Solvents are key ingredients in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, cleaning, manufacturing, and more. No matter the application, it’s important to handle and store any solvent safely. This guide lays out the South African legal framework, practical safety measures, and steps often overlooked.
Yes. Under South Africa’s Hazardous Substances Act (No. 15 of 1973), any substance that is toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable, or generates pressure is classified as a hazardous substance. Solvents often fall into one or more of these categories and can cause serious health effects or accidents if unregulated.
Health hazards: Many solvents are inhalation risks, causing respiratory irritation, organ
toxicity, or long-term effects like CNS or liver damage.
Physical hazards: Solvents are frequently flammable, creating major fire and/or explosion
risks when improperly stored or handled.
Many guides summarise broad rules but miss key cross-overs and newer obligations such as the following:
New legislation: A draft HCA Regulation (2024) has just gone under public comment, aligning SA with GHS Rev 10, adding tighter classification, inventory, and risk documentation requirements.
The Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents, 2021 (HCA Regulations) require classification of solvents using GHS before supply, and a documented risk assessment immediately, repeating at least every 24 months.
If solvents can be inhaled, employers must monitor airborne concentrations and control exposure within Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs).
Workers exposed to solvents may require health evaluations before or within 14 days of exposure and follow-up every two years.
All solvent containers must carry full GHS-compliant labels and Safety Data Sheets, prepared before supply and updated at least every five years.
Solvent waste must be recycled or disposed of per the Waste Classification and Management Regulations and National Norms and Standards; labels and records must be retained.
When engineering controls don’t fully eliminate risk, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided and maintained:
The best way to protect yourself from solvent hazards is by taking a layered approach. Start by knowing the hazards: review the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each solvent you work with and understand their Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifications.
Always follow risk assessments and implement the recommended controls, such as proper ventilation, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and limiting access to hazardous areas. Store flammable solvents in approved cabinets, well away from ignition sources, to reduce fire risk.
Good hygiene is equally important. You should never eat or drink near solvents, and always wash thoroughly after handling them.
Training is another critical step. Employees must be confident in using PPE, responding to spills, and reading SDS information.
Finally, prepare for incidents by running regular drills for spills and exposures, keeping accurate records, and investigating near misses to strengthen your overall safety culture.
Solvent handling safety in South Africa isn’t simply a checkbox; it’s a multi-layered obligation that includes licensing, proper labelling, risk assessments, medical surveillance, PPE, disposal, record-keeping, and preparedness for evolving laws.
At Solco Solutions, we take that seriously. Every solvent we supply includes a current SDS and compliant label, we adhere to packaging regulations for shipping, and we treat safety as non-negotiable. Our systems enforce licensing, documentation, monitoring, training, and disposal procedures, so that you can focus on your operation, not your liabilities.
Have questions about a specific solvent or scenario? We’d love to hear from you.
Solvents are the invisible workhorses of industry. They’re used in paints, pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, and…
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