Hazardous chemicals – is your business exposed?

Stef Chapman, Senior WHS Consultant

With the rise of products tagged with marketing claims such as ‘’chemical free’’, ‘’organic’’, ‘’water based’’, ‘’plant based’’ ‘’free from toxic chemicals’’, it’s little wonder there is confusion on what a hazardous chemical is and how to manage it. Safety data sheets can add to the confusion, as they are not always written for your workplace’s specific circumstances.

Changes in production and the introduction of new technologies also means we are adding new chemicals to workplaces. Take for 3D printing for example; does your business understand the hazards of resin-based products?

For these and many other reasons, it’s important to undertake a risk assessment on your workplace chemicals and how they are used and stored.

Risk Assessment

Understanding the use of chemicals in the workplace and how people may be exposed helps you make decisions on appropriate controls. High level controls are not only a legislative compliance issue, they will also protect your workforce from injury, illness and lost productivity. Another aspect is to consider whether your first aid and emergency procedures have regard for the unique hazards posed by the chemicals in your workplace.

Training

I often see gaps in chemical risk understanding and training is a key component to provide knowledge and instruction on how to safely use chemicals. In addition, if you are using personal protective equipment to control residual risks of chemical use, workers should be trained in correct selection, donning/doffing and maintenance of this equipment.

Labelling

The ‘’chemical in the coke bottle’’ is something I still see on sites, where chemicals are decanted into drink bottles. Not only is this non-compliant, the container may not be compatible with the chemical and dangerous if accidentally consumed. Decanting chemicals should always be associated with an appropriate secondary container and correct and clear labelling. Your supplier and chemical management software can often assist with these.

Manifest Quantities

If you have bulk or larger quantities of fuels, gases, flammable liquids, oxidisers, acids, or other higher hazard chemicals, chances are you need to assess whether you are hitting the manifest quantities. Manifest quantities across various jurisdictions come with additional requirements for managing these chemicals, including notification to your relevant health and safety Regulator. 

If you have any queries or concerns around the risks associated with the storage and use of potentially hazardous chemicals in your workplace, do reach out for advice on stef@sharedsafetyandrisk.com.au or info@sharedsafetyandrisk.com.au