
Chemicals are a natural part of everyday operations in many organisations, but improper handling can have serious consequences for health, safety and the environment (HSE). Chemical risk assessment is therefore a key HSE measure for identifying hazards and implementing the necessary controls. In this article, we explain what risk assessment is, why it is important, and how chemical risk assessments can be carried out in practice.
What is chemical risk assessment?
Chemical risk assessment involves a systematic review of the hazards associated with chemical substances and mixtures, combined with an assessment of their use and how employees may actually be exposed during their day-to-day work.
The aim of the risk assessment is to determine whether the use of chemicals or a work activity involves an unacceptable risk of exposure, and what measures may be required to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Why is risk assessment important?
Chemicals can have serious consequences if they are not handled correctly. A systematic risk assessment gives the organisation an overview of the hazards associated with the use of chemicals and the measures needed to reduce risk and prevent injuries and incidents.
Health hazards
Many chemicals can cause harm to health if employees are exposed to them over time or through accidental contact. The health effects may be both acute and long-term, and can range from skin irritation, burns and eye injuries to allergies, respiratory problems, organ damage or cancer. The level of risk depends on both the properties of the chemical and the degree of exposure. A chemical risk assessment helps to identify relevant health hazards, assess how exposure may occur in day-to-day work, and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect employees.
Fire and explosion hazards
Some chemicals are flammable, explosive or chemically reactive, and may pose a serious safety risk if they are stored, handled or used incorrectly. Vapours from flammable liquids can be ignited by sparks, hot surfaces or static electricity, leading to fire or explosion. A chemical risk assessment helps to identify such hazards and assess the risks associated with use, storage and handling, so that appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.
Environmental hazards
Chemical substances can harm the external environment if they are released into air, soil or water. Releases may occur as a result of spills, leaks, improper waste handling, or incidents during production and maintenance processes. A risk assessment evaluates the risk of environmental impact and provides the basis for measures to reduce the risk of pollution and environmental damage.
Regulations such as REACH and CLP set requirements for the handling of chemicals, labelling and documentation. Organisations are therefore legally required to carry out and document chemical risk assessments.
What are typical examples of situations where a risk assessment is required?
Chemical risk assessments must be carried out and updated in several situations, including:
When introducing new chemicals
When changes are made to work methods or processes
When new hazard information about a chemical becomes available
When new work tasks or equipment are introduced
Following incidents or near misses
As part of regular reviews of HSE work
If you are unsure whether a risk assessment is necessary, it is generally better to carry out one too many than one too few.
How to carry out a chemical risk assessment
There are several methods for carrying out a chemical risk assessment, but regardless of the method, the process should be systematic and documented. Below is a general approach that can be used as a starting point.
1. Ensure an up-to-date chemical inventory
The risk assessment process begins with establishing an overview of the chemicals used in the organisation. The chemical inventory must contain valid and up-to-date safety data sheets for all chemical substances and mixtures. This information must be accessible to employees, and chemicals that are no longer in use should be removed. An accurate chemical inventory forms the basis for further risk assessment.
2. Define the work involving the chemical
To ensure effective implementation and a realistic assessment of the risks associated with the use of chemicals, it is important to first clarify how the risk assessments should be structured and defined.
A practical approach is to carry out risk assessments for groups of chemicals, for example by:
Assessing chemicals used in the same work activity
Grouping chemicals within the same category or type of use
By identifying which chemicals can be assessed together, significant efficiency gains can be achieved. This reduces the need for individual assessments of each chemical, while providing a more practical and operational picture of risk.
3. Assess the hazardous properties of the chemical
The next step is to identify the hazards associated with the chemicals. This is done by reviewing the safety data sheets and assessing their classification. This includes identifying health hazards, environmental hazards, and physicochemical properties such as fire or explosion risks. The assessment provides an indication of how severe the consequences may be if exposure occurs.
