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Vinachem Collaborates with the Vietnam Chemical Society to Develop Chemical Safety Handbook
The Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), in collaboration with the Vietnam Chemical Society, has developed the Vinachem Chemical Safety Handbook to support member units in identifying hazards, controlling risks, and proactively preventing and responding to incidents. The handbook was introduced as part of Vinachem’s 2026 Occupational Safety and Hygiene (OSH) training programme, held from 8–9 October 2026 in Da Nang.
Standardising Chemical Safety Management Methods
Vinachem operates across various sectors, including basic chemicals, fertilisers, plant protection products, rubber, detergents, electrochemical products, and mineral extraction and processing. Production at each unit involves the use of a variety of raw materials, intermediate chemicals and products with differing hazardous properties, necessitating management measures tailored to specific technological processes.
Chemicals such as sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), ammonia (NH₃), chlorine (Cl₂), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and many others can pose risks to workers, equipment, and the environment if not managed, stored, and used in accordance with regulations. Safety control must therefore be maintained throughout the process of receiving, transporting, storing, using, transferring, and disposing of chemicals.
The Vinachem Chemical Safety Handbook provides general guidance on chemical safety management, helping units to adopt a unified approach and serving as a basis for reviewing and supplementing practical measures suited to production realities.
The document emphasises a hierarchy of control measures, from eliminating or reducing hazards, applying engineering controls, operational controls, and personal protective equipment, to preparing incident response plans.
Guidance on Hazard Identification and Incident Response
The handbook focuses on practical issues for chemical safety management at Vinachem’s production sites.
For hazard identification, it provides guidance on classifying chemicals according to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS), assisting units in determining hazardous properties and choosing suitable preventive measures.
Regarding chemical storage and use, the handbook addresses requirements for warehouse, tank, and pipeline management; segregation of incompatible chemicals; and measures to control leakage and dispersion risks during operation.
A key section is the identification and prevention of chemical incidents for 24 technological processes at Vinachem. The document also sets out basic solutions for responding to six types of incidents: chemical fires, explosions, spills, toxic gas leaks, corrosion events, and uncontrolled reactions between incompatible chemicals. Recommendations for evacuation and safety distances are included to support units in developing onsite response plans.
Alongside technical guidance, the handbook addresses organisational aspects of chemical safety management, from establishing management systems and training to inspection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
The document is based on Vietnamese legal provisions, technical regulations and standards, as well as relevant international standards and best practices. It is a reference to support management work and does not replace mandatory legal regulations, operating procedures, emergency response plans, or technical instructions specific to each unit.
Bridging Guidance with Production Practice
The introduction of the handbook during the 2026 OSH training programme provides managers, safety officers, and direct supervisors at member units with an additional resource for their work. Based on general guidance, each enterprise should review its own raw materials, production lines, equipment, and operating conditions to refine procedures, supplement preventive measures, and finalise incident response plans.
Alongside training, inspection, and supervision of OSH compliance, the adoption of standardised guidance contributes to improving the quality of chemical safety management and reinforces the responsibility of staff and workers in adhering to procedures and proactively preventing risks.
Through collaboration with the Vietnam Chemical Society and the participation of member units, Vinachem continues to enhance tools for chemical safety management, aiming to protect workers, assets, and the environment, and to ensure safe and stable production and business operations.
