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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).
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.
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:
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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:
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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
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Read the procedure for responsibilities and definition of prohibited
chemicals
Responsibilities – Workers & Others
As a worker you are required to:
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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:
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Use the Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE
workplaces for:
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Use ChemWatch for:
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Risk assessment pro-formas
Record keeping
Information for instruction and training
Storage and handling
Disposal
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:
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Determine if they are ‘hazardous’ or ‘non-hazardous’
– by accessing the safety data sheet (SDS) and labels
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For ALL chemicals –
– ensure correct labelling
– follow safety instructions on label and SDS
– inform users of correct use, storage and disposal
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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
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Provide information and training to ensure safe practice
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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
Inhalation
Effective controls
Good ventilation, face masks
e.g. breathing in vapours, particles or gases
Ingestion
Wash hands after use, gloves
e.g. swallowing residues after failing to wash
hands after using chemicals and before eating
Absorption
e.g. through the skin or eyes
Injection
e.g. unintentional skin penetration by needles or
other sharp objects
Good ventilation, eye protection and
other PPE
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
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Induction - use this presentation and;
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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
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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
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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:
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Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Chemical labels and instructions for use
ChemWatch
Guideline for Managing Risks with Chemicals in DETE
Workplaces
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Introduction to chemicals at work
Information, communication and training
Record keeping
Purchasing, storage and handling
Risk management
Disposal
Emergency planning
Information sources summary
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Managing Chemicals in DETE workplaces
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pages/Managing-Risks-withChemicals-in-Department-of-Education,-Training-and-Employment%28DETE%29-Workplaces.aspx
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Guideline to Managing Chemicals in DETE workplaces
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/pdfs/healthsafety/guideline-managingchemicals.pdf
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ChemWatch
Chemicals and Hazardous Chemicals – Creating Healthier
Workplaces website
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/hazards/substances.html
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Workplace Health & Safety Queensland Resources
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/hazards/hazchem/index.htmCode of
Practice for Hazardous Chemicals
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Hazardous chemicals Code of Practice
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/hazardous-chemicalscop-2003.pdf
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Senior Health and Safety Consultants
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/hscontacts.html