A chemical inventory is a collection of essential information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace and includes, among other things, safety data sheets (SDS). The purpose of a chemical inventory is to make it easy for employees to find relevant information for the safe and efficient handling of chemicals.

A chemical inventory must comply with the requirements set out in guidance from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the European regulatory framework, REACH, and the CLP Regulation. As a minimum, the chemical inventory should include:

• An overview of chemicals including names, classification, hazard pictograms and up-to-date SDS
• Information on non-classified chemicals and hazardous factors, such as pharmaceuticals, welding fumes and other process-generated chemicals
• Risk assessments of the chemicals, including preventive measures

Yes, organisations that use or handle hazardous chemicals are legally required to have a chemical inventory.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the chemical inventory is established, kept up to date and made available to employees. Day-to-day responsibility may be delegated, for example to an HSE manager, but the employer retains overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

A safety data sheet (SDS) provides detailed information about a specific chemical, while a chemical inventory provides a consolidated overview of all chemicals used within the organisation. In Workplace Safety, SDS are integrated into the chemical inventory so that all relevant information is gathered in one place.

The manufacturer or importer is responsible for preparing and updating the safety data sheet (SDS) in accordance with applicable regulations. Organisations that use chemicals are also responsible for ensuring that the SDS in use are current, accessible to employees, and used as the basis for risk assessments and safe handling.

Implementation of a new chemical inventory begins with identifying which chemicals are used within the organisation. A digital system is then set up and adapted to the organisation’s structure and needs. Existing data can be imported, and employees are given the necessary access and training to ensure that the chemical inventory is used safely and effectively.

A chemical inventory must comply with guidance from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, the European REACH Regulation and the CLP Regulation. As a minimum, it should include:

• Up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) for relevant chemicals
• An overview of chemicals including name, classification, hazard pictograms and intended use
• Risk assessments with preventive measures
• Procedures for handling, storage, waste management and emergency preparedness

Yes, a digital chemical inventory provides fast and easy access to up-to-date information. It is an efficient way to collect and store documentation and simplifies handling during inspections.

You can digitalise the chemical inventory by using a digital chemical management system such as Workplace Safety. This involves collecting all chemicals and associated safety data sheets (SDS) in a single shared digital solution. Existing information can be transferred from, for example, Excel files, PDFs or other systems, and kept continuously up to date.

The organisation can choose how to organise the chemical inventory, for example by storage location, department or area of use. The most important factor is that employees can quickly and easily find the information they need.

The chemical inventory should be updated when new chemicals are introduced, when new SDS become available, or when chemicals are phased out.

An outdated or incomplete chemical inventory can increase the risk of accidents and may result in enforcement actions or sanctions from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

The chemical inventory must always be easily accessible to employees, both during training and in emergency situations, either in digital format or on paper.

Organisations must assess whether hazardous chemicals and work processes can be substituted with less hazardous alternatives where possible. Such substitution assessments must be documented in writing as part of the organisation’s systematic HSE work.

H statements (Hazard statements) describe the hazards posed by a chemical. P statements (Precautionary statements) describe the measures that must be followed for safe handling, storage and use.

EUH statements provide additional hazard information defined by the EU. They are used when a chemical presents specific hazards that are not fully covered by standard H statements and provide supplementary information that is important for safe use.

An exposure register is a record that documents employees’ potential and actual exposure to hazardous sources or processes. This includes accidents, spills and other incidents that may have resulted in exposure. The register makes it possible to document past exposures and is particularly important in cases of suspected occupational disease or in connection with compensation claims.

To protect employees, the Working Environment Act and the Regulations on the Performance of Work, Chapter 31, require organisations to maintain an exposure register when working with carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals (CMR substances), as well as other particularly hazardous exposures as described in the regulations. As illness may develop many years after exposure, it is crucial that such conditions are recorded on an ongoing basis.

