Chemical Safety Management Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol

Our protocol sets out how we safely manage chemicals at Adelaide University to protect our Adelaide University Community against harm to their health, safety and welfare.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Hazard Management Procedure which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy. Also, where the chemical is a controlled substance the Controlled Substances and Plants Protocol.

2. Our protocol applies to

2.1 Inclusions

• members of our Adelaide University Community involved in the generation, storage, handling, use, and disposal of chemicals for research, teaching, or support services.
• radioactive chemicals are included under this protocol however for the full requirements refer to Ionising Radiation Safety Management Protocol.
• nanomaterials are included under this protocol.

2.2 Exclusions

• Asbestos Management refer to Asbestos Management Protocol.
• Controlled Substances and Controlled Plants refer to Controlled Substances and Controlled Plants Protocol.

3. Our chemical protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility

University roles and responsibilities for managing Health, Wellbeing and Safety risks, including those risks associated with chemical safety, are set out in the Hazard Management Procedure.

3.2 Ensuring chemical management

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for end-to-end chemical management.

3.3 Pregnancy or conception

For information on chemicals which impact pregnancy or conception please refer to

4. Definitions used in our protocol

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms.

Adelaide University Community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers, and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.   (The term Adelaide University Community is used instead of the term Worker as defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)). 

Bunding: A container that can contain the entire contents of a bottle in the event of breakage, leakage or spill. 

Controlled substance - are pharmaceuticals and poisons that require licensing. Under the licence conditions there are restrictions on access, labelling and use. The purpose of the classification is to restrict the accessibility by non-authorised people to particular groups of pharmaceutics and poisons.  

Dangerous Goods: are solids, liquids or gases that have been classified as dangerous under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (the ADG code). Substances in this classification must adhere to legislative requirements when being transported by road or rail. • Packing Group I (PGI) indicates dangerous goods that are highly dangerous. • Packing Group II (PGII) indicates dangerous goods that are moderately dangerous. • Packing Group III (PGIII) indicates dangerous goods that are mildly dangerous. Note the storage of dangerous goods is now included in the term hazardous chemicals. Dangerous goods requirements only are applicable to the transportation. 

GHS: means the Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of chemicals (3rd edition). 

Hazardous chemical: is a substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for a hazard class in the GHS. This term replaces hazardous substances and the storage of dangerous goods.

Hazardous substance (replacement term is hazardous chemical): is defined as a substance that has the potential to cause harm to a person’s health and are defined by the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC). They can be defined as: very toxic, toxic, harmful, irritant, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, corrosive, and sensitising.

Hazard Statement means a statement assigned in the GHS to a hazard class of hazard category describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of hazard.

Manifest: is a written summary of the hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at a workplace which is used by the Emergency Services in the event of an emergency. Its principal purpose is to inform Emergency Services about the chemical hazards that may exist in a building so that appropriate action can be selected to prevent loss of life, minimise property damage and to prevent inappropriate action being taken. 

Nanomaterials – are materials that have at least one external dimension or internal structure measuring 100 nanometers (nm) or less.

Placarding: means a sign or notice containing information about hazardous chemicals which is displayed in a prominent place, or next to a container or storage area for the chemicals.

Precautionary Statement: is a phrase on the label describing measures recommended to prevent or minimise:

• the adverse effects of exposure to a hazardous chemical; or
• improper handling of a hazardous chemical.

Prohibited or restricted carcinogens – are substances which require a permit from SafeWorkSA. (WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) Schedule 10 (Table 10.1)). Exemptions apply for substances that are 0.1% or less in concentration.

Research chemical: means a substance or a mixture that is manufactured in a laboratory for genuine research and is not for use or supply for a purpose other than analysis or genuine research.

Safety Data Sheet - contains information on the identity of a product and any hazardous ingredients, potential health effects, toxicological properties, physical hazards, safe use, handling and storage, emergency procedures, and disposal requirements specific to the chemical. These sheets are obtained through the Chemwatch database or directly from the vendor. 

