Hazardous Chemical Management

This article delves into the critical management of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, emphasizing the necessity of a structured risk management plan. It outlines the steps for identifying, assessing, and controlling chemical risks, aligning with compliance obligations under WHS laws and the HAZCHEM Code of Practice. The process includes the identification of hazardous chemicals, risk assessment, implementation of control measures, and the maintenance of these controls to ensure continuous safety and compliance.

The piece underscores the legal responsibilities of workplaces in Australia to correctly identify, label, and manage chemicals according to established safety standards. It highlights the importance of workplace exposure standards, the classification of chemicals into hazard classes, and the need for ongoing education and training for all workplace personnel involved in handling hazardous chemicals.

Key recommendations include the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for information, rigorous labeling, and the necessity of involving all stakeholders in chemical safety processes. It concludes by stressing the importance of a cyclical approach to chemical risk management—identify, assess, control, and sustain—to effectively manage the ongoing risks associated with hazardous chemicals.