Exposure related to hazardous sources or processes, including:

• Chemicals (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic)
• Asbestos
• Mining and quarrying
• Biological material
• Radiation

Only specific chemicals and types of exposure are subject to the registration requirement, as further described in the Regulations on the Performance of Work, Chapter 31.

Several occupational groups may be exposed to hazardous substances and processes, including:

• Employees in industry (chemical industry, metal production, welding and woodworking)
• Employees in construction and civil engineering (demolition, remediation, and work involving asbestos and concrete dust)
• Employees in healthcare and laboratories (radiation, chemicals and infectious agents)
• Employees in cleaning, waste collection and waste management (biological material and hazardous waste)
• Employees in mines and tunnels (dust, gases and residues from explosives)
• Employees in energy and research (radioactive material and ionising radiation)

The content of an exposure register is clearly defined in the Regulations on the Performance of Work. Depending on the type of exposure, the required information may vary, but an exposure register will typically include:

• Employee details, such as name, national identity number and job title
• Description of the work carried out
• Workplace or location
• Information about the exposure, including exposure level, frequency and duration

Chemical exposure can be prevented by identifying risks, carrying out risk assessments and implementing preventive measures. These may include substitution of hazardous chemicals, technical measures such as ventilation, organisational measures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate employee training.

Yes, Norwegian organisations are required to keep an exposure register for employees who are, or may be, exposed to certain hazardous chemicals or processes. The register must document who has been exposed, what they were exposed to and over what period, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Information from the exposure register must be made available during inspections by authorities, such as the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. In some cases, there may also be a requirement to submit information upon request, or in connection with follow-up of occupational injuries or occupational diseases.

The employer is responsible for establishing and maintaining the exposure register. Occupational health services may assist in this work, but the responsibility cannot be delegated.

Information in the exposure register must be retained for a very long period, often between 40 and 60 years, depending on the type of exposure. The information must be available for as long as the employee is alive and may be critical documentation in cases of occupational disease and potential compensation claims.

Yes, both current and former employees have the right to access their own entries in the exposure register.

Yes, linking the exposure register with the chemical inventory and risk assessments provides a more comprehensive overview and supports better follow-up and prevention.

Yes, a digital exposure register makes it easy to record, store and update exposure data in a structured and clear manner.

Workplace Safety is a digital chemical management system for organisations that use, store or handle chemicals as part of their day-to-day operations. The solution provides a complete overview of chemicals, safety data sheets (SDS), risk assessments, exposure and substitution.

Workplace Safety is suitable for all organisations that use, store or handle chemicals in their daily work. The solution is designed for small, medium-sized and large organisations, and can be adapted to different industries and needs.

Workplace Safety is particularly useful for:

• HSE managers: Who need a structured overview of chemicals, up-to-date SDS, risk assessments and documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Managers: Who want better control of chemical-related risks, correct storage and use, and a reduced likelihood of accidents, health issues and non-compliance.
• Safety representatives: Who work proactively with the working environment, exposure to hazardous substances, substitution of harmful chemicals and improvement of safety routines.
• Employees: Who need quick and easy access to accurate safety information, including hazard labelling, protective measures, first aid, storage requirements and actions in the event of spills or accidents.

Workplace Safety consists of several modules that can be used together or individually, including:

• Chemical inventory: Provides a complete and up-to-date overview of all chemical products used within the organisation. The solution makes it easy to find the right information and ensures that employees always have access to the necessary data.
• Global SDS database: Workplace Safety provides access to a global database containing more than 12 million safety data sheets (SDS). This ensures fast access to accurate and up-to-date documentation, regardless of supplier or country.
• Risk assessment: The risk assessment module makes it easy to carry out and document chemical risk assessments in the workplace. The module helps identify hazards, assess risk and define necessary control measures in line with current regulations.
• Exposure register: The exposure module provides a structured overview of employees who have been exposed to hazardous substances or work processes. This is an important tool for preventive HSE work, follow-up and long-term documentation.
• Substitution: The substitution module helps organisations identify and assess alternative chemicals that can reduce health and environmental risks. The solution supports substitution requirements and contributes to safer work processes.
• Reports: The reporting module gathers and structures data from the organisation’s chemical activities into comprehensive overviews. This supports better decision-making, easier audits and efficient reporting to management and authorities.
• Projects: The project module enables collaboration across projects, departments and organisations. It provides a shared overview, clear allocation of responsibilities and improved control of complex or temporary work processes.