Segregation/segregated - refers to physical separation of containers and isolation of potential spills and releases with the goal of preventing chemical reactions.

5. How our protocol is governed

5.1 Compliance

Chemical safety management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Dangerous Substances (SA) Act 1979.
• Dangerous Substances Regulations (SA) 2017.
• Dangerous Substances Transport Regulations (SA) 2023.
• Excise Act (Cth) 1901.
• Explosives Act (SA)1936.
• Explosives Regulations (SA) 2011
• Explosives (Security Sensitive Substances) Regulations (SA) 2021 (and exemption gazetted 5 October 2006).
• Environmental Protection Act (SA) 1993
• Environmental Protection Regulations (SA) 2023
• Therapeutic Goods Act (Cth) 1989
• Therapeutic Goods Regulations (Cth) 1990
• Industrial Chemicals Act (Cth) 2019
• Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules (Cth) 2019
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals third edition 2009
• Code of Practice Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace 2020.
• Code of Practice Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals 2020.
• Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence (2012).
• National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern.
• The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (2018).
• Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants 2024.

Australian Standards and other resources

• AS/NZS 2243 (series) (2006) Safety in Laboratories.
• Australian Standard AS 1319 (1994) Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.
• Australian Standard, AS 1596 (2014) The Storage and Handling of LP Gas.
• Australian Standard, AS 1940 (2017) The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
• Australian Standard, AS 1894 (1997) The Storage and Handling of Non-flammable Cryogenic and Refrigerated Liquids.
• Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards.
• Classification and labelling for workplace hazardous chemicals poster.
• CASA Guidance Sending Dangerous Goods by Air.
• Guide for Preventing and Responding to Cyanide Poisoning in the Workplace 2013.
• Human Health Hazard Assessment and Classification of Carbon Nanotubes by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
• Hydrogen Fluoride [NOHSC:5001(1989)].
• Hazardous Substances Information System.
• Health monitoring for persons conducting a business or undertaking guide.
• Health monitoring when you work with hazardous chemicals guide.
• Journal of Chemical Health & Safety. Series on management of time-sensitive chemicals: links here I, II , III. 
• Safe and Effective Pesticide Use Handbook (EPA).
• Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes (Information sheet).
• Safe Work Australia: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS)
• Safe Work Australia poster: classification & labelling for workplace hazardous chemicals.
• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Segregation Tool for Dangerous Goods

University related documents

5.2 Governance

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. History of changes 

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are know

Appendix A

Principles of safe storage

Hazardous chemicals 

• be kept to a minimum.
• not to be stored in offices.
• liquids bunded and stored upright.
• reviewed annually.
• disposed of if not needed.
• not stored in fume cupboards.
• not stored in direct sunlight.
• segregated (see below).
• stored below 1.8 metres high where possible.
• Storage is not to obstruct walkways or access to emergency equipment.

Shelving for chemicals

• securely fastened to the wall or floors.
• lip on the forward edge.
• not overloaded and is suitable for the weight.

Containers are to be

• compatible with and not adversely affected by the chemical.
• in sound condition, free from rust, deformity and be inspected for signs of leakage.
• not reused food or beverage containers.
• appropriately labelled (appendix E).

Segregation

The following classes must be segregated from each other and all other classes

• GHS Flammable liquids (DGC 3).
• GHS Flammable solids/Self-reactive/Pyrophoric liquids/Self heating substances/Substances and mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases (DGC 4).
• GHS Oxidising solids/Oxidising liquids/Organic peroxides type A-F (DGC 5).
• GHS Acute toxicity (DGC 6.1).
• GHS Corrosion (DGC 8) and within this class prevent reactions between acids and alkalis.

Also refer to section 7 of the SDS or incompatibility report in Chemwatch

Cabinets

• to be installed and comply with the appropriate Australian Standard according to DG class.
• must contain only specific DG classes as indicated in the door.
• chemical must be segregated within DG classes.
• storage must not exceed the maximum limit (as posted on the door).
• sump and side rails are not to used for storage. 