4. Assess exposure and existing control measures
Risk largely depends on how chemicals are used in practice. It is therefore necessary to assess how employees may be exposed, including the work activities carried out, the quantities handled, how often and for how long the work takes place, and the relevant exposure routes, such as inhalation, skin contact or splashes. Existing control measures, such as ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment, must be included in the assessment. The purpose is to evaluate the risk-reducing effect of these measures and to document which controls must be used by end users when handling the chemicals.
5. Determine the level of risk
Once both hazard and exposure have been assessed, the level of risk can be determined. This involves evaluating the likelihood of an unwanted event occurring and the potential consequences if it does. The result provides the basis for deciding whether the risk is acceptable or if further measures are required.
6. Implement risk-reducing measures
If the risk assessment identifies the need for measures, these must be planned and implemented. Measures may include substitution of hazardous chemicals, technical solutions such as ventilation, changes to work procedures, employee training, or the use of personal protective equipment. The measures should be integrated into the organisation’s procedures, instructions and training programmes to ensure a lasting effect.
7. Document and review
All parts of the risk assessment must be documented so that the assessments can be reviewed and verified. The risk assessment must be kept up to date and revised when there are changes to chemicals, work processes, or following incidents. Regular review helps ensure that chemical risk assessment remains an active and integrated part of HSE work.
The employer has the primary responsibility for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and followed up. Managers, safety representatives and employees should be involved, so that the assessment is based on practical knowledge of the work tasks.
Risk assessment in Workplace Safety
In Workplace Safety, chemical risk assessments are carried out directly within the system, linked to each individual chemical in the chemical inventory. The user is guided step by step through the assessment, from identifying hazardous properties and exposure conditions to evaluating work methods, storage and risk level. Chemicals can be assessed together in a simple and efficient way within the system, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with their use.
Workplace Safety facilitates structured documentation, risk assessment and follow-up of risk-reducing measures. Once the risk assessment is completed, it is stored together with the chemical and can easily be revised when there are changes in use, work processes or regulations.
Chemical risk assessment is a fundamental part of an organisation’s HSE work and an important tool for preventing injuries, incidents and adverse environmental impact. Tools such as Workplace Safety make it easier to carry out, document and follow up chemical risk assessments in practice, helping organisations gain better oversight, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe working environment over time.
Chemical substitution, replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives, has long been an important tool for improving health, safety, and the environment. In the past, this work has been time-consuming and complex. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies in many industries work with chemicals and risk reduction.
Today’s challenges with substitution
Finding safer alternatives to existing chemicals is rarely straightforward. Companies often have to consider:
Hazard classification and health effects
Technical performance and function
Regulations and regulatory requirements
Availability in the supply chain
Traditionally, this has been done manually, by comparing safety data sheets (SDS), regulations, and internal experiences. The result can be lengthy processes, divergent assessments, and an increased risk of errors. This, in turn, can delay the introduction of safer chemicals and make it more difficult to meet HSE and sustainability requirements.
KI as support in substitution
Artificial intelligence makes it possible to work more systematically and data-driven with chemical substitution. Instead of relying on manual searches and individual assessments, AI can analyse large amounts of chemical data in a short time and provide structured suggestions for alternatives. This can contribute to a better overview, more consistent assessments, and faster decision-making processes.
Although AI can provide valuable analyses and recommendations, the results must always be evaluated by qualified professionals. AI is a decision support tool and not a substitute for chemical, HSE, or regulatory expertise.
Faster identification of safer alternatives
With the help of AI, companies can quickly analyse large amounts of SDS data and other chemical information. The system can suggest substances or products with lower hazard levels, similar functionality, and better regulatory status.
This is particularly useful when regulations change or when there is a need for rapid transition to safer solutions.
Automated assessment of hazards and risks
AI can help interpret complex data, classify hazards, and calculate risk levels in a more standardised way. This reduces differences in assessments between departments and projects.
In addition, KI can reveal incomplete or outdated information, enabling the business to identify where updates or professional reviews are needed.
Better control of regulations – nationally and internationally
Many companies operate in several countries or have to comply with both local and international requirements. AI-based solutions can monitor regulatory changes and automatically check whether chemicals and proposed alternatives comply with current requirements.