Workplace Safety is flexible and can be adapted to both simple and complex organisations. Industries that commonly use Workplace Safety include:

• Energy, oil and gas
• Research
• Aquaculture and fish farming
• Higher education
• Industry and manufacturing
• Chemical distribution
• Power generation
• Culture and leisure
• Public administration
• Transport and infrastructure

Yes, Workplace Safety is available with system languages in Norwegian, Swedish and English. In addition, the solution supports safety data sheets in up to 20 different languages, ensuring users have access to accurate and understandable safety information regardless of language or workplace location.

Workplace Safety offers several training and competence-building options tailored to organisational needs. This includes access to a customer portal with guides and resources, as well as regular webinars that provide professional insights and practical guidance on using the solution.

In addition, we offer onboarding support and ongoing user support to ensure that both managers and employees gain the right knowledge and can use Workplace Safety effectively and safely over time.

Employees who work with chemicals must receive adequate training in the safe handling of chemicals, adapted to the tasks they perform. Training must include, among other things, an understanding of risks, use of safety data sheets (SDS), correct use of personal protective equipment and necessary safety measures.

The organisation is responsible for ensuring that training is documented and kept up to date in accordance with applicable regulations.

Yes, training can be adapted to different roles, departments and areas of responsibility within the organisation. The content and scope can be adjusted so that employees receive relevant training based on the chemicals they work with and the tasks they perform.

Yes, you can book a free demonstration of Workplace Safety with one of our advisers.

To get started, we begin by understanding your organisation and its needs. Workplace Safety is then set up to match the way you work. If you already have a chemical management system in place, we can help transfer your existing data into Workplace Safety. If you do not currently use such a system, we can assist you in establishing one. You can start using the solution at a pace that suits your organisation, with support and guidance both during onboarding and throughout ongoing use. This ensures that Workplace Safety delivers value from day one and can be further adapted as your needs evolve.

The implementation time for Workplace Safety varies and depends, among other factors, on the number of safety data sheets (SDS) and the size, structure and complexity of the organisation. Many organisations can get started quickly, while more comprehensive setups may require additional time.

We have well-established processes to support implementation and ensure that transferred data is handled securely, and that Workplace Safety is configured to suit your organisation so you can get up and running quickly and efficiently.

Data from third parties can be imported into Workplace Safety using supported file imports or integrations, depending on the data source and format. We assist with structuring and transferring data from, for example, Excel files, PDFs or other systems, ensuring that the information is accurate and clearly presented within the solution. Import options are tailored to the organisation’s needs and existing systems.

An organisation is required to share information about chemical use when hazardous chemicals are transferred between organisations, when multiple employers are working at the same workplace, such as on construction and civil engineering sites, or when the organisation delivers hazardous waste.

Such information sharing ensures that all parties involved have access to the necessary knowledge about the chemicals, including safety data sheets (SDS), hazardous properties, classification and labelling, risk assessments and relevant exposure data.

The same fundamental principles for chemical management apply at temporary workplaces as at permanent workplaces. This includes ensuring access to up-to-date safety data sheets, conducting risk assessments, sharing relevant information between parties, and implementing appropriate control measures.

