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 Hazardous chemicals are those that, following worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health. A chemical is deemed to be a hazardous chemical if it meets the classification criteria specified in the Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 3rd revised edition (GHS).Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 3rd revised edition (GHS The GHS is integrated into the WHS regulation 2011 Chapter 7. It incorporates the AC Classification System [NOHSC:1008 (2004)] and the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) classification systems for hazardous substances. Hazardous chemical classes are listed in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 – Schedule 11. A hazardous chemical may also be listed as a dangerous good for the purpose of transport and storage.Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 A manufacturer or importer must prepare, amend, provide and review a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous chemical. The SDS and the chemical’s label will state that the chemical is classified as a ‘hazardous chemical’.

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.procedure and guideline

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.ChemWatch

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 ChemwatchChemwatch

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 GuidelineGuideline A risk assessment template is also provided.risk assessment

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 Inhalation e.g. breathing in vapours, particles or gases Good ventilation, face masks Ingestion e.g. swallowing residues after failing to wash hands after using chemicals and before eating Wash hands after use, gloves Absorption e.g. through the skin or eyes Good ventilation, eye protection and other PPE Injection e.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 WorkplacesGuideline 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 Chemicals-in-Department-of-Education,-Training-and-Employment- %28DETE%29-Workplaces.aspx Chemicals-in-Department-of-Education,-Training-and-Employment- %28DETE%29-Workplaces.aspx Guideline to Managing Chemicals in DETE workplaces chemicals.pdf chemicals.pdf ChemWatch Chemicals and Hazardous Chemicals – Creating Healthier Workplaces website Workplace Health & Safety Queensland Resources of Practice for Hazardous Chemicals of Practice for Hazardous Chemicals Hazardous chemicals Code of Practice cop-2003.pdf cop-2003.pdf Senior Health and Safety Consultants