This reduces the risk of unintentional regulatory violations and supports a more proactive approach to chemical management.
Support for sustainability and ESG work
KI can also be used to compare environmental properties such as degradability, ecotoxicity, emissions, and life cycle impact. This provides a better basis for decision-making for companies that work systematically with sustainability, environmental reporting, and ESG requirements.
Artificial intelligence is simplifying and improving the work of chemical substitution. For companies that want to reduce risk, improve the working environment, and be better equipped for future requirements, AI-based solutions can be an important step forward. When used correctly, artificial intelligence can contribute to safer chemical use, better compliance with regulations, and more sustainable choices – across industries and national borders.
Clear and accurate labelling of chemicals is a fundamental prerequisite for a safe working environment. CLP labelling plays a key role in communicating chemical hazards in a standardised and easily understandable way.
What is CLP labelling?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging and is the EU’s regulation for the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals. The regulation is based on the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), with the aim of ensuring that workers and users receive clear, unambiguous information about chemical hazards.
Although CLP is an EU regulation, its principles are largely harmonised with regulations in many other parts of the world. This makes CLP labelling relevant also for companies that operate internationally or use chemicals supplied from other markets.
You can find more information about the CLP Regulation, also known as the CLP Regulation, at ECHA.
CLP labelling is more than just a formal requirement. It can also help to:
Protecting employees from health hazards
Prevent accidents and misuse
Ensure compliance with HSE and working environment requirements
Creating safer workplaces across industries
When the information on the label is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand, it becomes easier for everyone to handle chemicals safely.
What does a CLP label contain?
A CLP label should provide the user with all the information necessary for the safe handling of the substance or mixture. A complete label includes, among other things:
Supplier information: Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier. From July 1, 2026, suppliers must be established in the EU/EEA.
Product identification: Clear name or identifier that makes it clear which substance or mixture the label applies to.
Nominal quantity: Quantity of contents, when the product is intended for the general public and this is not stated elsewhere on the packaging.
Hazard information: This may include hazard symbols (pictograms), hazard signal words, hazard and safety statements, and any additional information required by other regulations.
CLP also sets requirements for the size, design, and placement of the label. It must be securely attached, easily visible, legible, and durable throughout the product’s lifetime. In some cases, such as very small containers, there are limited exceptions where not all information can be included. In such cases, certain elements may be omitted, but this must be done in accordance with the regulations.
CLP hazard symbols
Hazard symbols, also known as hazard pictograms, provide immediate visual information about the hazards posed by a chemical. Under CLP, there are nine different pictograms covering, among other things:
Health hazard
Chronic health hazard
Flammable substances
Corrosive chemicals
Acute toxicity
Gas under pressure
Environmental hazard
Explosive
Oxidising substances
The correct use of hazard symbols is crucial for employees to be able to quickly identify risks, especially in environments where many chemicals are used in parallel. The symbols must always correspond to the classification of the substance and the most serious hazards.
Incorrect or inadequate labelling can lead to safety risks, regulatory non-compliance, and, in the worst case, serious incidents.
Classification and labelling according to CLP is a key part of systematic HSE work in companies that handle chemicals. Correct CLP labelling helps ensure that hazards are understood quickly and correctly, and provides employees with the necessary basis for the safe use, storage, and handling of chemical substances and mixtures. At the same time, the regulations set clear requirements for the content, design, and updating of labels. Changes in classifications, language requirements, and compliance with SDS mean that chemical labelling can be demanding to manage over time. Nevertheless, the consequences of errors or omissions are often far greater than the effort required to do it right.
A chemical inventory is a legally required overview of hazardous chemicals and a central part of a company’s health and safety (HSE) management. The inventory provides employees with quick access to safety data sheets (SDS), risk assessments and information on safe handling in line with current regulations. Here you will find a clear explanation of what a chemical inventory is, the legal requirements that apply in Europe, and how to get started.
What is a chemical inventory?
A chemical is considered hazardous if it is classified under European legislation as posing a health hazard, physical hazard or environmental hazard. A chemical inventory is a collection of necessary information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace, including safety data sheets.