Several challenges may arise, but common barriers include:
• Different interpretations of regulations
• Missing or outdated safety data sheets (SDS)
• Poor communication
• Inadequate documentation of risk assessments
• Use of different technical systems or platforms
• Access management issues when subcontractors are involved

Organisations that handle chemicals must be able to document which chemicals are used and how they are handled safely. This includes up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS), risk assessments, overviews of exposure, and measures implemented to reduce risk. The documentation should be easily accessible and kept up to date so that it can be readily presented when required, for example during inspections by authorities.

There are digital chemical and HSE systems that bring together chemical inventories, safety data sheets, risk assessments, exposure records and substitution assessments in a single solution. Tools such as Workplace Safety provide an overview of documentation, help ensure regulatory compliance, and give employees quick access to the information they need.

Chemical reporting in Norway is regulated, among others, by:

• The Working Environment Act
• The Internal Control Regulations
• The Product Control Act
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
• CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency are the main authorities responsible for enforcing chemical reporting requirements in Norway.

Reports serve as documentation that the organisation has control over chemical use and its HSE work. They may include, for example, overviews of chemicals and quantities, risk assessments, substitution assessments and exposure measurements.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that documentation is up to date, compliant with legal requirements, and easily accessible to employees.

All hazardous chemicals that may pose a risk to health or the environment. Examples include:

• Adhesives and sealants
• Petroleum products
• Metals and metal compounds
• Acids and chemical products
• Dyes and pigments

The frequency may vary, but it is recommended that reports are updated at least once a year, or whenever there are changes in chemical use, new products are introduced, or regulations are updated.

Substitution (replacement of hazardous chemicals) must be documented in writing as part of the organisation’s HSE and internal control system. The documentation should describe which substances have been assessed, which alternatives have been considered, and the justification for choosing a substitute or continuing use.

A chemical risk assessment is a structured evaluation of the hazards that may arise when working with chemicals, with the aim of identifying risks to health, the environment and safety. The assessment considers how chemicals are used, stored and handled, as well as which measures are necessary to reduce risk and ensure safe use in day-to-day work.

Chemical risk assessment is important to comply with applicable legislation, but also to prevent workplace accidents, health issues and environmental pollution. A well-conducted risk assessment helps create safer working conditions and better control over chemical use, for example by identifying exposure risks before incidents occur.

Chemical risk assessment in Norway is regulated by, among others, the Working Environment Act, the Internal Control Regulations, the Regulations on the Performance of Work, as well as the REACH and CLP regulations.

Compliance can be ensured by carrying out systematic risk assessments, using up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS), documenting assessments and control measures, and regularly reviewing and updating risk assessments when there are changes to chemicals, work processes or regulations.

All chemicals that are classified as hazardous, or that may otherwise pose an HSE risk, must be risk assessed. This may include, for example, cleaning agents, solvents, gases, oil-based products, paints and coatings.

Yes, even small quantities of chemicals can pose a risk and should therefore be risk assessed. The scope of the assessment can be proportionate to the level of risk.

The need for a risk assessment depends on the work activity and the type of chemical involved. Examples of situations where a risk assessment is required include:

• Painting on construction sites, with risks related to inhalation of solvent vapours and skin contact
• Spray painting in vehicle workshops, with exposure to harmful isocyanates and solvents
• Handling acids in laboratories, with a risk of chemical burns and splashes to the skin and eyes
• Use of pesticides in agriculture, with risks of acute poisoning and long-term health effects
• Plumbing work involving drain cleaners, where corrosive substances may cause serious injury if used incorrectly

The content of a chemical risk assessment is clearly defined in the Regulations on the Performance of Work, which specify what the assessment must cover. As a minimum, the risk assessment should include information about the hazardous properties of the chemical, quantities used, how workers may be exposed, and which protective measures are required. The assessment must also consider substitution, meaning whether the chemical can be replaced with a less hazardous alternative.

Risk assessments should be updated when new chemicals are introduced, when work processes change, or when new information becomes available regarding health risks, exposure or safety.

