A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty under health and safety legislation to ensure their workers and others in the workplace are not exposed to health and safety risks, including those posed by hazardous chemicals.
If you have hazardous chemicals in your workplace, you will need to implement effective chemical safety management in order to meet your health and safety duty.
Globally Harmonised System of classification and Labelling Chemicals (GHS)
The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a single internationally agreed system of chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and safety data sheets.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
An SDS provides information on the properties of a chemical and how the chemical affects health and safety. It also helps the user of the chemical to identify, assess and control risks associated with using it.
How to Determine Whether A Chemical Is Hazardous
To determine whether a chemical is hazardous, you can check:
- the safety data sheet
- the chemical label
- the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) Database.
The HSIS Database is an online database produced by Safe Work Australia that allows you to find up-to-date information about hazardous chemicals. The database can be accessed at http://hcis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/HazardousChemical.
Dangerous goods are substances or articles that present an immediate hazard to people, property or the environment because of their physical, chemical or acute toxicity properties.
Examples of dangerous goods include:
- explosives, e.g. sparklers, firecrackers and ammunition
- flammable liquids, e.g. lighter fluid and paint thinners and
- corrosives, e.g. dishwashing powder and hydrochloric acid.
Hazardous Substance
A hazardous substance is any substance that could potentially cause an injury or illness, including hazardous chemicals and heavy metals such as lead.
Examples of hazardous substances include:
- solvents, e.g. paint thinners
- flammable gas
- resins
- paints
- adhesives and
- cleaners.
The main difference between dangerous goods and hazardous substances is that dangerous goods pose an immediate danger to someone, whereas hazardous substances may pose a latent, or delayed, danger. Many hazardous substances are also classified as dangerous goods because they pose both a latent and an immediate danger to people. But not always.
Risk Management
Step 1: Identify the hazards associated with the chemical
Before purchasing the hazardous chemical, identify the hazards associated with storing and handling it by:
- determining the means of potential exposure to the chemical, e.g. inhalation, ingestion or absorption through the skin
- identifying the various people who may be exposed to the chemical, including workers and visitors to the workplace
- identifying the form and concentration the chemical may present in
Use this information to compare products to determine the safest product that you can use for the particular work activity the chemical will be used for. Identify the hazards of chemicals before any purchase.
An SDS includes information on:
- chemical’s identity and ingredients
- health and physical hazards
- safe handling and storage procedures
- emergency procedures
- disposal considerations.
You must ensure the current SDS is readily accessible to workers involved in using, handling or storing the hazardous chemical at the workplace and emergency service workers, or anyone else who is likely to be exposed to the hazardous chemical.
Step 2: Assess the risks in relation to the chemical
Once you have identified the hazards, conduct a risk assessment to determine the potential health risks of exposure to the hazardous chemical. Ensure that those performing risk assessments in relation to hazardous chemicals are competent. Risk assessments should be conducted by someone with thorough knowledge of the work processes involving the chemicals, such as a supervisor, who also understands the relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and other guidance materials relating to chemical safety.
Consider seeking professional help for more complex assessments or if a suitable person cannot be found within your business.
Ensure you have all the relevant information about the hazards of the chemical when undertaking your risk assessment. If in doubt, seek expert advice.
The risk assessment should always include input from the workers who regularly handle the chemicals. If a group of chemicals has the same associated risks and these chemicals are used or stored in the same conditions, it may be appropriate to conduct a generic risk assessment that considers the chemicals as a group e.g. a risk assessment could be conducted for all oil-based paints. If in doubt, it is best practice to conduct an individual risk assessment for each chemical.
Step 3: Determine risk controls that will need to be implemented and whether any suitable alternatives exist
Determine any risk controls that will need to be put in place to minimise the risks you have identified. This should be factored into your selection and purchasing process.
You should also consider the following factors before purchasing or acquiring a hazardous chemical:
- Is there a less hazardous chemical that can be used, e.g. water-based instead of oil-based paints, non-toxic cleaning agents or chemicals in pellet form instead of liquid form?
