Basic H&S Guidelines

Section 6 – Use of Hazardous Materials in Production

Workers in production areas must recognise that the chemicals and other materials that they use
can be hazardous to their health and present other risks to their safety and to the environment. If
workers have a basic understanding of the potential hazards of materials, and of the proper
precautions and other measures that can be taken to avoid these risks, then they will be more
likely to utilise them. While this document focuses on the impacts to workers as a result of using
hazardous chemicals, the adidas Group Environmental Guidelines provide further information on
the potential impacts to the natural environment.

To increase worker awareness of the potential hazards that are associated with hazardous
materials that they are using, to minimise these hazards, and to ensure that worker exposure to
these materials is kept to an acceptable level, the following precautions are recommended.

6.1 Guidelines for Chemical Use in Production Areas

• Every exposure to chemicals which can
be avoided should be avoided.
• Only the amounts of chemical materials
needed for a single day should be kept in
production areas.
• Production areas should be kept free of
chemical spills.
• Hazardous chemicals should not be
placed in containers or receptacles that
are used generally for food/drink.
• There should be no eating or drinking in
areas where chemicals are used.
• Containers not in current use should be
covered properly.
• All chemical containers should be
labeled clearly (refer to Section 8).
• CSDS and operation procedures should
be posted near each work station.
• MSDS should be readily available from
the supervisor or safety coordinator.
• Workers should receive training twice
annually on the proper use and handling
of hazardous chemicals.
• Flammable chemicals should be kept
away from ignition sources such as open
flames, sparks, etc.
• “No Smoking” signs should be posted in
areas of flammable chemical use.
• Emergency eyewash facilities should be
available within 30 meters of work
stations where chemicals are used, and
should be flushed weekly.
• Chemical mixing areas or stations
should be physically separate from
production lines.
• Workers should be provided with
personal protective equipment (PPE) that
is appropriate for the potential hazards
that they face.

Social & Environmental Affairs Page 38 of 127 Feburary 2010