Managing Risks with Chemicals

An induction for Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) workers

Supporting the implementation of Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE workplaces – procedure and

guideline

What are we talking about?

Chemicals can be divided into hazardous

chemicals and non-hazardous chemicals.

Hazardous chemicals is a term that collectively describes substances, mixtures or articles which are classified according to the hazard they present.

A chemical’s hazardous nature is stated on its label and safety data sheet.

Specific legislation applies to hazardous chemicals but all chemicals need to be managed safely at your workplace.

Non-hazardous chemicals generally do not represent a threat to the health and safety of employees if used correctly and safely.

Hazardous Chemicals

Dangerous Goods

Chemicals are classified as dangerous goods if they meet the criteria documented in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG7).

Dangerous goods are usually chemicals which have the potential to present a present a risk during transport or storage as they pose an immediate threat to people, property or the environment if not properly contained or controlled.

They are classified according to the nature of the hazard into nine classes, some of which are divided into sub-classes. These classes are denoted by specific labels (or diamonds).

Locating hazardous chemicals

Chemicals can be found in a range of locations at your workplace. This means hazardous chemicals may be in places you don’t expect:

• science and laboratory facilities - labs, prep areas, store rooms

• industrial and manufacturing areas – ITD workshops, wood, metal, plastics, paint or welding facilities

• creative arts areas - photographic areas, kilns, theatre

• grounds maintenance storage areas

• cleaning storage areas

• classroom and administrative areas – cupboards and under sinks

• reprographic facilities – printing and copy rooms

• other practical areas – agriculture sheds, marine studies

Check your work area for all chemicals so you can implement appropriate safe work methods.

What legislation applies?

There is a general obligation under two new pieces of legislation to ensure that all chemicals are managed safely.

The major pieces of legislation are the:

– Work Health and Safety Act 2011 including the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

– Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 3rd revised edition (GHS).

DETE Policy and Procedure

Managing Risks with Chemicals in Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) Workplaces is the department’s procedure on managing chemicals at our workplaces.

The procedure informs DETE workers of their key legislative responsibilities and describes how the legislation applies to DETE workplaces.

The Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE Workplaces  provides supporting information as to how to meet these legislative and departmental responsibilities.

Check out the procedure and guideline on line.

Responsibilities- Officer in Charge

Officers in charge e.g. principals and institute directors are to ensure that:

• Risks of exposure to chemicals are controlled• Information, instruction and training are provided – and records kept• Resources and time are provided to support the safe management of

chemicals• Safe work practices are developed and implemented • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are made available to users• A register of hazardous chemicals is maintained• Risk assessments on hazardous chemicals are recorded and

reviewed• Hazardous chemicals are labelled• Prohibited chemicals are not purchased or used Read the procedure for responsibilities and definition of prohibited

chemicals

Responsibilities – Workers & Others

As a worker you are required to:

• Follow health and safety instructions

• Follow safe work practices

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety

• Take reasonable care that your actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others

• Participate in training

• Assist in identifying, assessing and managing risks

• Use appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment

• Not purchase or use prohibited chemicals.

Read the procedure for responsibilities in detail

Implementing the requirements

The following resources will assist you meet regulatory requirements and departmental responsibilities:

• Use the Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE workplaces for:

– Risk assessment pro-formas– Record keeping– Information for instruction and training – Storage and handling– Disposal

• Use ChemWatch for:– Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Establishing a manifest and hazardous chemical register– Labelling containers– Assisting with storage compatibilities

All DETE workplaces have access to ChemWatch at no cost to the school or workplace.

Implementation

Locate chemicals in your workplace:

• Determine if they are ‘hazardous’ or ‘non-hazardous’– by accessing the safety data sheet (SDS) and labels

• For ALL chemicals –– ensure correct labelling– follow safety instructions on label and SDS– inform users of correct use, storage and disposal

• In addition, for hazardous chemicals – – ensure the SDS is accessible– add details of the hazardous chemicals to the register – complete and record a risk assessment

• Provide information and training to ensure safe practice

• Keep records of training, register, risk assessments.

What is a SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS):

• identifies if the product is classified as ‘hazardous’ or ‘non-hazardous’

• helps make an assessment of the risk to the health of people at your workplace from chemical exposure

• provides safe use advice including recommended control options – this helps inform risk assessments and management

• provides emergency information including first aid advice and spills treatment

• must be made available by suppliers or alternatively is available through Chemwatch

What is a risk assessment?

• A risk assessment process is required for all hazardous chemicals

• The process is to evaluate the risk associated with the use of the chemical and implement control measures to minimise exposure and therefore risks to the user

• Detailed guidance on the process is provided in Chapter 5 of the Guideline

• A risk assessment template is also provided.

Some effective controls

We can eliminate or minimise the risk of injury or illness by preventing chemicals entering our body or reducing our exposure.

Chemicals can only enter our body by Effective controls

Inhalatione.g. breathing in vapours, particles or gases

Good ventilation, face masks

Ingestione.g. swallowing residues after failing to wash hands after using chemicals and before eating

Wash hands after use, gloves

Absorptione.g. through the skin or eyes

Good ventilation, eye protection and other PPE

Injectione.g. unintentional skin penetration by needles or other sharp objects

Use tongs, gloves, handle items with care

The bottom line

• Safe work practices aim to prevent chemicals entering our body and reducing our exposure to chemicals that can cause us harm.

• Remember – simple steps such as correct dilution, labelling containers and appropriate use and wearing PPE help to ensure your safety now and health in the future.

Training

•Induction - use this presentation and;– Identify the chemicals to be used by staff – Provide information about the chemicals and the associated

hazards– Add safe work practices for using the chemicals including use of

PPE– Ensure emergency procedures are understood

•Ongoing Training– On the job training – experienced staff mentoring new staff– Review of procedure and relevant sections of the Guideline– Participation in risk assessment processes

•Identify other training needs – Conducting risk assessments can also assist to identify who

needs further training, what training is needed and the method of training.

Resources Information to tailor this induction presentation and

develop other training is available in:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• Chemical labels and instructions for use• ChemWatch• Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE

Workplaces• Introduction to chemicals at work• Information, communication and training• Record keeping• Purchasing, storage and handling• Risk management• Disposal• Emergency planning

Information sources summary

• Managing Chemicals in DETE workplaces http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pages/Managing-Risks-with-Chemicals-in-Department-of-Education,-Training-and-Employment-%28DETE%29-Workplaces.aspx

• Guideline to Managing Chemicals in DETE workplaces http://education.qld.gov.au/health/pdfs/healthsafety/guideline-managing-chemicals.pdf

• ChemWatch • Chemicals and Hazardous Chemicals – Creating Healthier

Workplaces website http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/hazards/substances.html

• Workplace Health & Safety Queensland Resources http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/hazards/hazchem/index.htmCode of Practice for Hazardous Chemicals

• Hazardous chemicals Code of Practice http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/hazardous-chemicals-cop-2003.pdf

• Senior Health and Safety Consultantshttp://education.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/hscontacts.html