- Is there somewhere safe to store the chemical? Refer to the SDS.
- Do engineering controls, such as adequate ventilation, need to be implemented?
- Are workers adequately trained in how to store and handle the chemical safely?
- Are permits or licences required before the chemical is used?
- Is health monitoring required?
- Are there spill, cleaning and waste disposal procedures in place?
- Does personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be purchased to handle the chemical safely?
- Are there suitable first aid or emergency procedures in place?
- Are safety signs required?
Take these things into consideration before purchasing hazardous chemicals.
Step 5: Ensure a safety data sheet is provided at purchase
Manufacturers, suppliers and importers of hazardous chemicals are legally required to provide you with a current SDS when they first supply the chemical.
The SDS must:
- be less than 5 years old
- meet the requirements of the applicable code of practice in your State or Territory and
- identify:
- the chemical
- whether the chemical is hazardous
- how to handle, store and dispose of the chemical safely
- the contact details of the manufacturer or supplier and
- emergency procedures.
What an SDS must show
Do not confuse an SDS with a product specification sheet, which provides information on the performance characteristics of the chemical and directions for use.
Refer to the SDS to determine: the chemical classification, e.g. hazardous substance, dangerous good or scheduled poison and the regulatory requirements relating to the chemical.
You must consult a current SDS before using a hazardous chemical, so make sure you have been supplied with one.
Step 6: Ensure the chemical is labelled correctly
All containers of hazardous chemicals must be labelled correctly by the manufacturer or importer. It is the manufacturer’s duty to ensure that hazardous chemicals it produces are labelled correctly. However, if you accept or receive the hazardous chemical, it becomes your duty to ensure that the hazardous chemical is labelled correctly.
Decline delivery of hazardous chemicals from a supplier if the container does not have a correct label that:
- is written in English and
- identifies the chemical and risks associated with its use.
Ensure the chemical is correctly labelled by referring to the SDS, or by reading the label on the original packaging as supplied by the manufacturer.
A container that a hazardous chemical has been decanted into must be labelled with the product name and the relevant hazard pictogram or hazard statement. Unlabelled containers that have unknown chemicals must be labelled ‘CAUTION – DO NOT USE: UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE’ and removed from use until the contents can be identified. If the product cannot be identified, it should be properly disposed of.
Using Hazardous Chemicals Safely
Before allowing hazardous chemicals to be used, ensure that you have implemented all relevant control measures. You must provide training and information to any worker who could be exposed to a chemical risk. Advise them of the risks and explain the control measures in place and how to use them.
You should also:
- ensure that all workers who may come into contact with the chemical wear appropriate PPE, e.g. safety goggles and rubber gloves and
- enforce a rule that only appropriately trained workers handle the hazardous chemical.
Train your workers in control measures associated with the chemical, monitor and review the control measures to ensure they continue to effectively control the risks. The frequency and depth of the monitoring and review should be determined based on the level of risk if the control was to fail.
When to Consult Workers in Relation to Hazardous Chemicals
Consult your workers in the following situations:
- Before new chemicals are selected and introduced into the workplace.
- When chemical-related hazards are identified.
- When conducting risk assessments associated with hazardous chemicals.
- Prior to deciding what risk control measures to implement.
- Before making any changes that are likely to affect health and safety in relation to chemicals.
- When workers are being inducted and trained in the safe use of chemicals.
- When advice is given about workers’ potential exposure to a particular chemical.
- After a chemical-related incident has occurred in your workplace.
Make sure your workers are involved in any decisions.
Storing Hazardous Chemicals Safely
In general, hazardous chemicals should be stored in chemical storage facilities in accordance with the relevant SDS, Australian Standards or legislative requirements, and locked away when not in use.
- Hazardous chemicals should never be stored in the vicinity of food and drinks.
- When storing hazardous chemicals in your workplace, take the following steps:
- Read the SDS or label carefully, and follow any storage recommendations.
