Title Page
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Standards Audit - Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods
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Conducted on
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Prepared by
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Location
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Personnel involved
Consultation
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Where persons on site may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, consultation shall occur on all aspects of chemical management.
As a minimum, consultation shall occur when:
a) Introducing new hazardous substances into the site;
b) Identifying risks associated with hazardous substances at the site;
c) Assessing the risks associated with hazardous substances at the site;
d) Making decisions about control measures;
e) Considering induction and training requirements;
f) Choosing a doctor for health surveillance; and
g) Relocating workers to suitable alternative work due to health surveillance results. -
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Safety Data Sheet
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Safety data sheets shall:
a) Be obtained before a hazardous chemical is stored or used on site;
b) Be readily available to workers, contractors and other stakeholders;
c) Be added to the site Chemwatch system;
d) Be within 5 years from the date of issue;
e) Have local content (e.g. Australian sites must have Australian safety data sheets and New Zealand sites must have New Zealand data sheets; and
f) Not be changed or amended other than by the manufacturer or importer or in accordance with an amendment of the SDS by the manufacturer or importer. -
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Labelling
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Hazardous chemicals shall be correctly labelled in accordance with the GHS and/or relevant legislation
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Decanted Chemicals
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Where chemicals have been decanted into smaller containers, a label shall be affixed to the container to identify the contents.
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Unlabelled Containers
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Where there are unknown contents in a container, the container shall be labelled “UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE- DO NOT USE” and removed from the work area until it can be appropriately disposed of.
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Register
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Site managers must ensure that a register of the hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at the workplace has been prepared.
The register must be:
a) Kept close to where the substance is being used and stored, where it is readily accessible;
b) Maintained and reviewed to ensure the information in the register is up to date;
c) Updated as new hazardous chemicals are introduced to the workplace or when the use of a particular hazardous chemical is discontinued. -
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Quantities
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Site managers, in consultation with workers and department managers, shall:
a) Determine maximum quantities that may be stored on site of all hazardous chemicals;
b) Calculate total quantities for each Dangerous Goods Class; and
c) Identify all locations where the quantity of a scheduled hazardous chemical or group of scheduled hazardous chemicals stored at the workplace exceeds the manifest quantity and/or the placard quantity. -
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Manifest
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Where site exceeds manifest quantities, Site managers, in consultation with workers and department managers, shall:
a) Prepare and maintain a manifest for those Manifest Quantity Locations under their control.
b) Review and amend the manifest as soon as practicable if the type or quantity of hazardous chemical changes or a significant change in the information required to be recorded in the manifest.
c) Ensure the manifest is kept in a red weatherproof container inside, as close as practicable to the sites main entry, and adequately signed for easy identification -
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Notification
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Where sites exceed manifest quantities, Site Managers must ensure the relevant regulator is notified on the approved form of a workplace classified as a Manifest Quantity Location:
a) Immediately when a scheduled hazardous chemical or group of scheduled hazardous chemicals is to be first used, handled or stored at a workplace;
b) When there will be a significant change in the risk of using, handling or storing the hazardous chemicals, or at least 14 days before that change (whichever is earlier);
c) As soon as practicable after the hazardous chemical is no longer used, handled or stored at a site, and it is not likely to be used, handled or stored there in the future. -
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Placard Quantities
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Where chemical quantities exceed the placard quantities, the following placarding shall be in place as required:
a) Outer warning placard for the entrance to the workplace;
b) Information placards for hazardous chemicals in bulk (i.e. tanks and stockpiles;
c) Information placards for hazardous chemicals in packages. -
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Placards
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All placards shall be:
a) Clearly visible from normal approaches;
b) Positioned separately from any other sign or notice so that the placard is not capable of being confused with the other sign or notice; and
c) Kept legible and unobstructed. -
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Outer Placards
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An outer warning placard must be displayed on every entrance to a workplace where an emergency service may enter the workplace.
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Indoor Storage
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For hazardous chemicals stored in an indoor area, the information placards must be located:
a) At the main point of entry to the building where the goods are stored
b) Either at every entry to a room or area where the goods are stored or adjacent to them. -
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Outdoor Storage
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Outdoor storage information placards
For hazardous chemicals stored in an outdoor area, the placard must be located either adjacent to them, or when storage is a tank, on the external surface of the tank or adjacent to the tank. -
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Risk Assessment
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A risk assessment must be completed for each hazardous chemical:
a) Before the chemical is purchased or used for the first time;
b) At least once every 5 years.
The assessment shall consider:
a) The nature of the work to be carried out with the hazardous chemical;
b) Possible alternatives to the use of the chemical;
c) Alternative chemicals which present lower health, safety and environmental risks
d) Any structure, plant or system of work involved in using, handling, generating or storing a chemical;
e) How the hazardous chemical is used;
f) Types of hazards and relevant routes of exposure (for example, inhalation, ingestion, skin contact); and
g) Current bunding and/or spill containment equipment; and
h) Current controls and emergency equipment in place. -
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Controls
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Risks identified in the risk assessment shall have controls implemented in accordance with the hierarchy of controls to eliminate, where practicable, or otherwise reduce the level of risk associated with hazardous chemical.
