Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

1.

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 1 of 9

Purpose:

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that all risks associated with the use of chemicals within
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) are controlled and managed.
2.

Scope:

This procedure applies to all chemicals used in DEECD workplaces including schools and central and
regional offices.
3.

References:
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
Dangerous Goods Act 1985
Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000
Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Code of Practice 2000
Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition (ADG7 Code)
Australian Standard 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
AS 1345 Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts
Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS): http://hsis.ascc.gov.au

4.

Definitions:

Dangerous
Goods:

Items or substances that may present an immediate safety hazard such

as fire, explosion or toxic cloud emission. Dangerous goods are
designated into nine different categories under the Australian Dangerous
Goods Code (ADG7 Code) according to their immediate physical or
chemical effect. They are easily recognisable by the diamond shaped
sign displayed on the substance label.

Deputy Health and

Safety
Representative
(DHSR):

An elected employee responsible for representing employees within a

DWG on matters relating to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the
absence of the HSR.

Designated Work
Group (DWG):

A group of employees in the workplace who share similar workplace

health and safety concerns and conditions.

Hazard:

Anything with the potential to cause harm, injury, illness or loss.

Hazardous
Substances:

Dilute or concentrated substances in solid, liquid or gas form that have

the potential to present a risk of harm to human health during handling or
use. A substance is classified as hazardous by the Hazardous
Substance Information System (HSIS) based on its health effects.

Health and Safety

Committee:

A cooperative forum for employers and employees to work together on

OHS issues.

Health and Safety

Representative:
(HSR)
Incident:

An elected employee responsible for representing employees within a

DWG on matters relating to OHS.
An event that has led to or could have led to an injury. Incidents include
near misses, accidents and injuries.
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 2 of 9

Injury:

Physical damage or harm to a person (includes work related illness).

Management OHS
Nominee:

A position nominated by the Workplace Manager to oversee the

operational aspects of implementing health, safety and wellbeing
initiatives, policies and procedures.

Material Safety
Data Sheets
(MSDS):

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document prepared by the

manufacturer, importer or supplier of a dangerous good, hazardous
substance or other chemicals. A MSDS describes the properties and
uses of a particular substance. This includes details about substance
identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information and
precautions for storage, use and safe handling.
Stored quantities in the one location that are less than the Placarding
Quantity in Schedule 2 of the Dangerous Goods and Hazardous
Substances (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000 (refer to Guidance
Sheet 3: Restricted Chemicals). A workplace could have quantities of
dangerous goods for which placarding is not required to be displayed.

Minor Storage:

Packing Group:

Packing groups are used to indicate the degree of danger associated

with dangerous goods within a given class. This information is used to
determine appropriate storage (i.e. placarding) and transport
requirements.

Personal
Protective
Equipment (PPE):

Items and clothing intended to provide individual employees with some

protection from hazards.
Examples of PPE may include protective clothing and footwear, dust
masks, and respirators or breathing apparatus.

Placards:

Visual warning of the hazards associated with the dangerous goods

stored on site.

Placarding
Quantity:

The quantity of dangerous goods being stored which is required to be

displayed on a placard according to class and packing group as per
Schedule 2 of the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations
2000 (refer to Guidance Sheet 3: Restricted Chemicals).

Risk:

A description of the likelihood and consequence of a hazard causing

injury or illness.

Risk Assessment:

The process of determining the likelihood and consequence of injury,

disease or illness or damage arising from exposure to a hazard.

Risk Control:

Measures that eliminate or reduce the risks associated with hazards

using the hierarchy of controls, where elimination of the hazard will be
the first strategy considered.

Safe Work
Procedure (SWP):

Are documented procedures that outline:

The hazards associated with performing a particular task (which

may include equipment use, chemical use or working in
hazardous environments);

Safety instructions in performing that task including any checks

and precautions to be exercised;

Any required PPE to protect employees, students, contractors

and visitors; and

A list of the persons authorised to supervise and train persons in

how to undertake the task safely.

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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 3 of 9

Subsidiary Risk:

Where a dangerous good presents hazards for more than one class or
division the hazards that are not the primary hazard are referred to as
the subsidiary risk. Where a significant subsidiary risk applies, an
additional class label is required.

