Charles Nelson (He/Him)
University Chemical Officer

Organisation unit

Future Industries Institute
Profile of Charles Nelson

About me

Charles currently manages chemical safety at Adelaide University incorporating the the strategic leadership and operational implementation of best practice chemical management, procurement, distribution, storage and disposal across the University and compliance with all relevant legislation. Responsibilities include development and implementation of a University-wide Chemical Management Plan including procedures and protocols, provision of leadership, training, advice and support for chemicals management, acting as emergency coordinator for hazardous chemical spills and incidents, investigation and analysis of all chemical-related incidents, monitoring and inspection of chemical storage locations, maintaining documentation including chemical manifests, licences and permits, establishing and providing expert advice on laboratory design and chemical storage areas in infrastructure projects.

Achievements include the development and implementation of WHS Management Systems, including embedding governance and safety and wellbeing team structures, implementing and managing organisational wellbeing, safety and injury management system auditing programs and the design, development and implementation of web-based safety management tools.

Charles has tertiary qualifications in Applied Science and has over 25 years’ experience in administering Work Health and Safety. He has held senior Health and Safety positions in both the private and public sectors. Have previously worked as a Senior WHS Consultant for Greencap Consulting Group including a 2- year full-time WHS Advisor position with the Infrastructure Branch at The University of Adelaide. Prior to this, held the positions of Senior Health and Safety Consultant within the Queensland Department of Education and Training and the WHS Manager, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, at the University of Queensland. In addition, have also worked as a researcher and in laboratory management in the tertiary sector.

2021 – Present        Chair, SA & NT Branch Australasian University Safety Association
2009 – Present         Safety Institute Australia Member  
Last updated on 05/02/2026 by Charles Nelson