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Hazardous substances

Information on hazardous substances

Contents

  1. What is the definition of a hazardous substance?
  2. What are exposure standards and where are they listed?
  3. How do I classify a substance as hazardous or not?
  4. How do I know if a substance I have purchased is hazardous or not?
  5. Who can do a hazardous substances risk assessment?
  6. How do I do a hazardous substances risk assessment?
  7. Are hazardous substances and dangerous goods the same thing?
  8. Is a hazardous substance 'register' the same as a dangerous goods 'manifest'?
  9. What is a hazardous substances register?
  10. How do I write a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?
  11. How often should I update my material safety data sheets (MSDS)?
  12. How do I know I have asbestos containing material?
  13. Does all spray painting have to be carried out in a booth?
  14. Are there any other requirements for spray painting that I need to be aware of?
  15. Can WorkSafe measure the levels of airborne chemical contaminants in my workplace?
  16. How do I know if I need to measure the levels of chemicals in air at my workplace?
  17. I have a flammable liquid storage cabinet at my workplace; what do I need to know to use it safely?
  18. What quantity of flammable liquid requires a flammable liquid chamber?

1.  What is the definition of a hazardous substance?

Hazardous substances are defined in terms of their direct health effects on people.  A substance is hazardous if:

2. What are exposure standards and where are they listed?

'Exposure standard, in relation to a substance specified in the National Exposure Standards [NOHSC: 1003 (1995)], means the exposure standard specified in those Standards for the substance.' (OSH regulations 1996, regulation 5.1).

Exposure standards represent airborne concentrations of substances in a person's breathing zone, which should neither impair the health of nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers. Additionally, the exposure standards should guard against narcosis or irritation which could cause accidents. Interpretation of airborne chemicals concentrations can be complex and should be done by a competent person and with reference to the Guidance note on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC 3008 (1995)].

Regulation 5.19 of the OSH regulations 1996 require the employer, main contractor or self employed person to ensure that no person is exposed to a hazardous substance (above) the exposure standard.

The easiest way to find current exposure standards is using the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) database and searching either by the name of the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)number of the chemical. The HSIS database is regularly updated by Safe Work Australia, whereas the online pdf of National Exposure Standards [NOHSC: 1003 (1995)] is updated by way of separate documents, which must be read in addition to the Standard.

Note also that regulation 3.37 defines a "toxic atmosphere" to include inspirable dust levels above 10mg per cubic metre or respirable dust levels above 5mg per cubic metre  (average over an eight hour time period), or any gas, vapour or particle in a concentration presenting a risk to safety and health.

3. How do I classify a substance as hazardous or not hazardous?

You are only required to classify a substance if you are the manufacturer or importer into WA and the substance is intended for use in a workplace.  You can classify a substance by:

You could also choose to use a consultant to assist you in conducting the classification.

4.  How do I know if a substance I have purchased is hazardous or not?

The material safety data sheet (MSDS) should contain an upfront statement like:

  • this product is hazardous according to the criteria of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)/Australian Safety and Compensation Council/Safe Work Australia/WorkSafe Australia; or
  • this product is not hazardous according to the criteria of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC))/Australian Safety and Compensation Council/Safe Work Australia/WorkSafe Australia.

If the MSDS does not contain one of the statements then signal words, such as "WARNING", "POISON" or "HAZARDOUS", on the label would indicate that you have a hazardous substance. Similarly, information in the Health Hazards section of the MSDS that the substance is "toxic", "corrosive", "a sensitizer", "a carcinogen", "a teratogen" or "a mutagen" would mean that it is hazardous.

If you are not sure whether you have a hazardous substance or not then contact your supplier or the manufacturer/importer and ask the question.  Always request that they provide their answer in writing.

5.  Who can do a hazardous substances risk assessment?

Any competent person can do a hazardous substances risk assessment. Some straightforward assessments can be done in-house. Others may be more complex and you may need to engage some expertise such as an occupational hygienist. Consultants can be found in a telephone directory under "occupational health & safety".

Some occupational hygienists are listed by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.

6.  How do I do a hazardous substances risk assessment?

Information on how to do a risk assessment for the use of hazardous substances can be found in the Guidance Note for the Assessment of Health Risks Arising from the Use of Hazardous Substances in the Workplace, which can be found under OSH Standards and Codes of Practice on the Safe Work Australia website.  A sample form for recording a risk assessment is available here, and an example of a risk assessment record is available here.

7.  Are hazardous substances and dangerous goods the same thing?

No. Hazardous substances are defined in terms of their direct health effects on people whereas dangerous goods are defined by their physical and chemical properties.  For example, a chemical that is only flammable and has no toxic, corrosive, sensitising or cancer causing properties would be a dangerous good but not a hazardous substance. There is a large overlap (about 95%) between the two groups.

