Chemical Management Explained

Managing chemicals properly is not just good practice; it’s a legal requirement, and a key part of maintaining ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, the environment and occupational health and safety management standards. A focused chemical management review helps businesses remain compliant, keep people safe, and make sure every substance onsite is stored and documented appropriately.

Arthian consultants bring a fresh set of eyes to your site, identifying issues that can be easily missed by internal personnel and can advise where specialist support may be needed. A chemical management review is a straightforward way to strengthen your compliance and give you confidence in your chemical management processes.

Chemical management can quickly become out of control when:

• A site does not have an accurate, up‑to‑date inventory
• No formal chemical register
• Missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets and COSHH Risk Assessments
• A poor change management process

Incorrect or incompatible storage increases risks, creating the potential for spills, reactions, or enforcement action. Without the right documentation and controls in place, it becomes impossible to meet legal requirements, as every COSHH‑regulated substance should have a current SDS and a suitable COSHH Risk Assessment.

Poor chemical management exposes the business to avoidable hazards, and leaves the company vulnerable from a compliance, safety and insurance risk perspective.

The solution is to complete a structured chemical management review that starts with a full chemical sweep to identify substances retained onsite and create an accurate inventory. This feeds into an up‑to‑date chemical register, supported by correct storage, clear signage, and appropriate documentation, including SDS and COSHH Risk Assessments for regulated substances. The process highlights any gaps, unsafe practices, or areas needing specialist input such as COMAH or DSEAR, giving the site a controlled, compliant, and well‑documented chemical management system that meets legal and ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 requirements.

Arthian’s Chemical Management service supports clients maintain an up‑to‑date and compliant chemical inventory, by managing changes across the full lifecycle of site chemicals. It covers the introduction of new substances, the controlled removal or sunset of obsolete materials, and the continuous updating of SDS, COSHH assessments, storage requirements, and segregation controls.

Chemical management activities are aligned with the organisation’s Environmental Management System (EMS) to keep procedures current, auditable, and compliant with ISO 14001 expectations, including the new ISO 14001:2026 enhanced requirements for management of change.