Safe use of chemicals in the woodworking industry: Guidance note

Last updated: 22 November 2024

This Guidance Note is one of three publications dealing with woodworking industry hazards: 

Some chemicals used in the woodworking industry are classed as hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, and have specific safety requirements. These include substances used to treat, preserve, paint, remove paint, varnish, stain, lacquer, clean, seal and glue furniture and wood products. 

More detailed advice on the chemicals in each of these substances should be obtained from the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which must be provided by the supplier and made readily available for people working with or near the chemicals.