Managing Chemical Risks: Training for Company Managers at CCI Cahors

Avoiding welding fumes, neutralizing chemical dust, isolating dangerous bottles, ventilating after sanding plastics, managing emissions from combustion engines… Once a year, volunteer business leaders benefit from an injection of reminder. The CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is organizing a free workshop on its premises to prevent chemical risks. This Wednesday morning, seven company managers met for something concrete: they learned to use the Sierich software, a tool for assessing the dangers associated with pollutants. “Even if company managers do not know it, they are all led to use chemicals from the moment we are in the presence of detergent”, explains Marie Prouzergue, advisor in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility with the Lot CCI. Who says chemical product says risk of fire, explosion or poisoning.

The law obliges companies to draw up an action plan, safety data sheets and product data sheets each year. “Our mission corresponds to a strong desire on the part of the State to move towards greener practices, to encourage companies to begin or continue their ecological transition”, she continues. Because in addition to protecting the health of employees, it is also a question of protecting the environment. Among the participants, Elsa Sénac, quality management system manager at Sermati in Saint-Céré, a mechanical company specializing in machining.

Products removed in some factories

It draws up an inventory of the “undesirables” in its premises, by filling in the line “establishment” then “machine shop”. It must match the product used to each task. And as much to say that she does not take it lightly. “We have special processes for welding, painting, cleaning and treating parts,” she says. Some products must be isolated. “This tool and this training make it possible to have a clear methodology and a framework. The software takes into account the latest legislative developments and the latest product compositions, information that we do not necessarily master”, she adds. The manager acknowledges that she is “more and more solicited on environmental issues”.

“You can import the listing of your products with the help of your supplier”, advises the trainer. The participants nod. In Bagnac, at Matière, which designs metal bridges, Pascal Eudo has been using this software for three years. The QHSE manager (Quality, health, safety and environment) attends the session to “improve”. It is he who carries out the annual evaluation. “We need regular updating,” he notes. Two years ago, he got rid of two chemicals that were misclassified and posed a risk to employees. Pollutants with a barbaric lexicon such as Acetone, Crystic 2, Dimethylformamide… Those in charge are now equipped to cope.