Yes, digital HSE and chemical management systems are effective tools for supporting risk assessment work. Such systems can, for example, automate links between safety data sheets (SDS) and risk assessments, notify users when updates are required, highlight relevant legal requirements, support assessment of employee exposure, and gather necessary information for a more efficient and structured risk assessment process.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out within the organisation. This includes ensuring that chemical-related hazards are identified, assessed and documented, and that necessary control measures are implemented.

An SDS database is a collection of safety data sheets (SDS) that makes it easy to find and use up-to-date safety information about chemicals. The database provides structured access to SDS and simplifies searching, updating and making documentation available.

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document, either digital or paper-based, that provides information on how chemicals should be handled, used and stored safely.

A safety data sheet consists of 16 mandatory sections:

1. Identification (name of the substance/product and supplier)
2. Hazard identification (health, fire and environmental hazards)
3. Composition/information on ingredients (contents and hazardous components)
4. First-aid measures (what to do in the event of an accident)
5. Firefighting measures (suitable extinguishing media and protective measures)
6. Accidental release measures (handling of spills and leaks)
7. Handling and storage (safe procedures and storage requirements)
8. Exposure controls/personal protection (exposure limits and protective equipment)
9. Physical and chemical properties (appearance, odour, boiling point, etc.)
10. Stability and reactivity (conditions that may cause hazardous reactions)
11. Toxicological information (effects on health)
12. Ecological information (environmental impact)
13. Disposal considerations (waste handling)
14. Transport information (UN number and transport requirements)
15. Regulatory information (applicable laws and regulations)
16. Other information (additional information and date of revision)

Safety data sheets are provided by the chemical supplier. In addition, digital solutions and databases are available that collect and make safety data sheets easily accessible for organisations, such as Workplace Safety.

In a global SDS database, you can search by product name, CAS number, supplier or article number. This makes it easy to find the correct SDS for both the product and the country or region in which it is used.

A safety data sheet must be updated when new information about the chemical becomes available, for example relating to hazards, classification, composition or recommended handling. SDS must also be revised when new or amended regulatory requirements affect its content.

There is no formal expiry date for an SDS, but as a general rule of thumb, the revision date should normally not be older than three years. To ensure SDS are always up to date, it is important to monitor regulatory changes or use a chemical management system that handles updates on an ongoing basis.

Yes, safety data sheets used by Norwegian employees must be in Norwegian. If employees require other languages, relevant chemical information should also be made available in those languages.

In Europe, safety data sheets (SDS) must be prepared in accordance with the REACH Regulation and classified under the CLP Regulation.

Reliable SDS databases are available from professional providers of chemical management and HSE systems, such as Workplace Safety. These solutions collect safety data sheets from various manufacturers and suppliers and make them available to those who need them.

Effective maintenance involves regular review of safety data sheets, updating them when products or regulations change, and removing discontinued chemicals. Digital SDS databases, such as Workplace Safety, simplify this by collecting, structuring and updating information efficiently.

An SDS database that meets Norwegian HSE requirements must comply with REACH and CLP regulations, include SDS in Norwegian where required, and ensure easy access for employees. Digital solutions developed for the Norwegian market will normally meet these requirements, such as Workplace Safety.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is an older term for safety data sheets. Today, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is used, as it is better aligned with international requirements and standards.

A CAS number (Chemical Abstracts Service) is a unique identification number for chemical substances. It is used globally to ensure correct identification across languages and national borders.

An EC number (European Community number) is a chemical-specific identification number used in EU/EEA chemical registers and is linked to the REACH and CLP regulations.

No, safety data sheets must be adapted to national legislation and, where applicable, regional requirements. Even within the EU/EEA, there may be differences between countries, for example relating to national exposure limits and additional provisions in occupational health and safety legislation. Norway and Sweden may therefore have different requirements for exposure limits and follow-up, even though the CLP Regulation applies across the EU/EEA.

