ETHICS IN SOURCING CHEMICALS
Meaning of Ethics
Ethics are the set of values, principles, or rules that guide how people behave in society or in a profession.
Ethics help people decide what is right and wrong in their work and behaviour.
In business, ethics ensures that transactions and operations are fair, responsible, and legal.
Ethics in Sourcing Chemicals
Sourcing chemicals ethically means obtaining, handling, distributing, and disposing of chemicals in ways that are safe, legal, and responsible. This is important because chemicals can be dangerous if misused. Ethical sourcing covers the following areas:
(a) Sourcing from Licensed Vendors
- Chemicals should be purchased only from officially licensed vendors.
- Licensed vendors ensure that chemicals are genuine, safe, and meet required standards.
- Ethical sourcing means avoiding illegal or unregistered suppliers who might sell fake, harmful, or low-quality chemicals.
(b) Safe Handling of Chemicals
- People handling chemicals must have proper training to understand potential hazards.
- Chemicals must be sealed, labeled, and stored correctly to prevent accidents.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and goggles should always be used when handling chemicals.
(c) Proper Distribution
- Chemicals should be delivered safely to prevent spills, accidents, or exposure to untrained persons.
- Chemicals should always be in their original containers with proper labels, never repackaged to hide origin or quality.
- Ethical distribution ensures that chemicals are not misused and reach only those qualified to use them.
(d) Responsible Disposal
- Unused or expired chemicals must be disposed of safely to prevent harm to people, animals, property, or the environment.
- Containers must be properly labeled and secured during disposal.
- Unsafe disposal, such as pouring chemicals into drains or open spaces, is unethical and illegal.
Importance of Ethics in Sourcing Chemicals
- Protects the health and safety of workers, consumers, and the wider community.
- Prevents environmental pollution or contamination from harmful chemicals.
- Ensures compliance with laws and regulations regarding chemicals.
- Builds trust and reputation for businesses that handle chemicals responsibly.
Summary
- Buying from licensed suppliers.
- Handling chemicals safely with proper training and protective equipment.
- Distributing chemicals responsibly and ensuring labels and safety measures are intact.
- Disposing of chemical waste safely and legally.
Following these ethical practices ensures safety, legal compliance, environmental protection, and trust in business operations.
Revision Questions
- Define ethics in the context of business.
- State three ethical practices in sourcing chemicals.
- Why is it important to buy chemicals from a licensed vendor?
- List two proper handling techniques for chemicals.
- Mention two ethical considerations in distributing chemicals.
- Why must chemical waste be disposed of responsibly?