Workplace
Manager:

The Manager or Principal responsible for the school, central office,

regional office or other DEECD workplace.

5.

Responsibility:

Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominees are responsible for:

Ensuring that all dangerous goods and hazardous substances are identified within the workplace
and included in a chemical register;
Ensuring risk assessments and controls are established for dangerous goods and hazardous
substance use in consultation with the HSR and employees;
Developing and implementing Safe Work Procedures (SWP) specific to the handling of dangerous
goods and hazardous substances stored in the workplace;
Ensuring safety information, including MSDS and the Chemical Register is readily available;
Ensuring chemicals are not introduced into the workplace without considering and managing any
associated risk;
Ensuring restricted substances are not used or stored in the workplace;
Providing appropriate training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees who may
be exposed to dangerous goods and hazardous substances; and
Ensuring relevant signage is displayed, highlighting the hazardous nature of chemicals used or
stored in the workplace.

Employees are responsible for:

6.

Reading and familiarising themselves with the contents of the MSDS for dangerous goods and
hazardous substances they are required to use;
Ensuring all dangerous goods and hazardous substance use and storage is in accordance with the
MSDS;
Assisting in the development and implementation of SWP and conducting risk assessments
specific to dangerous goods and hazardous substances; and
Supporting the Workplace Manager and Management OHS Nominee/s in the implementation of
and adherence to policies and procedures relating to dangerous goods and hazardous
substances.
Procedure:

6.1 Chemical Register and MSDS/Safety Information

The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee is to ensure that all dangerous goods
and hazardous substances stored or handled in the workplace are entered into a Chemical Register
and MSDS are obtained.
The Chemical Register is to be kept up to date and reviewed when hazards are identified, risk controls
are changed or new chemicals are introduced to the workplace. The Workplace Manager and/or
Management OHS Nominee must maintain a hard copy collection of current MSDS (issued within 5
years) from the manufacturer or supplier of all chemicals stored and used in the workplace.
Where a MSDS has not been provided by the manufacturer, one may be obtained from the supplier or
alternatively from Chemwatch.
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 4 of 9

Note: The MSDS obtained for each chemical must be the authorised version prepared by the
manufacturer or first supplier.
The Chemical Register and associated MSDS is to be kept by the Workplace Manager and /or
Management OHS Nominee in a central location which is known and accessible to all employees in
the workplace as well as any other person who is likely to be exposed to the hazardous substances
and/or dangerous goods. Each MSDS should be reviewed to consider and manage any associated
risk and relevant details entered into the Chemical Register.
Further, the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee should make sure that each
work area, e.g. Domain, Section, Division, Cleaning Contractor etc is responsible for obtaining and
maintaining current MSDS relevant to their work area in a folder located where the bulk of chemicals
are stored and where they are accessible to all employees under their control.
6.2 Identify Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee is to identify all dangerous goods and
hazardous substances within the workplace and enter them into a Chemical Register.
Examples of locations where dangerous goods and hazardous substances may be found include:
Materials technology areas;
Art rooms;
Dark rooms;
Laboratories;
Storage areas (including the cleaners cupboard);
Maintenance/Garden sheds;
Kitchens/canteens; and
Swimming pools (where a workplace may have one).
While dangerous goods are generally easy to identify (the diamond symbol on the product/label
indicates the class), hazardous substances can be more difficult to identify.
The product label provides some information about the hazards of the substance and precautions for
use. If the product is a hazardous substance the label should display the word hazardous or other
similar warnings. The MSDS will be the primary information source for most chemicals and includes
details about substance identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information and
precautions for storage, use and safe handling. Another source of information is the online Hazardous
Substances Information System (HSIS) accessible at http://hsis.ascc.gov.au
The Safety Phrases and Risk Phrases for a specific chemical also provide additional information about
the safety precautions and risks associated with the storage and handling of the product.
Examples of types of hazardous substances include:
Acids;
Caustic substances;
Disinfectants;
Pesticides and herbicides; and
Solvents and thinners.
Note: The DEECD has a number of restricted substances which must not be kept in any DEECD
workplace (refer to section 6.7).
6.3 Introducing Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances into the Workplace
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that the requirements
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 5 of 9