Globally, chemical classification and labelling are based on the GHS system, but how this is implemented and which additional requirements apply can vary between countries. Outside the EU/EEA, other regulations apply, such as OSHA in the United States. A global SDS database provides access to SDS versions adapted to different countries and markets, while the content is largely based on the same underlying principles.

Chemical substitution involves replacing a hazardous chemical with a safer alternative. This may mean substituting substances that pose health or environmental risks, or changing work processes so that the chemical is no longer required. Substitution should be considered whenever an organisation introduces new products, processes or technologies, particularly where chemicals with health or environmental risks are used.

A risk assessment for chemical substitution is carried out by identifying the current chemical and the associated risks. Risks related to use, exposure, storage and waste management are assessed for both the existing chemical and potential alternatives, while also taking technical performance and functionality into account. A safer alternative should be chosen where possible, provided this does not result in an unreasonable cost or operational disadvantage.

There are digital chemical management systems that support mapping, risk assessment and substitution of chemicals. Such tools provide an overview of chemicals, safety data sheets, hazard classifications and can suggest or compare alternative products with lower risk. In Workplace Safety, substitution can also be supported using artificial intelligence for more automated decision support.

Health and environmental risks are reduced by replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives based on systematic risk assessments. This includes evaluating chemical properties, exposure, areas of use and required protective measures, as well as updating work routines and employee training when changes are introduced.

Lists of substances of concern are published by public authorities and international regulatory bodies, such as the REACH Candidate List. These lists are used as a basis for identifying chemicals with significant health or environmental risks that should be considered for substitution.

The substitution obligation set out in Section 3a of the Product Control Act requires organisations to assess safer alternatives if a chemical poses a significant risk to health or the environment.

The option that presents the lowest risk must be chosen, provided this does not involve unreasonable costs or disadvantages.

A typical substitution assessment usually involves identifying:

• The hazardous properties of the current chemical
• Which alternative products or solutions are available
• The occupational, technical and environmental consequences of the alternatives

Digital chemical management systems can simplify this process by suggesting safer alternatives and flagging substances that should be replaced.

No, not always. However, the substitution obligation still requires organisations to investigate alternatives. If no realistic or justifiable alternatives exist, the continued use must be documented and appropriate risk-reduction measures implemented.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that chemicals are used and handled safely and must ensure that procedures for substitution are established and followed.

Yes, several digital HSE and chemical management systems can automatically suggest safer alternatives and identify substances included on relevant hazard lists.

A hazard list provides an overview of particularly hazardous substances that are subject to the substitution obligation. These substances represent a high risk to health and the environment and should be replaced where possible. Hazard lists are updated regularly, often several times a year.

Examples of Norwegian and international hazard lists include:

• The Norwegian Priority List
• The Prohibition List (Working Environment Regulations, Section 3-19)
• The Chemical Weapons Convention (Schedules 1, 2 and 3)
• Peroxide-forming chemicals
• REACH Candidate List
• REACH Authorisation List
• REACH Restriction List

Workplace Safety can be used via a web browser on PCs, tablets and mobile devices, with no need for local installation.

Yes, Workplace Safety can be integrated with other HSE and specialist systems. API and other integration options are assessed based on the organisation’s needs and existing system landscape.

Access control in Workplace Safety is managed through defined user roles and associated permissions, tailored to the organisation’s needs. The solution can also be integrated with existing systems, simplifying the administration of users and access rights. This ensures that each user only has access to the information and functions relevant to their role, responsibilities and tasks.

Yes, Workplace Safety is scalable and can be adapted for both small organisations and larger corporate groups, including multiple users, departments and locations.

Data in Workplace Safety is stored in a private cloud in Netpower’s data centre in Norway. Netpower is the IT company behind Workplace Safety. Data storage complies with privacy and data security requirements within the EU/EEA.

Yes, relevant data can be exported from Workplace Safety for reporting, documentation or further processing in other systems. Exports can be carried out either through integrations and APIs with other systems, or as standard file formats such as PDF, depending on needs and use cases.