Flammable liquids

• must not be used or stored near exits.
• not stored in close proximity to ignition sources.
• not stored in (or alongside) domestic refrigerators/freezers. If needed, they must be intrinsically safe (either from manufacture or by modification) and preferably alarmed and monitored.

Appendix B

Carcinogens

If you are conducting genuine research using prohibited or restricted carcinogens (or are intending to hold these substances) you must obtain government authorisation. Exemptions apply for substances that are 0.1% or less in concentration. (WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)  Schedule 10 (Table 10.1)).

• The SafeWork SA permit process requires an application to be completed which includes a risk management plan and a competent person sign off.
• Permits do not have an expiry date and do not have an application fee, however there are fines attached to incorrect data in applications and the onus is on the area to ensure that all the information is up to date.
• The area is to review at least once a year (e.g. reminders can be added to the Local Action Plan) and any changes must be submitted by the supervisor to SafeWorkSA using the amendment form.
• Once you have your permit you will be required adhere to any condition for the prohibited/restricted carcinogen.
• Your risk management plan and details sent to SafeWorkSA will be subjected to internal and external audits.
• You must ensure a statement of exposure is given at the end of a worker’s engagement

Restricted hazardous chemicals

Refer to the list of hazardous chemicals and restricted use, if you are combining these activities and chemicals, please contact W&S prior to commencing.

Appendix C

Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN)

The potential for use of ammonium nitrate as a component of explosives has led the Australian Government to impose strict controls on the purchase, storage and use of this substance through the Explosives (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2006. The University has obtained an exemption from the full range, but not all, of these controls. The exemption (Gazette 5 October 2006) is subject to the following conditions:

All purchases must be recorded in an auditable format.

All use and disposal must be recorded in an auditable format listing quantity and date.

Records must be kept for 5 years.

All records must be made available to an Inspector of Explosives on request within 14 days.

Loss or theft is to be reported to SafeWork SA Dangerous Substances Department and the SA Police.

Procedures for security are written and SSAN is secured.

No more than 3kg is allowed to be kept in a laboratory or other area of use at any time.

Solid (powder) at a concentration of greater than 45% has been classified as Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN). Solutions of ammonium nitrate are not subject to the legislation.

Chemicals of Security Concern

This national code is concerned with specific chemicals which can be diverted from legitimate research/agricultural/veterinary uses into unlawful purposes.

The Adelaide University is adopting the intent of this code by restricting the quantity and applying security restrictions to the 96 chemicals of security concern.

If your laboratory exceeds the University prescribed quantities (see Table 1 link to KA) then the chemical is subject to the following conditions:

All purchases must be recorded in an auditable format.

All use and disposal must be recorded in an auditable format listing quantity and date.

Records (of purchase, use and disposal) must be kept for 5 years.

Loss or theft is to be reported to the W&S who will notify National Security (1800 124900).

Procedures for security are written and implemented.

Please note that some of the chemicals (see Table 1 Link to KA (** indicates a chemical weapon) and Table 2  link to KA) are also under the control of the Chemical Weapons (prohibition) Act (Cth), if you have any of the indicated chemicals please contact the HSW team for assistance with permit and notification requirements

Chemical Weapons

The production, use, transfer or holding of certain substances are controlled under the Chemical Weapons (prohibition) Act (Cth) 1994. If you have any of these chemicals please contact W&S team for assistance with permit and notification requirements.

Appendix D

General Information

Exclusions

The chemical is not required to be separately risk assessed as the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lists the chemical hazards and controls. 

The storage of a chemical is not required to be risk assessed unless:

• determined by the regulator (for example prohibited carcinogens); or
• the storage could pose a significant risk to health (e.g. amount exceeds the maximum quantity set by AS 2243.10 see Appendix A); or
• the chemical is an explosive/peroxidisable.(time sensitive chemicals)

Task Chemical Risk Assessments

The tasks involving hazardous chemicals are required to be risk assessed. This risk assessment may take the form of individual task risk assessments through to one assessment for the laboratory/workshop where the controls are common, for more details refer to Hazard Management Procedure. 

