Working on a construction site means dealing with more than just bricks. Hazardous materials are part of the job too.
In this article, we will guide you through how you can manage hazardous materials on construction sites and stay safe.
What Are Hazardous Materials in Construction?
Construction work involves far more than just cement. Crews regularly work with solvents, epoxies, curing compounds, asphalt, waterproofing resins, and adhesives containing isocyanates.
Additionally, welding can produce fumes carrying harmful metals like nickel, chromium VI, manganese, and lead.
Exposure to these substances can cause immediate issues like irritation, dizziness, and sensitization, as well as long-term health problems such as cancer, COPD, and neurological damage.
Why chemical management is important on construction sites
Effective chemical controls are not just about safety; they’re good for business.
A well-run program reduces workplace incidents, helps keep your project on schedule, and minimizes costly rework.
It also lowers the risk of regulatory penalties. Furthermore, crews are more productive when they aren’t sidelined by headaches, dizziness, or skin rashes caused by chemical exposure.
High-Risk Chemicals on the Job
| Chemical/Material | Common Uses & Key Risks | Potential Health Effects |
| Solvents and VOCs | Found in paints, thinners, and adhesives. Skin exposure is a common issue when gloves are not worn. | Short-term: Dizziness, headaches. Long-term: Damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. |
| Welding Fumes | Generated during welding. Fume composition varies by the metal being welded. IARC classifies fumes as carcinogenic. | Can contain carcinogens like chromium VI and nickel. Manganese can affect the nervous system. |
| Adhesives, Sealants, & Isocyanates | Used in polyurethane sealants and contact adhesives. Isocyanates are a leading cause of occupational asthma. | Skin and lung irritation. Isocyanate exposure can lead to sensitization and severe asthmatic reactions. |
| Concrete Admixtures & Curing Compounds | Used to alter concrete set times and ensure proper hydration. High pH poses a risk to waterways. | Overexposure can cause central nervous system (CNS) symptoms like headaches. |
| Waterproofing & Bituminous Products | Often solvent-heavy and flammable. Can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). | Some exposures to oxidized bitumen are considered “probably carcinogenic.” |
| Epoxy Resin Systems | Used as coatings and adhesives. Hazardous before curing. | Can cause dermatitis (skin inflammation) and irritation to the eyes and throat. Mostly inert once fully cured. |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) | Used for insulation. Exposure risk is highest during application. | Workers can be exposed to isocyanates and amines. Degraded foam can release toxic gases. |
| Legacy Hazards (Asbestos, Lead, Silica) | Found in older buildings (asbestos, lead) and generated from work with concrete/masonry (silica). | Asbestos: Mesothelioma, lung cancer. Lead: Neurological damage. Silica: Silicosis, lung cancer. |
How to Plan a Chemical Management System That Meets Compliance
Building a Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program
Your program must include a written plan, a current chemical inventory, accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) database, GHS-compliant labels, and worker training.
On sites with multiple employers, the program must specify how hazard information will be shared between companies.
EPCRA Reporting and Local Regulations
If your company brings hazardous chemicals onto a client’s site, you may be responsible for reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
This responsibility generally falls to whoever “prepares or has” the SDSs for those chemicals.
Managing Hazardous Waste on Construction Sites
Ensure all hazardous waste is properly stored, labeled, and segregated. Maintain accurate manifests and prevent any leaks into drains or storm systems.
The EPA’s best practices for construction sites emphasize preventing spills and covering materials that could be exposed to rainwater runoff.
Practical Ways to Control Hazardous Material Exposure
Engineering Controls and Ventilation
This is your first line of defense. Use local exhaust ventilation or portable fume extractors for welding.
For tasks like cutting and grinding, use dust collection systems with shrouds and HEPA vacuums or water suppression methods to control silica dust. When applying coatings, ensure good general dilution ventilation.
Safe Work Practices and Substitution
Whenever possible, choose safer alternatives like low-VOC or water-based materials. Reduce chemical handling by using pre-mixed epoxies in cartridges and mixing only the amount you need for the immediate task.
Restrict access to areas during high-risk activities like SPF application and schedule high-fume tasks for times when fewer people are on site.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Essentials
Select PPE that is specifically suited for the hazard. This means using the right respirator cartridges for solvents or epoxies and supplied-air systems for isocyanates when necessary.
To prevent skin absorption, ensure workers have the correct gloves for the solvents or hardeners they are using, along with splash protection for their eyes and face.
Standard Operating Procedures for Hazardous Materials on Site
- Receiving and Storage: When materials arrive, check them against your inventory and confirm an SDS is available before use. Verify that all containers have proper labels, segregate incompatible chemicals, and use secondary containment to catch potential spills. Flammable storage areas must be well-ventilated.
- Mixing and Application: Whether in an open area or a confined space, ensure proper ventilation, post warning signs, and restrict access when mixing materials like coatings, epoxies, or SPF.
- Cleanup and Disposal: Always collect used solvents and resins in closed, labeled containers. Never pour waste into floor drains, and make sure containers are protected from rain. Use only licensed transporters for off-site disposal.
- Emergency Response: Have a clear spill plan. In an emergency, your team should know how to evacuate the area, isolate the spill, and provide ventilation. Always consult the SDS for first-aid information and report significant releases to the appropriate agencies as required.
Training, Monitoring, and Recordkeeping for Safety Compliance
- Toolbox Talks: Use short, frequent toolbox talks to keep chemical safety top-of-mind. Designate a “competent person” for high-risk jobs like silica-generating tasks.
- Air Monitoring: Use direct-reading instruments for real-time air checks where practical. For silica, you must either follow OSHA’s Table 1 control methods or perform exposure assessments to ensure you are compliant.
- Recordkeeping: Keep detailed logs of all training sessions, site inspections, exposure monitoring data, and any corrective actions taken. Ensure SDSs are accessible to all workers, both in a physical location like the site trailer and digitally. Consider medical surveillance for workers in high-risk roles.
Keeping Crews Safe While Staying on Schedule
When you manage hazardous materials with a clear plan, you protect your workers’ health and keep the job moving forward.
The foundation is a solid HazCom program where SDS information is shared, silica is controlled, and reporting obligations are met. Using a centralized system for your SDSs simplifies the process of managing your inventory, labels, and training.
FAQs
1. What should be included in a construction chemical inventory?
Your inventory should list every chemical product on site, linked to its SDS. Track container sizes, storage locations, key hazards (flammable, corrosive), and note which subcontractor brought each material to the site.
2. When do contractors need to report chemicals under EPCRA?
If you bring hazardous chemicals to a site and are the one who “prepares or has” the SDS for them, you may be responsible for EPCRA 311/312 reporting. Notifications are also required if you have Extremely Hazardous Substances above certain quantities or if a reportable release occurs.
3. How do you control silica dust on construction sites?
The most direct way is to use the methods outlined in OSHA’s Table 1, which include wet methods, shrouds with HEPA vacuums, and appropriate respirators. The alternative is to measure worker exposures and implement controls to keep dust levels below the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
4. What PPE is required for solvents and epoxies?
Use gloves that have been tested for the specific chemical you are handling. Add splash goggles or a face shield for eye protection. If vapors are present, use a respirator with organic vapor cartridges. It’s critical to change gloves if they become contaminated to prevent skin exposure.
5. Should workers stay away during SPF application?
Yes. You must restrict access to the application area, ensure it is well-ventilated, and post warning signs. A safe re-entry time should be established and communicated to everyone on site.