Chapter 2.6.3 – Hazardous Chemicals

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Purpose

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide guidance and information to effectively manage hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods within our company.

Scope

This procedure applies to all workers of our company and visitors including contractors, volunteers, work experience students, trainees and clients.

Policy Statement

In the workplace, hazardous chemicals may exist as solids, dust, fumes, liquids, vapours, mist or gases. There are four main routes available for entry of hazardous chemicals into the body:

  • Inhalation – breathing of the chemical;
  • Skin Contact – contact between the skin (and eyes) and the hazardous chemical;
  • Ingestion – swallowing of the hazardous chemical; and
  • Injection – injecting a hazardous chemical into the body by a sharp object or pressure.

Procedure

Risk Assessment

  • Prior to purchasing hazardous chemicals or dangerous goods, the supervisor is to conduct a risk assessment for each new hazardous chemical, using the ALARP Risk Process and suggested corrective actions implemented through a Rectification Action Plan (RAP);
  • Use the specific Hazardous Chemicals & Dangerous Goods Risk Assessment Instructions and Form (refer to LGAQnet, Risk Management, WHS Library);
  • Always conduct a risk assessment before any controls are implemented and a risk assessment after the controls are implemented to ensure the risk has been reduced.
  • Our company will assess the risk to the health of workers from any hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods that are used, or is to be used at a workplace;

The risk assessment must be done:

  • As soon as practicable prior to use;
  • Within 5 years of the last assessment; and
  • Where any of the following happens at the workplace:
  • a work practice involving a chemical is significantly changed;
  • new information about the chemical’s hazards is available;
  • health surveillance shows control measures need to be reviewed; and
  • new control measures are implemented.
  • The risk assessment must include a review of the SDS resulting in all the boxes being ticked on the Hazardous Chemical and Dangerous Goods Risk Assessment form;

As part of the risk assessment, the Supervisor is to:

  • Assess the risk to health from a hazardous chemical that is used, or is to be used in the workplace using the ‘Hazardous Chemical & Dangerous Goods Risk Assessment Form’;
  • Suggest control options and document this assessment on the ‘Hazardous Chemicals & Dangerous Goods Risk Assessment Form’;
  • Consider the types of control measures required for handling, storage, use and disposal of the chemical or good;
  • Re-assess all elements examined in the assessment, if an incident occurs at the workplace;
  • Review the risk assessments conducted, within 5 years following the last assessment;
  • Keep the risk assessment record for 5 years if the risk assessment shows a hazardous chemical or dangerous chemical use does not cause a significant degree of risk to health; and
  • Keep the risk assessment record, monitoring result and health surveillance report for 30 years if the risk assessment shows a hazardous chemical or dangerous goods use causes a significant degree of risk to health.

Purchasing of Hazardous Chemicals & Dangerous Goods

  • For all purchases involving hazardous chemicals / dangerous goods, the supplier must provide a copy of the current SDS on the initial supply of the chemical/dangerous goods, and again if the SDS is amended. If no SDS is provided by the supplier, the Supervisor and/or the Purchasing Officer may request a current copy;
  • The relevant Manager or Supervisor MUST give permission before the purchase of any hazardous chemical / dangerous good and complete the relevant checklist (refer to the Checklist – Purchasing Hazardous Chemical / Dangerous Goods);
  • A risk assessment should be conducted by the Supervisor on a hazardous chemical / dangerous good prior to purchase (if a new product) in accordance with the ‘Hazardous Chemicals Management’ procedure;
  • The person receiving the hazardous chemical / dangerous good is to check that the goods ordered are the ones received, they are correctly labelled and containers are not leaking; If this is a new hazardous chemical or dangerous good check that an SDS is attached.
  • The person purchasing the hazardous chemical / dangerous good must check the Hazardous Chemical Register or Dangerous Goods Manifest to ensure that the hazardous chemical / dangerous good is listed, an SDS is available and that the quantities to be purchased does not exceed any allocated levels;
  • When placing an order with a supplier for a new hazardous chemical / dangerous good, the person purchasing the chemical MUST request a current SDS;
  • The new SDS is to be placed on the Hazardous Chemical Register or Dangerous Goods Manifest. An SDS for each hazardous chemical / dangerous good must also be placed together with a relevant risk assessment at all locations.
  • If the chemical is listed on the Register or Manifest and an SDS is current (within 5 years), an SDS does not have to be requested;
  • The person ordering the hazardous chemical / dangerous good is to complete the Checklist – Purchasing Hazardous Chemical / Dangerous Good and forward to the person receiving the hazardous chemical / dangerous good;
  • If any chemical is to be purchased by petty cash or works order, approval MUST be given by the Supervisor prior to purchase; In this instance, the Supervisor would check the Register or Manifest before giving approval and completing the checklist;

The Supervisor is to ensure that:

  • Every hazardous chemical or dangerous good has an SDS
  • SDS’s are read and understood by the workers;
  • A copy of the SDS is kept in close proximity to where the chemical is being used, and a risk assessment is conducted using the SDS.

