I discover a strong chemical odour in the workplace

General checks to carry out if you discover a strong chemical odour in the workplace.

Non-laboratory areas

If you work in a building that does not have laboratories or other obvious procedures that use chemicals:

Check the immediate work area to see if any unknown processes/activites are taking place. Sometimes, contractors may be carrying out certain activities that require the use of strong smelling glues, varnishes, etc. If this is the case, contact the Safety Adviser's Office who can chase the issue up with the responsible person in Facilities Management (the contractors should have prepared a safe working procedure that ensures the spread of strong odours are limited).

If nothing can be found inside the building, check outside around the building perimeter. On occasions, contractors have been found working near air intake grilles using strong adhesives. Again, if this situation is found, contact the Safety Adviser's Office.

Laboratory areas

If you work in a laboratory setting:

Check that no one has spilled large amounts of chemicals in the work area.

Check that no one has poured chemicals down the sink. If this is the case then there could be a leak in the pipe work, sink traps may be dry, etc.

Check that fume cupboards are in good working order. Those that are fitted with built in alarms will clearly indicate a failure. This should be reported immediately to the Facilities Management response desk stressing that it is a safety critical job. Where older fume cupboards are in use check that the flicker tape attached to the sash is moving (it is strongly recommended that older fume cupboards should be fitted with a simple piece of tissue at the bottom of the sash to indicate inward airflow). Again, if the tape is not moving, report to Facilities management.

Check the work area around general ventilation intakes. On occasions it has been known for contractors to be working near air intakes using strong glues and chemicals. Vapours can be drawn into the building via this route.