Job Description – Chemical Safety Specialist

1. Job Details

• Job Title: Chemical Safety Specialist

• Reports to: Research Safety Manager

• Job Family: HR will complete

• Job Function: HR will complete

2. Job Purpose

• The Chemical Safety Specialist is responsible to monitors and coordinates the Chemical Safety Program, including:

  • Chemical hygiene

  • Chemical safety inspections

  • Chemical inventory

  • Accident investigations

  • Hazardous materials clean-up

  • Chemical safety training

• The duty ensures that all operations involving chemicals comply with safety regulations and best practices.

3. Job Dimensions

• Accountability for annual operating budget / project budget / sales revenue: Contributory

• Magnitude of financial accountability: n/a

• staff supervised: 0

• direct reports: 0

• contractors/others: 0

4. Key Result Areas

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor and interpret environmental, health, and safety regulations.

• Conduct regular reviews and updates of chemical safety programs.

• Collaborate with lab managers, facilities team, HSE focal points, and stakeholders.

• Perform laboratory safety inspections to maintain compliance with international, local, and university standards.

Technical and Project Contribution

• Develop and enforce safety protocols for handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.

• Create and update safety data sheets (SDS).

• Participate in the development and implementation of chemical safety programs.

• Advise the university community regarding chemical safety protocols.

• Maintain and monitor chemical inventory in all HBKU labs.

• Monitor and review chemical shipments.

Risk Assessment and Management

• Conduct thorough risk assessments of chemical processes and storage.

• Identify potential hazards and develop mitigation strategies.

• Assist, lead, or review chemical and environmental risk assessments.

• Perform regular detailed risk assessments.

• Develop and implement control measures.

• Continuously monitor and review risk assessments.

Training and Education

• Design and conduct training programs on chemical safety, lab safety, hazardous waste, and environmental awareness.

• Manage the Chemical Hazard Communication program.

• Plan and implement programs to train faculty, staff, and students.

• Develop and conduct safety training programs for all levels.

• Create engaging training materials.

• Ensure awareness of safety policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.

• Track and document employee training records.

Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate accidents, injuries, and near-misses.

• Interview employees and witnesses, review incident scenes, gather evidence.

• Prepare incident reports with findings and recommendations.

• Follow up on corrective actions.

Inspections and Audits

• Perform safety inspections, laboratory audits, fire risk assessments, etc.

• Conduct inspections of facilities, equipment, and work practices.

• Use checklists and tools for evaluations.

• Identify non-compliance and correct issues.

• Prepare detailed reports.

• Assist with external audits and regulatory inspections.

Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and implement emergency response plans.

• Coordinate drills and training sessions.

• Serve on the HSE spill response team.

Day-to-day Routine Activities

• Collaborate with project teams, provide expert guidance.

• Assist HSE Manager in implementing strategies and monitoring.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures.

• Manage HSE management system based on ISO 45001 MS.

• Ensure subcontractors comply with HSE procedures.

• Inspect facilities, machinery, and safety equipment.

• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date safety records.

• Prepare and present safety reports to management.

• Develop and distribute safety bulletins, newsletters, communications.

• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to monthly HSE reports.

• Involve in HSE dashboard and reporting.