During many work activities, workers may be potentially exposed to hazardous substances and mixtures in the workplace. For this reason, every organization must maintain an updated list of all chemicals used or produced, along with their associated hazards.

The hazard of a substance, due to its physical and toxicological properties, combined with the degree of occupational exposure to it, determines the potential health risk of that substance or mixture.

The chemical risk management system is a structured tool that helps prioritize risks and classifies controls based on a substance's known or suspected toxic properties.