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    What are hazardous substances?

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    Hazardous substances

    HAZARDOUS substances are materials that can cause harm to humans, animals,
    and the environment. These substances can be found in many forms such as
    chemicals, gases, liquids and solids. They are often used in various industries
    including manufacturing, construction, mining and agriculture.

    How to spot hazardous substances?

    It is very important to be able to determine if a substance is hazardous before
    handling it. Some common signs of dangerous substances include warning labels,
    Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and pictograms.

    1. Warning labels are often found on hazardous products and include
    information such as the type of hazard, precautions for handling it and first aid
    measures.

    2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provides more detailed information about a
    substance’s chemical name and hazards including its physical and chemical
    properties, health effects, safety precautions and course of action about
    spillages and transportation information.

    3. Pictograms are symbols used to visually represent the hazards of a substance
    such as the following:

    Health effects of hazardous substances

    The health effects of hazardous substances vary, based on the specific type and the
    extent of exposure including concentration, duration and route of exposure.

    Exposure to a dangerous substance can occur through inhalation, dermal contact,
    and ingestion. Possible health effects may include the following:
     Nausea and vomiting
     Headache
     Skin rashes such as dermatitis
     Chemical burns
     Congenital disabilities
     Disorders of the lung, kidney and liver
     Nervous system disorders

    Ways to reduce exposure to hazardous substances

     Use non-hazardous materials whenever possible.
     Substitute less hazardous alternatives for hazardous substances, for example
    use detergent instead of chlorinated solvent for cleaning.
     Separate hazardous substances from non-hazardous substances.
     Purge or ventilate storage areas separately from other work areas.
     Train employees thoroughly on handling and safety procedures.
     Make sure Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles,
    and respirators are available and correctly utilised.
     Track the level of hazardous substances in the air and environment at the
    workplace with adequate monitoring equipment.
     Consult regularly with employees to maintain and improve existing safety
    practices.

    What the law says on hazardous substances

    EMA Act (CAP 20:27) Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018- No person shall use
    herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or any toxic substances for commercial agriculture
    or public health pest control or veterinary vector control without a licence issued by
    the Environmental Management Agency. The transit through Zimbabwe of
    hazardous substances or oils is prohibited unless under a licence issued by the
    Agency and notification is made to the Agency. The transit through Zimbabwe of
    Convention hazardous substances is prohibited unless under a licence and – (a)
    such substances are exported by or imported to a State – (i) that is a contracting
    party to the Basel Convention; or (ii) under a bilateral or multilateral agreement to
    which both States are a party. (Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018)

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