of the Purchasing Procedure are adhered to. The procedure requires that the risks associated with
procurement of goods are identified prior to purchase. New substances may present a risk to
employees, students, contractors and visitors. Potential risks associated with a new chemical must be
identified prior to purchase. Guidance Sheet 3: Restricted Chemicals provides a list of restricted
substances that are not permitted on DEECD workplaces at any time.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee, in consultation with the HSR and
employees, must make sure that no new substances are introduced into the workplace without first
receiving the manufacturers MSDS and completing a Safe Work Procedure template using
information from the MSDS to determine if the chemical can be safely introduced into the workplace
(refer to Section 6.5 and 6.6 below and the OHS Risk Management Procedure).
6.4 Risk Assessment of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee is to make sure that a Safe Work
Procedure is completed for each chemical with a high or extreme risk rating as identified in the
Chemical Register. In order to complete the Safe Work Procedure, the MSDS must be reviewed to
determine whether or not the health and safety requirements defined within the MSDS can be met by
the DEECD workplace and/or other persons such as contractors who may be exposed to, or use the
substance.
Contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715 or your Regional WorkCover/OHS Advisor if
technical assistance is required in completing the Safe Work Procedure template.
6.5 Controlling Risks
6.5.1 Risk Management of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee, in consultation with the HSR and
employees need to control and reduce risks in accordance with the information provided in the MSDS.
At all times the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee should make sure the risks
posed to employees, students, contractors and visitors from dangerous goods and hazardous
substances is as low as reasonably practicable.
When determining controls to reduce risks the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS
Nominee must follow the hierarchy of controls outlined in the OHS Risk Management Procedure.
Examples of effective controls (from most to least effective) could include:
ELIMINATION

Eliminate the use of the substance (e.g. using a physical process instead of a chemical
process).

SUBSTITUTION

Use a safer substance or a safer form of the substance (e.g. using a detergent instead of
chlorinated solvent for cleaning).

ENGINEERING

Physical controls that eliminate, isolate or reduce exposure to people or property (e.g. provision
of drip trays to limit the area of contamination in the event of spills and leaks, using local
exhaust ventilation system such as fume cupboards).

ADMINISTRATIVE

Using SWP and other administrative processes including good housekeeping and storage
practises (e.g. vacuuming or wet sweeping to suppress dust being generated, storing
chemicals in purpose built cabinets).
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 6 of 9

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Protective clothing and equipment for employees, contractors and visitors (e.g. overalls,
gloves, chemical resistant safety glasses).

6.5.2 Labelling
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that all dangerous
goods and hazardous substances are clearly labelled to ensure proper identification. The label on the
container in which the dangerous good and/or hazardous substance is supplied in must be intact,
legible and unaltered.
All chemicals shall be retained in their original packaging where practicable, or where necessary
decanted into a suitable container recommended by the manufacture/supplier. To allow for monitoring
of the age of the chemical and the use of older materials first, the date of receipt and date of opening
of the container should be marked on the original container.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that all decanted
chemicals are correctly labelled if not used immediately, including the product name and Dangerous
Goods Class/Division diamonds for dangerous goods (if applicable).
Containers with unknown substances in them should be labelled CAUTION DO NOT USE:
UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE and then disposed of in accordance with local government waste
guidelines.
6.5.3 Labelling of Enclosed Systems
Hazardous substances contained in an enclosed system (such as a pipe or piping system or a process
or reactor vessel) need to be identified and labelled. Suitable means of identification include colour
coding (AS 1319, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment) and labelling (AS 1345 Identification
of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts).
6.5.4 Storage
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that storage of
chemicals is conducted in accordance with Guidance Sheet 1: Chemical Storage.
Where possible, the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that
only minor storage quantities of dangerous goods are maintained in the workplace (refer to Storage
Guidelines in Guidance Sheet 1: Chemical Storage). Storage quantities should be kept to a minimum
to cater for demand however excessive storage for long periods should be avoided.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that if the workplace
is storing dangerous goods exceeding the minor storage quantities, placards are provided as a visual
warning. For more advice contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715 or your Regional
OHS/WorkSafe Advisor.
6.5.5 Signage
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that all storage
cupboards, cabinets and refrigerators used for storing chemicals are labelled to indicate the type and
class of chemicals being stored in them. Additional warning signs may also be required, such as DO
NOT USE TO STORE FOOD.
6.5.6 Disposal of Chemicals
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure dangerous goods
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 7 of 9