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Usage
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Hazardous chemicals are to be handled, used and decanted in accordance with the following requirements:
a) The requirements set out in the SDS and manufacturer’s specifications are followed;
b) A copy of the SDS is to be kept as close enough to the hazardous chemicals being used to allow the worker to refer to it easily;
c) Decanting is to be conducted using the method identified in the appropriate SDS and associated SOPs;
d) Hazardous chemicals are not to be de-canted into food or drink containers;
e) Personal protective equipment is provided where it is not practicable to prevent or reduce exposure by other ways;
f) Appropriate personal hygiene controls are to be established (e.g. hand washing after handling, no food or drink in chemical handling areas);
g) Other control measures such as ventilation equipment are maintained as required; and
h) Regular monitoring and health surveillance is conducted where the risk assessment identifies it is required. -
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Storage
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Hazardous chemicals shall be stored in accordance with the following requirements:
a) The storage of a hazardous chemical is in accordance with the SDS. If appropriate storage facilities are not available, the substances or goods should not be purchased unless the material can be stored at an alternative approved storage site;
b) Hazardous chemicals that are not compatible with other substances, goods or liquids are stored separately;
c) When storing flammable or combustible materials at the workplace, they are kept at the lowest practicable quantity;
d) Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (e.g. Class 3 dangerous goods) is to be in accordance with relevant Australian Standards;
e) If there is a possibility of fire or explosion in a hazardous area being caused by an ignition source, ensure that no ignition source is introduced into the area (from outside or within the space); and
f) Correct signage AND placarding is displayed where hazardous chemicals are stored. -
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Storage and Handling Systems
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Storage and handling systems for hazardous chemicals must meet the following requirements:
a) The system used for hazardous chemicals is used only for the purpose for which it was designed;
b) The system is operated, tested, maintained, installed, repaired and decommissioned having regard to the health and safety of workers and other persons at the workplace;
c) That any bulk container in which a hazardous chemical is used and any associated pipe work or attachments:
a. Have stable foundations and supports; and
b. Are secured to the foundations and supports to prevent any movement between the tank and the associated pipe work or attachments to prevent; and
c. Is free of damage to the tank, the associated pipe work or attachments; and
d. The tank and all associated pipe work are to be inspected by a competent person at twelve (12) monthly intervals (minimum), to ensure their integrity and serviceability. -
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Disposal of System
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When disposing of, or abandoning storage and handling systems, the following requirements must be met:
a) The system is free of hazardous chemicals when the system stops being used or is disposed of;
b) If it is not reasonably practicable to remove the hazardous chemicals from the system, it must be correctly labelled;
c) The system is removed when it is no longer to be used;
d) If it is not reasonably practicable to remove the system, it must be ensured the system is without risks to health and safety;
e) The relevant regulatory authority must be notified of the abandonment of any underground tank used to store flammable gases or flammable liquids as soon as practicable after the tank is abandoned. -
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Construction Work
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If hazardous chemicals are used during construction work, a JSA must be prepared.
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Disposal
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When disposing of hazardous chemicals:
a) Routine inspections are conducted to identify the products no longer required which should be disposed of;
b) The relevant SDS of each hazardous chemical identified for disposal is to be reviewed to establish the appropriate disposal method;
c) Containers of hazardous chemicals shall not be washed out in areas where there is a possibility of waste solution entering a storm water drain or natural water–course;
d) All personal protective equipment precautions aretaken into consideration when disposing of a hazardous chemical. -
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Pipeline Transfers
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Where hazardous chemicals are transferred by pipeline, the site must ensure that:
a) Risks to health and safety associated with the transfer of the hazardous chemicals through the pipeline are managed.
b) The hazardous chemical transferred through the pipeline is identified by a label, sign or another way on or near the pipeline. -
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Train and Supervise
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Workers who may be required to handle, or who may otherwise be exposed to, hazardous chemicals shall be appropriately supervised and receive instruction and training in relation to the specific hazards associated with these chemicals.
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Training Contents
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For workers involved in the use and/or storage of hazardous chemicals the information and training provided is to include instruction in the:
a) Nature of the hazards and properties of the hazardous chemicals;
b) Hazard identification and risk assessment processes for hazardous chemicals;
c) Use and maintenance of controls;
d) Effective operation of the emergency plans for the site and any procedures and equipment which may be required for use in the event of an emergency; and
e) Correct selection, use, fitting and maintenance of PPE. -
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SOP's
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SOPs shall be developed for the tasks involving the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
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Records
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All training associated with hazardous chemicals is to be documented and records maintained as per the site’s training systems and procedures.
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Emergencies
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The site manager is to ensure that:
a) A spill containment system (e.g. bunding, spill kits) is provided where the hazardous chemical is used, handled, generated or stored and there is a risk of a spill or leak;
b) The workplace is provided with fire protection, fire fighting equipment, first aid equipment and emergency equipment that is designed and built for the types of hazardous chemicals used, handled and stored at the workplace; and
c) A site specific emergency procedure has been developed where the risk assessment requires doing so. -
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Emergency Plans
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If the site exceeds manifest quantities, the site manager must ensure an emergency plan for all Manifest Quantity Locations is prepared in consultation with all duty holders, and a copy provided to emergency services to revise if necessary.
Note: For manifest quantities a copy must be provided to relevant emergency service as required by jurisdictional legislation. -
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Access to Plans
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Emergency plans are to be readily available in hard copy form, at all times. The location of the emergency plan is to be easily located by all workers and should be discussed with the emergency services authority when it is updated or reviewed.
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Monitor and Review
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The Site Manager, in consultation with workers and department managers must ensure control measures implemented for hazardous chemicals are reviewed and, if necessary revised:
a) When the control measure is not effective in controlling the risk;
b) Before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control;
c) If a new hazard or risk is identified;
d) If the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary;
e) If a health and safety representative requests a review;
f) If a safety data sheet or register of hazardous chemicals is changed;
g) If a health monitoring report for a worker identifies adverse health effects;
h) If atmospheric monitoring indicates that the airborne concentration of a hazardous chemical at the workplace exceeds the relevant exposure standard, and
i) At least once every 5 years. -
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