- Secure the chemicals against unauthorised access or use.
- Only keep minimal amounts of chemicals onsite.
- Ensure that all chemicals are clearly and correctly labelled, and that the labels are intact and legible.
- Do not allow chemicals to be exposed to the sun, excessive heat or sources of ignition.
- Provide adequate ventilation.
- Label shelves and cupboards so that chemicals can be stored in the right place and clearly separated.
- Ensure clear segregation schemes are maintained.
- Keep the outside of containers clean and the storage area tidy.
- Do not store liquids above solids in case of contamination in the event of a leak.
- Always store corrosives on spill trays.
- Ensure shelves are not overloaded.
- Never store flammable liquids in refrigerators or freezers unless they have been modified, i.e. spark-proofed.
- Separate incompatible chemicals that could react dangerously if stored together.
Chemicals must be separated when being stored or transported to ensure that incompatible chemicals do not mix if there is a spill. Obtain advice from an expert about the segregation of particular chemicals.
When Is Placarding Required?
Most workplaces that store or transport hazardous chemicals will require placarding to meet compliance requirements for storing or transporting chemicals. This includes retail outlets, laboratories, manufacturing facilities and service stations.
A placard is a sign that is displayed to show the presence of a hazardous chemical.
Placards are a means of alerting emergency services and others to the presence of hazardous chemicals and providing information about them.
Schedule 13 of the WHS Regulations sets out which chemicals require placards, and at what quantities.
Procedures to Handle a Chemical Spill
You must take all reasonable steps to prevent spills or leaks of hazardous chemicals, including installing adequate spill containment systems at the workplace.
If there is a chemical spill at your workplace, you must ensure that:
- the spilt material is cleaned up immediately using a suitable procedure for that particular substance and
- workers wear appropriate PPE while cleaning it, such as safety goggles, gloves, coveralls, closed shoes and, if necessary, respirators.
Take these steps if there is a chemical spill in your workplace.
You can purchase commercially made spill kits from safety equipment suppliers that are designed to contain the potential hazards for particular chemical spills. Spilt chemicals can present a range of hazards and risks, including the release of toxic fumes, a fire or an explosion. Methods for controlling spills and fires, such as a suitable fire extinguisher, should be kept in an accessible location.
How to Safely Dispose of Hazardous Chemicals
When chemical waste is collected for disposal, it must be stored in containers that are fit for purpose and appropriately labelled as chemical waste. You will need to obtain expert advice about the information to be included on these labels.
The disposal of certain dangerous waste is regulated by environmental protection or waste management legislation in each jurisdiction.
Meeting Your Record-Keeping Obligations
You must keep records of all hazardous chemicals that are handled and stored in your workplace using:
- a hazardous chemical register
- a manifest of hazardous chemicals.
Hazardous Chemical Register
Businesses in every jurisdiction are legally required to keep a register of chemicals that lists all of the hazardous chemicals used, handled and stored in the workplace. The hazardous chemical register must contain the current SDS for each hazardous chemical listed. The hazardous chemical register must be accessible to all workers involved in using, handling or storing the hazardous chemical, and to everyone who is likely to be affected by the hazardous chemical at the workplace.
How to Safely Manage Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
To effectively minimise the risk of hazardous chemicals causing harm in your workplace, take the following steps:
- Consider safety when purchasing chemicals
- Manage the risks posed by hazardous chemicals
- Obtain SDSs from manufacturers or suppliers
- Ensure containers and pipes that contain hazardous chemicals are labelled and have clear warnings
- Consult with your workers in relation to hazardous chemicals
- Ensure the safe storage of hazardous chemicals
- Use placards if required
- Have an emergency plan in place
- Ensure the safe disposal of hazardous chemicals
- Meet your record-keeping obligations.
Take these steps to minimise risks posed by hazardous chemicals
You must also monitor the health of any workers who are exposed to hazardous chemicals.