The purpose of a chemical inventory is to make it easy for employees to find relevant information for safe and efficient handling of chemicals. The safety data sheets provide guidance on both preventive measures – such as the use of protective equipment, correct storage and handling routines – and reactive measures in the event of accidents, such as spills, fires or exposure to chemicals. In this way, the chemical inventory serves as a practical tool both in day-to-day HSE work and in emergency situations.
A chemical inventory is mandatory for companies that handle hazardous chemicals. The requirements are based on regulations from the European chemical legislation REACH and the CLP Regulation.
What should a chemical inventory contain?
As a minimum, the chemical inventory must contain:
Chemical overview with names, classification, hazard symbols and updated SDS for hazardous chemicals
Information sheets for non-classified chemicals in the workplace, such as pharmaceuticals, welding fumes and other process-generated chemicals
Both the employer and the employee have certain responsibilities, but it is the employer who is primarily responsible for creating and maintaining the chemical inventory.
The employee’s responsibility:
Use personal protective equipment in accordance with the information in the chemical inventory and the SDS
Familiarise themselves with the contents of the SDS before using new chemicals
Follow instructions for storage, labelling and disposal of hazardous substances
Participate actively in risk assessments where required
Help prevent accidents by reporting hazardous conditions or near misses
Ensure safe handling to protect themselves and their colleagues
The employer’s responsibility:
Identify and maintain an overview of the chemicals used in the business
Carry out risk assessments when using hazardous chemicals
Ensure that SDS are available in the language needed and updated in accordance with current legislation
Update the chemical inventory when new chemicals are introduced or when regulations change
Ensure substitution of hazardous chemicals where possible (replace with less hazardous alternatives)
Verify that employees have access to and understand the information in the chemical inventory
Implement necessary protective measures based on the SDS
Ensure regular review and revision of the chemical inventory
Common challenges
Lack of quality control of SDS
For many companies, keeping their chemical inventory up to date is a challenge. Data sheets or chemical overviews may be out of date, resulting in incorrect or incomplete information. This weakens HSE work and can lead to both orders and fines from the authorities.
Difficult to find information
In the past, it was a requirement that the chemical inventory should be on paper. Many companies still use physical binders, which results in a lot of manual work. Regardless of the format, the MSDS can contain large amounts of information that can be difficult to navigate without good routines and adequate training.
Benefits of a digital chemical inventory
A digital chemical inventory can make day-to-day work easier for those responsible for chemical management. When all safety data sheets and risk assessments are gathered in one system, there is no need to search through binders or separate folders. It also becomes easier to add new products when they are purchased and to remove or archive chemicals that are no longer in use.
Many digital solutions provide notifications when a safety data sheet has been updated by the supplier, making it easier for the companies to keep information aligned with the latest available version. Search functions and filtering options make it quicker to find the correct product and the relevant protective measures. In addition, employees can access the chemical inventory via mobile phone or tablet while working on site, which can be helpful when information is needed quickly.
A digital chemical inventory does not in itself ensure effective health and safety performance, but it can support a more organised, consistent and systematic approach to managing chemicals in the workplace.
Get started with a digital chemical inventory
An effective chemical inventory starts with clear procedures for purchasing and systematic HSE work, as described in the company’s management system. Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined so that the chemical management system is followed up and maintained.
Map the chemicals: Get an overview of all chemicals present in the workplace
Build structure: Organise your chemical inventory to reflect how and where chemicals are stored
Enter information: Register the chemicals and retrieve approved safety data sheets, preferably through an easy-to-use chemical management system (such as Workplace Safety)
Make the information accessible: Make sure that all employees who handle chemicals have easy access to the chemical inventory
Keep your inventory up to date: Add new chemicals when purchasing, and archive products you no longer use
An up-to-date chemical inventory gives your company control over the chemicals it uses and is a legal requirement to prevent damage to health and the environment. With a digital and automated chemical system, it is easier to ensure that the information is always up-to-date, correct and accessible.
