Chemical Course – Safe Handling of Chemicals in the Workplace
A chemical handling course is mandatory for all employees who work with or may be exposed to chemicals in the workplace. Proper handling of chemicals prevents acute injuries, chronic diseases, and environmental emissions. An online chemical course gives you the expertise you need to work safely with hazardous substances, in compliance with statutory requirements.
At Komplett HMS, you can take the chemical course 100% online. The course is available in several languages, and you receive a digital course certificate immediately after passing the knowledge test.
Legal Requirements for Chemical Training
Several laws and regulations govern training requirements when working with chemicals:
- Regulations concerning the performance of work, Chapter 3: The employer must ensure that employees who may be exposed to chemicals receive training in safe handling.
- Chemicals Regulations § 5 and § 6: Requirements for chemical inventories, risk assessment, and training in the use of safety data sheets.
- Working Environment Act § 4-5: Special requirements for the working environment when chemical substances are used.
- Internal Control Regulations: Requirements for systematic documentation of training and risk assessments related to chemical use.
- CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008): Rules for the classification, labeling, and packaging of chemical substances.
- REACH Regulation (EU) 2020/1149, entry 74: Requirement for specific training for work with diisocyanates from August 24, 2023. Implemented into Norwegian law through the REACH Regulations.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority verifies that companies have up-to-date chemical inventories and that employees are trained in safe chemical handling. Lack of training can lead to orders, penalty fees, and work stoppages.
What do you learn in the chemical course?
The chemical course at Komplett HMS covers all topics required by the regulations:
- Laws and regulations for the use of chemicals in the workplace
- How to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Hazard labeling and hazard pictograms (CLP/GHS)
- Risk assessment for chemical use
- Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Storage, labeling, and transport of chemicals
- Measures in case of spills, leaks, and acute exposure
- Chemical inventory – requirements and maintenance
- Health effects of short- and long-term exposure
Who needs a chemical handling course?
Employers are legally obligated to ensure that all employees who may be exposed to chemicals have received the necessary training. The chemical course is relevant for a number of professional groups:
- Painters and varnishes
- Cleaners
- Construction workers who handle adhesives, paint, or solvents
- Industrial workers and laboratory employees
- Warehouse workers who handle chemicals
- HSE managers and safety representatives
- Employees in hair salons and beauty care
- Nurseries and agriculture (pesticides)
See also our diisocyanate course for specific training in working with polyurethane, foam, and epoxy. For more information, read our article on working with chemicals.
Chemical Inventory – A Key Requirement
All businesses that use chemicals are required to have an updated chemical inventory. The chemical inventory is a collection of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products used in the workplace. The chemical course provides you with the competence to:
- Understand the content of Safety Data Sheets
- Identify hazard labeling and risk phrases
- Implement appropriate measures based on the information in the SDS
- Ensure that the chemical inventory is kept up to date
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority actively checks that companies have chemical inventories in place and that employees are familiar with their content. A missing chemical inventory is one of the most common deviations during inspections.
Consequences of Lacking Chemical Training
Failure to provide legally required chemical training can have serious consequences:
- Health damage to employees – Exposure to chemicals without proper knowledge can lead to skin damage, respiratory problems, poisoning, and in the worst case, cancer
- Orders from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority – Lack of training and chemical inventory are among the most frequent deviations during inspections
- Penalty fees – The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can impose significant fees for breaches of training requirements
- Work stoppage – In case of serious deficiencies, work can be stopped until conditions are rectified
- Liability for damages – The employer can be held liable if employees develop occupational diseases due to lack of training
- Environmental consequences – Incorrect handling can lead to emissions with serious environmental damage and potential criminal sanctions
Course Format and Practical Information
The chemical handling course is 100% online and takes approximately 3–5 hours to complete. You work through the material at your own pace, on a PC, mobile, or tablet. After passing the knowledge test, you receive a digital course certificate immediately.
The course certificate serves as documentation to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and can be stored digitally or printed. The course is available in several languages, which is particularly useful for workplaces with employees from many countries.
Are you ordering multiple courses? See also our HSE course for employees and noise in the workplace course.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical Handling
What is a chemical inventory?
A chemical inventory is a collection of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products used in the workplace. The employer is required to have an up-to-date chemical inventory available to all employees.
How often must one take a chemical course?
There is no fixed renewal frequency in the legislation, but training should be updated when new chemicals are introduced, when working methods change, or when regulations change. Many companies choose to renew every 2–3 years.
Does the course also cover diisocyanates?
The course provides a general introduction to chemical handling. For specific training in diisocyanates (EU requirement from 2023), we recommend our own diisocyanate course which meets the REACH requirements. Also read about safe use of diisocyanates.
Is an online chemical course approved?
Yes, an online chemical course is fully approved and meets legal requirements. The course concludes with a knowledge test and you receive a course certificate as documentation.
Why choose Komplett HMS for chemical courses?
- 100% online – Complete when and where it suits you
- Available in several languages – The entire team can take the course in their preferred language
- Course certificate immediately – Digital course certificate after passing the knowledge test
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's highest-rated HSE course provider
- Complete solution – All HSE courses for businesses gathered in one place
Do you have questions about chemical courses for your company? Contact us by phone 466 66 467 or e-mail kundeservice@kompletthms.no.