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Malaysia has established several chemical safety regulations to protect human health and the environment from potential hazards associated with the use, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. This blog provides an overview of the key chemical safety regulations that are currently in place in Malaysia.
OSHA 514, 1994
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 514, 1994 specifies the duties of employers and employees to ensure workplace health and safety. The act requires employers to take measures to identify, assess, and control risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA also requires employers to provide appropriate training to employees who are in charge of handling hazardous chemicals.
EQA, 1974
The Environmental Quality Act (EQA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into the environment. It requires manufacturers who produce/use hazardous chemicals to obtain a license from the Department of Environment (DOE). The license should specify the conditions for the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
Poison Act, 1952
The Poison Act regulates the import, export, manufacture, and sale of poisonous substances. The act requires manufacturers and importers to register their products with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) before they can sell these in Malaysia. The NPRA in turn monitors the use of these substances to ensure that they are being used safely.
MS
The Malaysian Standards (MS), developed under the Standards Development Committee (SDC) within the Malaysian Standards Development System, is a set of standards that applies to the manufacture, use, and disposal of chemicals to ensure that you meet the product quality specifications in Malaysia. The MS sets standards for the classification, labeling, storage, and handling of hazardous chemicals. Moreover, it provides guidelines on the disposal of hazardous wastes.
Hazardous Waste Regulations
In Malaysia, hazardous wastes are classified under the category of “scheduled wastes,” which refers to any waste materials that possess hazardous characteristics and have the potential to adversely affect the environment and public health. The following two (02) legislations govern scheduled wastes in the country:
- EQA, 1974.
- Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations, 2005.
Companies that produce/use hazardous chemicals in Malaysia must comply with these regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of chemicals. By adhering to chemical safety regulations, manufacturers can protect the health and safety of workers, consumers, and the environment.
Manufacturers entering the Malaysian market must carefully understand the chemical regulations to avoid any last-minute hurdles. Consult a Regulatory expert like Freyr to navigate the hurdles!