and hazardous substances are disposed of in accordance with local legislation. For more advice on
disposal, please contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715 or your Regional OHS/WorkSafe
Advisor.
6.5.7 Emergency Facilities
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee in consultation with the HSR and
employees must make sure that appropriate emergency management provisions are available for use
in the event of a chemical emergency. The emergency management provisions may include:
Spill kits;
Additional plant or equipment to mitigate or reduce environmental impact (e.g. trade waste
tanks/sumps);
PPE;
Fire blankets/extinguishers;
First aid kits;
Eye wash stations/eye wash kits/emergency showers;
Appropriate numbers of trained emergency wardens and first aiders;
Appropriately displayed emergency contact details; and
Emergency shut down procedures for equipment.
Refer to Guidance Sheet 4: Chemical Spill Management for additional information.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that all fire protection
equipment is maintained in an operable condition and that all relevant emergency contact telephone
numbers are displayed in prominent locations at the workplace (e.g. where the chemicals are stored).
6.5.8 Consultation and Training
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must make sure that arrangements
are in place for consultation in relation to chemical management with HSR and employees.
Consultation should occur in relation to:
The introduction of new chemicals to the workplace;
The identification and assessment of risks associated with chemicals at the workplace;
Development of SWP;
Decisions about control measures to be implemented;
Induction and training requirements; and
Choice of a designated doctor for health surveillance (if required).
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must maintain records of any such
consultation. For general requirements related to consultation, refer to the Consultation and
Communication Procedure.
For employees required to use dangerous goods and hazardous substances or for employees who
have the potential to be exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace, the Workplace Manager
and/or Management OHS Nominee, is to make sure employees are trained in the safe use and
storage of the substance. This training is to include:
The requirement for, and type of information provided on labels of products;
The location of, and how to read the MSDS for dangerous goods and hazardous substances;
The control methods required to reduce the risk of an incident, near miss or harm to human
health occurring (e.g. SWP to be followed in the use, storage, transport and disposal of
dangerous goods and hazardous substances);
The proper use and fitting of PPE;
First aid treatment, incident reporting procedures and emergency management protocol to be
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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 8 of 9

followed in case of injury or illness; and

Any health surveillance required in order to detect the effects of exposure to a dangerous good
or hazardous substance.

Records of this training are to be recorded and maintained by the Workplace Manager and/or
Management OHS Nominee as outlined in Induction and Training Procedure.
6.6 Inspections
Inspections should be conducted (minimum quarterly) to ensure that dangerous goods and hazardous
substances are being appropriately managed. Where a high or extreme risk chemical is identified
(refer to section 6.4) specific checks relating to its safe storage and handling should be included in the
Workplace Inspection Checklist.
6.7 Restricted Substances
There are some substances which are restricted for use in DEECD workplaces due to the risks
associated with their use (refer to Guidance Sheet 3: Restricted Chemicals).

If any of these restricted substances are found in the workplace, they must be immediately disposed of
following advice from local government authorities using the most effective method or by contacting a
chemical disposal agent. For further information please contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300
074 715 or your Regional OHS/WorkSafe Advisor.
7.

Related Documentation:

Chemical Register
Consultation and Communication Procedure
Induction and Training Procedure
OHS Risk Register
OHS Risk Management Procedure
Purchasing Procedure
Safe Work Procedure Template
Workplace Inspection Procedure
Workplace Inspection Checklist
Guidance Sheet 1: Chemical Storage
Guidance Sheet 2: Dangerous Goods Classification System
Guidance Sheet 3: Restricted Chemicals
Guidance Sheet 4: Chemical Spill Management

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Procedure No: DEE EHU-17-1-2

Authorised By: Manager EHU

Title: Chemical Management Procedure

Issue Date: September 2010

8.

Review Date: September 2012

Page Number: 9 of 9

Version Control
Version

Section
Amended

Amendment

Date
Created

Author

All

Change in terminology to chemical

management, previously
dangerous goods and hazardous
substances.

July 2010

Employee Health
Unit

Review and deletion of requirement

to conduct risk assessment on
chemicals.

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