The Code of Practice (Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace allows for three different types of risk assessments:

A basic risk assessment – allows the review of the label or the SDS and a decision that the chemical is controlled within existing laboratory controls (rules). If you are using a basic assessment model then your School (laboratory or workshop etc.) must have an overall risk assessment and controls (lab rules). The basic assessment can then determine whether the process or chemical fits into the general controls (lab rules).

A generic risk assessment – where similar/related activities or a defined area (e.g. laboratory/workshop etc.) can be included in one overarching risk assessment.

A detailed risk assessment must be conducted when–

• The use of chemicals which pose a significant risk to health or high-risk chemicals have not been included/controlled in an appropriate generic risk assessment (e.g. carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, sensitisation agents, explosives, highly reactive, highly toxic, chemicals requiring health surveillance, or mixing of incompatible chemicals); or
• conducting a unique, or introducing a new process (one which does not fit the existing basic risk assessment and controls); or
• there are susceptible workers (e.g. pregnant, pre-existing medical conditions etc.). 

Factors to Consider 

The health hazards from handling any particular hazardous chemical will vary with each chemical and the way in which the chemical is used. Factors such as route of exposure, type of disease or injury, the relative toxicity and concentration of the hazardous chemical are required to be considered in any assessment. When novel chemicals are involved in the process then the risk assessment shall take into account known similar chemicals and parallel chemical structures.

To determine the level of risk, it is necessary to draw together the information gathered about the hazardous chemical/s used and the way it is used in the workplace. This will involve considering:

1. the nature and severity of the hazard for each hazardous chemical. This information should be available from the label and the safety data sheet (SDS) in most cases.
2. the degree of exposure of workers, taking account of:
   • actual processes and practices in the workplace where the chemicals are used
   • the quantities of chemicals being handled
   • work practices and procedures and the way individual workers carry out their daily tasks
   • whether existing control measures adequately control exposure.
3. routes of entry; the physical form, stability and concentration; who could be exposed and when this could occur; how often is exposure likely to occur and for how long; what the estimated exposure to hazardous chemicals is.

Refer to the SDS for hazard associated with chemicals. The SDSs are available from the supplier, manufacturer of the chemical or via the Chemwatch SDS database. To assist with reading and understanding SDS refer to Understanding a Safety Data Sheet Information Sheet.

Highly Toxic, Carcinogenic or Chemicals requiring Health Surveillance

For highly toxic, carcinogenic or chemicals requiring health surveillance (for list refer to Air and Health Monitoring (add link to KA) (or SDS) you will need to determine if there is a significant risk to health.

The level of risk to workers from exposure to these chemicals depends on the hazards as well as the frequency, duration and amount of exposure (the dose). For example, if a worker is frequently using a chemical the likelihood of exposure could increase and if the chemical is highly toxic then the consequences will be increased from that exposure, therefore the controls will need to be higher.

• the nature and severity of the hazard for each hazardous chemical. This information should be available from the label and the safety data sheet (SDS) in most cases.
• the degree of exposure of workers, taking account of:
  • actual processes and practices in the workplace where the chemicals are used.
  • the quantities of chemicals being handled.
  • work practices and procedures and the way individual workers carry out their daily tasks.
  • whether existing control measures adequately control exposure.

The outcome from this assessment is either a significant risk to health or not a significant risk to health If there is a significant risk (this means that workers are likely to be exposed at a level that could adversely affect their health) then health monitoring is required in line with the requirements of WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) (contact the W&S team if you requires assistance with this process).

Appendix E

General Labelling requirements:

The labelling requirements do not apply to:

