Goods, Dangerous

Many organisations create separate governance provisions around the purchase of potentially hazardous goods and services. Examples include machinery, plant and equipment, chemicals, poisons, explosives, gases, drugs and, radioactive materials. It is important for procurement practitioners to ensure that the risks in the purchase are understood prior to purchasing and receipt and that appropriate precautions are taken. This may include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, appropriate storage and handling techniques and the acquisition and use of Materials Safety Data Sheets. For dangerous chemicals, a warning plate system called Hazchem is used on vehicles and on storage facilities. In the event of an emergency the warning plate also provides information on how emergency services should deal with an incident involving the substance.