OH&S - Hazardous Substances & Chemicals

Many of the compounds used daily in the workshops, studios and other areas of work have hazardous properties.  They may be toxic, flammable and/or explosive, may be carcinogens or have unknown physiological effects. All chemicals should be assumed to be potentially hazardous and care taken to prevent inhalation, skin contamination, fire and/or explosion. 

For all Hazardous substances in workshops, studios and any other places where hazardous substances are used you must ensure that

1.    All hazardous substances used are properly labelled and the relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available. MSDS are available from the manuafacturer or ChemAlert. You need to login to ChemAlert using your staff number and unipass. Another website is ChemSupply.

2.    Anyone who could be exposed to hazardous substances is provided with information and training on the nature of the hazards.

3.    Risk assessments are conducted prior to the carrying out of practicals and research projects etc. which identify the hazards and the risk control strategies to be followed when working with hazardous substances. Hazardous substances risk assessment form.

4.    Safe work practices including the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements are developed, documented and communicated to all staff and students including written procedures for hazardous processes and operations.

5.    Knowledge of emergency procedures and access to emergency facilities for staff and students has been successfully tested

6.    The emergency services have access to relevant information on hazardous substances contained on site.

7.    A register of all hazardous substances is kept. Template for Hazardous substances and Dangerous goods register.

8.    A system exists for the safe disposal of waste. Chemical waste disposal form.

9.    Appropriate storage provisions exist for all hazardous substances, including the 9 classes of Dangerous Goods for which prescriptive requirements exist. More information on Dangerous Goods.

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