• hazardous chemicals which are used in household quantities and consistent with domestic use,
• hazardous chemicals which are placed into a container and used immediately.
  • The manufacturer’s labels must not be defaced, including writing on them. It is, however, acceptable to write the date and tare weight on a manufacturer’s label in an appropriate place such that none of the original information is obscured.
  • The lids of containers of decanted substances or mixtures must not be the sole label as the lid will become separated from the container.
  • Chemicals in unlabelled containers must not be left unattended.
  • Containers must not be labelled using handwriting directly onto the container. Except where labels are printed directly onto the container by the manufacturer.
  • The label must be a separate item composed of a suitable material (usually paper), and appropriately fixed.
  • To facilitate identification of chemicals and their relevant hazards, it is highly recommended that all labels be printed in colour and best practice is the use of Chemwatch labels.
  • Food and drink used for research purposes must be labelled “for research purposes only” and “not for human consumption”
  • If the chemical is unknown then it is to be marked with ‘caution do not use: unknown substance’, stored in isolation until contents are established (then labelled) and if contents cannot be identified then it should go to waste disposal.
  • If the chemical container size is too small for the details below, then a label can be attached to the rack, box, shelf, or other container in which the chemical is stored.

Labels

GHS and WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) Schedule 9.  

Whilst the manufacturer or supplier of chemicals is required to have extensive labelling,

the label for a decanted chemical, or research chemical, or sample for analysis shall at a minimum:

• be legible and in English,
• have the product identifier (name or number found on the supplier’s label or in the SDS),
• have a GHS pictogram or hazard statement consistent with the chemical,
• the full name (or staff/student number) of the worker who made or decanted the chemical, and
• the date that the chemical was opened (if the chemical is peroxidisable).

A label for waste chemicals shall at a minimum:

• full name of the person (or indicator) generating the waste
• be legible and in English,
• have the product identifier (name or number found on the supplier’s label or in the SDS), and
• have a GHS pictogram or hazard statement consistent with the chemical.

A label for explosive chemicals shall at a minimum:

• be legible and in English,
• have the proper shipping name,
• have a GHS pictogram consistent with the chemical,
• have the hazard statement consistent with the chemical, and
• have the precautionary statement consistent with the chemical, and
• the full name (or staff/student number) of the worker who has responsibility for the chemical.

A label for nanomaterials (when the hazards are known) shall at a minimum:

• be legible and in English,
• contain the product identifier (name or number found on the supplier’s label or in the SDS),
• have a pictogram or hazard statement consistent with the chemical, and
• the full name (or staff/student number) of the worker who made, collected or decanted the nanomaterial.

A label for nanomaterials (when the hazards are not fully characterised) shall at a minimum:

• be legible and in English,
• A statement of hazard “contains engineered/manufactured nanomaterials. Caution Hazard unknown”, and
• the full name (or staff/student number) of the worker who made, collected or decanted the nanomaterial.

Conversion of DGC to GHS Classes

If you would like to compare hazard pictograms from the GHS with the corresponding ADG Code class labels (Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice). 

Transportation Labelling and Vehicle Placarding

For transportation of hazardous chemicals the outer label must comply with ADG Code. The GHS label is still suitable for the inner label of the chemical but for the external labelling the package must have the correct dangerous good diamond.

To identify the dangerous goods code of the chemical you are transporting refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Vehicles must display a placard when the load meets any of the following levels:

Any hazardous chemical in a receptacle of individual capacity of > 500 kg or L*; or

≥ 1000 kg or L aggregate hazardous chemical; or

≥ 250 kg or L aggregate hazardous chemical where the load includes any quantity of:

DGC Division 2.1/ GHS Flammable gas (other than aerosols)

DGC Division 2.3/GHS Acute toxicity and skin corrosion; or

DGC Packing Group I/ GHS Explosives, self-reactive, organic peroxides of any class. 

Any quantity of DGC Division 6.2 Category A; 

≥ 10 kg/L of Division 6.2 other than Category A

* Includes tank vehicles, portable tanks, pressure drums, and bulk containers.

≥  means greater than or equal to

>  means greater than

Chemical register

The chemical register is required for all chemicals (including gas cylinders and radioactive materials [unsealed isotopes]) held in the workplace (WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)). The register is used for emergency services and must be held in Chemwatch)

This register must also be available if requested by the University or external organisation.

