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Do you have control over the chemicals used in your project?

Construction projects typically involve a wide range of chemical products — from adhesives and paint to fuel, epoxy, dust, and welding fumes. When multiple contractors are involved, many projects lose oversight of what is actually being used on site.

At the same time, maintaining a chemical inventory is a legal requirement. Documentation must be up to date and available before products are used. During inspections, the company must be able to demonstrate compliance.

This is not about collecting PDFs.  It is about maintaining control.

FAQ – Chemical Inventory

A chemical inventory is a consolidated overview of hazardous chemicals and health-hazardous substances used within a company or project. It must include updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and information about risks, protective equipment, and emergency measures.

In construction, this typically includes:

  • Paints, adhesives, and sealants
  • Epoxy systems and hardeners
  • Fuels and oils
  • Cleaning agents
  • Dust and welding fumes

The purpose is to ensure safe handling and prevent occupational health risks.

Yes. Companies that handle hazardous chemicals or health-hazardous substances are required to maintain an updated chemical inventory.

It must:

  • Be established before chemicals are put into use
  • Be continuously updated
  • Be accessible to employees

Outdated or inaccessible Safety Data Sheets are considered non-compliance.

Each employer is responsible for the chemicals they use. Contractors and subcontractors must register and document their own products.

In multi-contractor projects, coordination becomes the main challenge. If each actor operates in a separate system, there is no real project-wide overview.

Byggherrer must set clear requirements and ensure that documentation is collected and accessible at project level.

The chemical inventory must include:

  • Updated Safety Data Sheets
  • Information on hazardous substances such as dust and fumes
  • Details on protective measures and first aid procedures

Documentation must be updated when products change or regulations are revised. If not, risk assessments will be based on incorrect information.

A digital chemical inventory is an electronic solution where all documentation is collected and centrally maintained.

In construction projects, this is practically necessary because:

  • Multiple contractors use different products
  • Products change during the project
  • Safety Data Sheets are regularly updated
  • Documentation must be accessible on site

A binder or local folder does not provide sufficient control in larger projects. A digital solution provides shared visibility and access for all stakeholders.

The chemical inventory forms the foundation for risk assessments. Without updated information, it is impossible to properly assess exposure, protective measures, or substitution needs.

When new products are introduced or work methods change, the risk assessment must be updated. If the chemical inventory is not updated, neither is the risk assessment.

During inspections, authorities typically assess whether:

  • The chemical inventory is up to date
  • Documentation is accessible to employees
  • Risk assessments have been conducted
  • Employees have received necessary training

If the company cannot document compliance, this may result in non-conformities, corrective orders, or financial penalties.

The result is increased administrative burden and uncertainty during inspections.

Stop collecting PDFs. Gain real control over the chemicals in your project.

With Cobuilder Collaborate you gather chemicals, safety data sheets, and responsibilities in one digital solution – ensuring documentation is up to date and available when it’s needed.

Learn how you can digitalise your SDS register.

Cobuilder Collaborate

Common challenges in construction projects – and how to solve them

The chemical inventory is not kept up to date

New products are introduced without being registered, and Safety Data Sheets change without the project capturing it. Over time, documentation no longer reflects what is actually used on site.

Collect all products digitally in one project overview, with up-to-date safety data sheets linked directly to each product in Cobuilder Collaborate.

Documentation from subcontractors is not consolidated

Each actor uses their own system, leaving the project without a complete overview of the chemicals in use.

In Cobuilder, all contractors register their products in the same solution, giving the project one shared overview.

 

The chemical inventory is not accessible on site

Documentation exists but is difficult to access when needed.

With Cobuilder Collaborate the chemical inventory is digitally available via mobile and tablet where the work is performed.

The chemical inventory is not actively used in risk assessments

Risk assessments are not updated when new products are introduced or work methods change.

When the chemical inventory is maintained in Cobuilder, it can be used directly as a foundation for ongoing risk assessments.

Responsibilities are unclear

No one has full visibility of who registered which products.

Cobuilder provides transparency, accountability, and traceability across all project participants.

Digital SDS register connected to real-time data

From scattered documents to structured compliance – built for construction teams.

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