Hazardous Chemicals Register

  • When compiling a hazardous chemical register a survey should be conducted on all chemicals in the workplace;
  • Once all chemicals are identified, the SDS’s are to be obtained;
  • The hazardous chemical register should contain:
  • The survey sheet identifying the chemicals for that workplace;
  • A copy of all SDS’s at that workplace;
  • The associated risk assessments for the SDS, if generic risk assessments; and
  • An index or inventory list of the content of the folder.
  • The register is to be made available to all staff.

Dangerous Goods Manifest

The manifest is designed to inform Emergency Services personnel of the types, quantities and locations of all dangerous goods at the workplace;

The manifest is to include:

  • The name of the occupier of the Large Dangerous Goods location;
  • The address;
  • The date the manifest was prepared or last revised;
  • Contact details of at least 2 persons in the event of an incident;
  • The survey sheet identifying the dangerous goods for that workplace;
  • A copy of all SDS’s at that workplace;
  • The associated risk assessments for the SDS, if generic risk assessments; and
  • An index or inventory list of the content of the folder.
  • A site plan of all stored dangerous goods;
  • The identification name, number, type and capacity of the storage tanks; and
  • Emergency plans and procedures.
  • The manifest is to be kept in a red weatherproof container inside, and as close as practicable to the main entry; and
  • The cabinet is to be adequately signed for easy identification.

Identifying and Notifying of Dangerous Goods Locations

  • A survey must be conducted to ascertain the class of dangerous goods location the workplace will be classified under; and
  • The Chief Executive (Emergency Services) must be notified on the approved form of the workplace is classified as a large dangerous goods location refer to Dangerous Goods Location Identification Chart.

Labelling

  • In the event of decanting a chemical or good into a smaller container, the supervisor is to ensure a label is affixed to hazardous chemicals or dangerous goods container. For an example of a hazardous chemical label/sticker that is to be used, refer to CHEMWATCH;
  • The label is to be in English and state the chemicals product name, risk and safety phrases (eg. ‘Keep away from heat’);

If a hazardous chemical or dangerous good is transferred from one container into a second container, the container must be labelled stating:

  • the chemical’s or good’s product name;
  • chemical’s or good’s risk and safety phrases; and
  • relevant warning signs/ information

Unlabelled Chemicals

All chemicals and goods must be labelled. If containers are not labelled and the contents are not known, mark the container – “Caution do not use: unknown chemical”. Store the container away from other chemicals or goods and if not identified, contact the local Waste Management Branch of the Department of Environment for appropriate disposal procedures.

Warning Placards (Signage)

  • Correct signage must be displayed where hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods are stored (discuss with the supplier of the chemicals or goods);
  • HAZCHEM and the warning placards must be clearly visible to any person approaching the entrance of the workplace; and
  • Check signs regularly to ensure they have not faded.

Storage

  • The supervisor is to ensure that the storage of any hazardous chemicals or dangerous goods is in accordance with the SDS. If appropriate storage facilities are not available, the chemicals or goods should not be purchased unless the material can be stored at an alternative approved storage site;
  • The supervisor must ensure that hazardous chemicals, dangerous good or combustible liquids that are not compatible with other chemicals, goods or liquids are stored separately;
  • Correct signage should also be displayed where hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods are stored.

Training

Our company must give the employees who may be exposed to a hazardous chemical at a workplace, induction and on-going training about the chemical;

Employees are to be trained in relation to the following:

  • the introduction of new chemicals or goods to the workplace;
  • the identification of risks associated with the hazardous chemical or dangerous good at the workplace;
  • the assessment of risks associated with chemicals or goods and the control measures to be implemented;
  • advice to any workers with potential exposure to a particular hazardous chemical or dangerous good;
  • on the use of SDS;
  • equipment used with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods;
  • employee’s obligations;
  • the appropriate PPE is to be used whilst using a hazardous chemical or dangerous good and personal safety; and
  • emergency procedures for chemical spills and identification of first aid personnel.