1. The register must contain all hazardous chemicals, controlled substances and unsealed radiation sources (including mine tailings) and nanomaterials.
2. There is no need to record chemicals which are cleaning agents unless they are in Industrial quantities of (ie 20L and above).
3. There is no need to record chemicals which are normal office supplies e.g. liquid paper, white board cleaner, printer cartridges etc.
4. There is no need to record chemicals which are under 10g or 10mL; unless it is any of the following:
   • a controlled substance class S8 or S9
   • extremely hazardous i.e. are category 1 (GHS)
   • a restricted or prohibited carcinogen (see Appendix C)
   • a chemical of security concern or chemical weapon (see Appendix C)
   • nanomaterial
   • radioactive material.
5. When updating registers there is a requirement to 
   • record all new chemicals and remove any chemicals which you no longer have;
   • change amounts only if they have changed more than 1ooo mL or 1000g

Building Manifest and Placarding

Manifests and notification to SafeWorkSA under WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) are only required if the building exceeds the regulated quantities.

If you think you may be exceeding the regulated quantities in any building and you are required to prepare a chemical manifest and emergency plan, please contact the W&S team for assistance.

Appendix F

Outside the University

Read the SDS before leaving and take the SDS and absorbent spill kit.

The load is to be bunded and segregated.  The bunding is to be enough to contain the total amount in the container(s) being transported and the packaging is in a way that discourages breakage of containers.

All loads are to be secured (large amounts must also be transported behind a cargo barrier).

Transportation of large quantities of chemicals may require placarding (refer to Appendix E).

If chemicals or biological samples are to be transported by air refer to CASA* guidelines.

If chemicals are being transported by post, refer to Australia Post guidelines.

There are specific requirements for the transportation by road of liquid nitrogen and dry ice. Refer to Cryogenic Substances Information Sheet.

* CASA’s primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia.

Within the University

Transportation by hand

Use carriers, baskets or trolleys to carry chemicals when carrying chemical beyond the lab/workshop. 

If you are picking up chemicals from the chemical store ensure you have suitable clothes, PPE and footwear in accordance with the local rules.

When large bottles of corrosive liquids, solvents, or other hazardous liquids are handled within the lab/workshop without a trolley or carrier/basket:

one bottle is to be handled at a time.

the bottle is to be handled with both hands, one on the neck of the bottle and the other underneath.

do not hook a finger through the glass ring on top of the bottle, allowing it to dangle while being transported.

never handle or attempt to pick up a bottle by the cap.

Transportation by trolley

Trolleys should be stable under load and have wheels large enough to negotiate uneven surfaces (such as expansion joints and floor drain depressions) without tipping or stopping suddenly;

Bottles should not be placed near the edge of the trolley;

Bottles should not be touching each other or other glassware during transport;

Caution must be observed when rolling the trolley over door sills or other possible obstructions; and 

Incompatible chemicals should not be transported on the same trolley.

Lifts and Stairs

Freight-only lifts should be used if possible, when transporting chemicals to avoid exposure to persons in passenger lifts.

Cryogens and compressed gasses are not to be transported in lifts with personnel

Lifts which can be locked out are to be used where possible.

If using stairs ensure that you are not rushing, you can see your feet and that you have one free hand.

Appendix G

General

Basic prevention strategies can reduce the severity of an emergency situation.

This can be achieved by:

• reducing the holding of chemicals (especially flammable liquids and gases).
• ensuring that incompatible chemicals do not mix.
• reducing the fuel load from other sources.
• developing a local emergency procedure in the event of a spill or leak of a chemical, fire, explosion, or other emergency situation.
• instructing workers on how to respond to an emergency. This instruction might include first response actions or how to raise an alarm and evacuation procedures, for example:
• what to do in a minor and major spill.
• how to use a spill kit and safety shower/eye wash.
• how to trigger alarm/duress system.
• the role of security (they will coordinate the Emergency Services you will need to give them the building, room, nature and exact location within the room of the spill).
• reporting process for an incident.

Emergency Equipment

Each area using hazardous chemicals shall have the following (according to the level of hazard – contact W&S for assistance where required:

• spill kit
• accessible safety shower and eye wash tested in accordance with AS 4775 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment (note if you are using disposable eyewash ensure that they are changed over prior to their expiry date)
• fire extinguisher (suitable for the chemical types);
• respiratory protection (see note below); and
• alarm or duress system and/or telephone for emergency use.