8. Is a hazardous substance "register" the same as a dangerous goods "manifest"?

No. A hazardous substances "register" is for the use of persons in the workplace who are potentially exposed to hazardous substances and for the person in control to keep track of the hazardous substances they have in their workplace.

A dangerous goods "manifest" is for the use by emergency services so they know what flammables, explosives, corrosives, toxics, etc are stored on the premises in the event of an emergency such as a fire or chemical spill. The "manifest" is normally kept in a locked container at the main entrance to the premises. More information on dangerous goods requirements is available from the Resources Safety Division of the Department of Mines and Petroleum.

9.  What is a hazardous substances register?

A hazardous substance register is comprised of:

  • a list of all the hazardous substances you use (including store) in your workplace; and
  • the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for all those hazardous substances.

A hazardous substance register also has to:

  • contain a notation against each hazardous substance as to whether a risk assessment has been completed; and
  • be readily available to all workers potentially exposed to the hazardous substances.

A sample index for a hazardous substances register is available here.  There are also consultants who can assist with this work.

10.  How do I write a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?

Guidance on the information required in a MSDS is given in the National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC: 2011 (2003)]

11.  How often should I update my material safety data sheets (MSDS)?

Material safety data sheets must be updated or reviewed:

  • whenever there is new information on changes to hazardous properties of the product;
  • whenever there is a formulation change;
  • often enough to keep up to date; and
  • at least every five years.

12.  How do I know I have asbestos containing material?

The only sure way is to get a small sample analysed by a laboratory.  Accredited laboratories can be found via the National Association of Testing Authorities website.

13.  Does all spray painting have to be carried out in a booth?

Spray painting has to be carried out in a spray booth when it is practical to do so.  It is not practical when an item is too big to fit inside the booth.  However, if large articles are sprayed regularly then a bigger spray booth should be built.  Touch-up spraying (less than one square metre) can be done outside a booth.

14.  Are there any other requirements for spray painting that I need to be aware of?

Yes.  Please refer to the Code of Practice for Spray Painting.  If you have any questions after reading the code please contact WorkSafe.

15.  Can WorkSafe measure the levels of airborne chemical contaminants in my workplace?

WorkSafe does not offer a consultancy service to assess the risk from the use of hazardous substances in workplaces.  Occupational hygienists and consultant companies that have the expertise to assess the levels of airborne chemical contaminants in workplaces can be found via the directory of occupational hygienists.

You can make enquiries for the names of likely consultants through:

  • professional associations such as the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists
  • your local trade or industry association;
  • business colleagues and organisations;
  • professional associations;
  • the yellow pages of the telephone directory. See:
    • occupational health and safety
    • risk management consultants
    • analysts
  • internet search engines.  Keywords:
    • Australia
    • occupational hygienists

16. How do I know if I need to measure the levels of chemicals in air at my workplace?

Your risk assessment should help you to work out if you need to do air monitoring. Some indicators of a need for monitoring may include:

  • Frequent or long duration use of a chemical or process which generates hazardous vapour, dust, mist or fume; and
  • Efficiency of ventilation is not known or no mechanical ventilation; and/or
  • People in the workplace are complaining of health concerns that may be due to the vapour, dust, mist or fume; and/or
  • There is the potential for serious health effects if controls are inadequate; and/or
  • It is a complex work environment and it is difficult to estimate exposure.

If you are still unsure, consult an occupational hygienist for advice.

17. I have a flammable liquid storage cabinet at my workplace; what do I need to know to use it safely?

Your cabinet should be constructed in accordance with AS 1940 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

The bottom of the cabinet is designed to hold spills and should not be used for storage.

Use your cabinet only for flammable and combustible liquids – do not store other classes of dangerous good in it unless you have checked that they are compatible with the flammable and combustible liquids.

The self-closing mechanism of the doors should be in good working order. 

The cabinet should be marked with a Class 3 Flammable liquid label and the words 'No Smoking, No Ignition Sources within 3m' and the maximum storage quantity of the cabinet.

Containers in the cabinet must be closed tightly (unless the container requires vapour release).

Cabinet ventilation may be required for very volatile, toxic or corrosive substances. This can be determined by an appropriate risk assessment. If your cabinet smells, ensure it is clean and that all containers are clean and tightly closed. If cabinet ventilation is required, it must be to the outside of the building away from air intake points and the ventilation must not reduce the level of fire protection of the cabinet or create an ignition source. (Note: opening cabinet ventilation outlets without venting to the outside is not recommended as it could allow flammable vapours into the work environment and reduce the fire protection of the cabinet).

The cabinet should be located:

  • so as not to impede emergency exits; and
  • 3m or more from ignition sources other than ceiling lights.

For further information refer to AS 1940 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

18. What quantity of flammable liquid requires a flammable liquid cabinet?

Quantities requiring a cabinet (or a flammable liquid store) depend upon the type of workplace, the floor space and the nature of the flammable or combustible liquid.  Refer to AS 1940 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids for further information.

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