Training records

  • The training records must contain the date the training was conducted, the topics dealt with, the name of the person who conducted the training and the names of the employees who attended the training;
  • The Training Officer and/or Supervisor is to ensure a record is kept of training including induction for 5 years;
  • Staff are to be advised of the hazardous chemical requirements through conducting a toolbox talk covering ‘Hazardous Chemicals’ and ‘Safety Data Sheets’; and
  • Health surveillance report should be kept for 30 years where the risk assessment shows a hazardous chemicals use can cause a significant degree of risk to health.

Handling, Use and Decanting Chemicals or Goods

Supervisors are to ensure that:

  • The requirements set out in the SDS are followed;
  • A copy of the SDS is to be kept as close enough to the chemical or good being used to allow the worker to refer to it easily;
  • A copy of the SDSs for all chemicals carried on vehicles will be compiled in a folder and placed in the vehicle;
  • Decanting is to be conducted using the method identified in the appropriate SDS;
  • Chemicals are not to be decanted into food or drink containers;
  • Personal protective equipment is provided where it is not practicable to prevent or reduce exposure by other ways;
  • Other control measures such as ventilation equipment that is implemented, is maintained as required;
  • Regular monitoring is conducted where the risk assessment identifies it is required; and
  • Prohibited chemicals are not used in the workplace.

Disposal

  • Surveys/ Inspections should be conducted at all workplaces to identify the hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods used and stored at the workplace, and to identify the products no longer required which should be disposed of;
  • The relevant SDS of each chemical or product identified for disposal should be reviewed to establish the appropriate disposal method;
  • Containers of hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods should not be washed out in areas where there is a possibility of waste solution entering a stormwater drain or natural watercourse; and
  • All personal protective equipment precautions should be taken into consideration when disposing of a hazardous chemical or dangerous good.

Transporting Hazardous Chemicals

Supervisors are to ensure that hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods are transported correctly when they are required within the workplace according to the SDS.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency plans and procedures are to be developed for large dangerous goods locations that include:

  • the actions in the case of a leak, spill or uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical(s);
  • The effect could have on the surrounding community.
  • The escalation plan and stakeholders contact details
  • Emergency Services contact details
  • A current evacuation plan and muster point
  • A Hazmat pole/receptacle containing the Emergency Plan in an off-site location or at the muster point

Small Spills (< 5 lt)

  • All personnel not directly involved with the spill are to be removed from the leak or spill area;
  • The person using the chemical or goods to inform the Supervisor of the leak or spill;
  • The person is to refer to the relevant SDS and follow instructions relating to the leaks or spills;
  • First Aid is to administrated if chemical or good has injured or made ill any personnel;
  • Spill kits are to be used to clean up spills and these kits are to be placed at convenient locations around the workplaces;
  • The appropriate P.P.E. is to be used when cleaning up the spilt chemical/s or good; and
  • The contaminated chemical and material should be disposed of according to the instructions given in the SDS.

Large Spills (> 5 lt)

  • Contact the Chief Warden / Supervisor immediately and inform them of the situation;
  • Close off the area to all personnel and the general public;
  • Personnel using the chemical or good are to inform the Supervisor what chemical has leaked, spilt or become uncontrollable; and the location of the leak or spill;
  • The Supervisor is to read the appropriate SDS and follow the instructions relating to the particular chemical or good;
  • Control the spill where possible (whilst not putting any personnel at harm);
  • Emergency Services or relevant officials should be contacted;
  • Monitor the affected person and work site after the incident has occurred to ensure no further hazards are presents; and
  • Report incident on the Incident Report Form

Gas Leak

  • The Chief Warden / Supervisor of the workplace is to be contacted immediately and informed of the situation; and
  • Start emergency evacuation arrangements; refer to the Hazard Management Procedure and Emergency Procedure

Health Surveillance

Our Company must arrange for health surveillance of the employees who a risk assessment who has been exposed to a hazardous chemical if:

  • the chemical is listed in Schedule 6 of the WHS Regulation 2011 and the degree of risk is significant; or
  • an identifiable adverse health effect may be related to the exposure.
  • Consideration should be given to maintaining worker’s health and records should be made of the results, this will depend on the exposure to chemicals;
  • Risk assessment records, monitoring results and health surveillance report should be kept for 30 years where the risk assessment shows a hazardous chemical‘s use can cause a significant degree of risk to health.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

  • Our company can apply for a licence to store flammable or combustible liquids on the premises;
  • The administration and enforcement of this part have been delegated to each Local Government area (Council), refer to your Council for specific details.

Construction Work

  • If hazardous chemicals are used in a construction workplace doing construction work, a work method statement is required.
  • Spraying and removal of Specific Hazardous Chemicals
  • Pesticide spraying tickets need to be obtained prior to spraying any pesticides. Training is required and health monitoring of employees.