Note: Respiratory protection is required for some chemicals in the event of a spill. The University recommends that areas use Emergency Services for large or highly hazardous chemical spill cleanup, rather than risking the health of workers. Respiratory protection requires training from the supplier and regular maintenance and must not be used by untrained workers. Respirators should not be used by workers who have facial hair.

In the Event of Exposure

First aid

A first aider should be available during working hours and University Security is available 24 hours a day.  Below are general first aid treatments, however for specific treatments consult the SDS.

Please note that if the first aider or security assesses the situation to be beyond their capability or it is foreseeable that they will become contaminated then an ambulance should be called. 

1. Eye Contact
   Promptly flush eyes with water for a prolonged period (15 minutes) and seek medical attention (take SDS with you).
2. Ingestion
   The treatment for ingestion of a chemical will depend on what chemical has been ingested.  Consult the SDS for the appropriate action, seek medical attention (take SDS with you). Note that it is against University policy to eat and drink in the laboratory and to pipette chemicals by mouth.
3. Skin Contact
   Promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing. If symptoms persist after washing, seek medical attention (take the SDS with you).

Note for some chemicals (e.g. hydrofluoric acid) medical attention must be sought even if symptoms are not apparent, due to a possible delay in effects.

Appendix H

Permissible Chemical Disposal into the Environment (i.e. down the sink)

In the interest of environmental responsibility, disposal of any chemicals either down the sink or through evaporation in a fume cupboard is not recommended.

If, however, you do dispose of chemicals down the sink, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) requires that they are only:

• Non-hazardous chemicals which are in aqueous solutions within the pH range of 6 to 10.
• Do not discharge to the sewer:
  • any concentrated acids or bases.
  • highly toxic, malodorous (bad odour), or lachrymatory (produces tears) substances.
  • any substances which might interfere with the biological activity of wastewater treatment plants.
  • any chemical which could create fire or explosion hazards.
  • any chemical which could cause structural damage or obstruct flow.
  • immiscible substances (i.e. cooking oils, etc), as well as anything that contains insoluble sediments.
• incompatibility of chemicals is to be checked before leaving waste bottles to evaporate off in the fume hood before disposal. 

Other Disposal Methods

• unwanted or unusable chemicals shall be disposed of on a periodic basis via the Cleaning and Waste Collection Request Form to reduce the overall hazard potential and minimise inventory tracking and updating.
• Peroxide formers and others that degrade over time must be dated when they are opened (or purchased) and must be disposed of 12 months after opening or 18 months after date of purchase (refer to the Peroxidisables and Explosives.
• Explosives (Dangerous Goods Class 1/GHS Explosives) are not collected by the current chemical waste service provider, for companies who dispose of this type of waste contact W&S.
• Radioactive substances (Dangerous Goods Class 7) are not collected by the current chemical waste service provider for disposal methods refer to ionising radiation protocol.
• Gas cylinders are not collected by the current chemical waste service provider for disposal methods refer to Gas Cylinders and Compressed Gases.
• Nanomaterials for disposal please refer to the Nanomaterials.

Chemical Waste Collection Procedure

In University buildings

All requests for waste disposal should be submitted on the Cleaning and Waste Collection Request Form on the Campus Services website. (When this form is completed and submitted it is sent to the Campus Services at the relevant campus where a record of the request is maintained and a copy sent to the relevant chemical waste service provider.)

The chemical waste service provider receives the request and will contact the person nominated on the form to obtain a copy of the waste manifest. If the requester does not have a manifest the chemical waste service provider will provide a blank for them to complete.

Commercial buildings

The first point of contact for requests is the Building Facilities Manager.

The Building Facilities Manager will submit the request to the chemical waste service provider. The chemical waste service provider receives the request, and they will contact the person requesting waste collection to obtain a copy of the waste manifest. If the requester does not have a manifest the chemical waste service provider will provide a blank manifest for them to complete.