Statutory Compliance

  • Improvement / Prohibition notices may be issued by WHS Queensland Inspectors for breaches of the WHS Act 2011 and Regulation 2011, and similarly, Directives may be issued for breaches of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act and Regulation 2001.
  • Specific responsibilities are to be carried out by certain persons at the workplace upon the issue of a compliance notice or directive (see Works Procedure for Compliance Control).

Responsibilities

Our company’s (PCBU) Duties:

  • Ensure that the use, handling, storage, and transport of substance is safe and without risks to health.
  • Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure safety and minimise risks to health.
  • Monitor the health of Workers.
  • Keep information and records relating to the health and safety of Workers.
  • Monitor conditions in the workplace under the control and management of the employer.
  • Prepare for emergencies.
  • Ensure measures are used and are effective and reviewed every year.

Manufacturers and Supplier’s Duties

The manufacturers shall first determine if substances are hazardous. If the substances are hazardous, manufacturers must prepare the product or substance Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and label to ensure:

that the substance is safe and without risks to health when properly used (as far as is practicable or reasonable);

adequate testing and examination is conducted to ensure that all possible health or other effects are identified; and

that adequate information is available to ensure proper use in the workplace.

Worker Duties

Follow established safety instructions and notices for the management of hazardous chemicals. If required, use PPE.

  • Safety Data Sheet information will be obtained from the supplier(s), and are stored in a folder at the site office.
  • Monitoring is required to determine the degree of exposure, whether intermittent or continuous, route of exposure and persons likely to be affected.
  • The effectiveness of control measures is dependent on the equipment/controls in place and steps taken to reduce or eliminate the hazard to an acceptable conclusion. The conclusions include risks:
  • not significant now and not likely to increase in the future; and
  • are significant but effectively controlled by ensuring use of substances is controlled.

Managing Airborne Contaminants

Our company will ensure that no person at the workplace is exposed to a substance or mixture in an airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture.

Air monitoring will be carried out to determine the airborne concentration of a substance or mixture at the workplace to which an exposure standard applies. Results of the air monitoring are to be recorded and stored for 30 years after the date of recording and readily accessible to persons at the workplace who may be exposed to the substance or mixture.

Our company will manage the risks of health and safety associated with hazardous atmospheres at the workplace and ignition sources at the workplace by:

  • elimination of risks to health and safety as is reasonably practicable; or
  • if it is not reasonably practicable, minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Documentation

  • Hazardous Chemicals Register
  • Safety Data Sheet
  • Dangerous Goods Manifest

Legislation/References

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
  • COP Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals 2011
  • COP Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace 2013
  • COP Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals 2011
  • COP Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination 2011
  • AS/NZS 3833:2007 The Storage and Handling of Mixed Classes of Dangerous Goods, in packages and intermediate bulk containers
  • AS/NZS 4681:2000 The Storage and Handling of Class 9 (miscellaneous) Dangerous Goods and Articles
  • AS 2714-2008 The Storage and Handling of Organic Peroxides
  • AS1216-2006 Class Labels for Dangerous Goods
  • ADG Code – Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
  • Various Australian Standards

Definitions

Chemical identity means a name, in accordance with the nomenclature systems of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or the Chemical Abstracts Service, or a technical name, that gives a chemical a unique identity.

Hazardous Chemical means a chemical, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for a hazardous class in the GHS (including a classification mentioned in Schedule 6, WHS Regulation 2011).

Hazchem Code means a Hazchem Code under the ADG Code, also known as an Emergency Action Code.

Hazard Statement means a statement assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of hazard.

AGD Code means the document known as the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.

A container in relation to a hazardous chemical means anything in or by which a hazardous chemical is, or has been, wholly or partly covered, enclosed or packed, including anything necessary for the container to perform its function as a container.

Control measure in relation to a risk to health and safety means a measure to eliminate or minimise the risk.

Exposure Standard other than in Part 4.1, means an exposure standard in the Workplace Exposure Standard for Airborne Containments.

GHS means the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Third revised edition, published by the United Nations as modified under Schedule 6 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Health monitoring, of a person, means monitoring the person to identify changes in the person’s health status because of exposure to particular chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that gives important information about a hazardous chemical. This information includes the chemical and physical properties of the chemical; health hazards; precautions for safe use and handling; and the manufacturer or importer’s contact details.

Use includes handling, production, storage, movement, decanting and disposal of the chemical, but does not include the carriage of a chemical.

Supervisor a person involved with the management or control of a workplace (eg foreman, supervisor, person-in-charge or leading hand).

HSR’s – Work Health and Safety Representatives

SA – Safety Advisor