Hazardous MaterialsHazardous Materials

Learning Content:•Identifying Hazardous Materials and their impact•Policy Hazardous Materials Register and managing associated risks•Use of MSDS, safe handling and labeling•Asbestos, Asbestos Register and managing exposure

What are they?What are they?

Chemicals and other products that cause harm or injury to a person and have been

designated hazardous by the manufacturer or the National OHSW Commission.

How do they effect us?How do they effect us?

Poisoning Nausea & Vomiting Headache Skin rash Chemical burns Birth defects Disorders of lung, kidney or liver Nervous system disorders Cancers

Three Stages…Three Stages…

IDENTIFY HAZARDS

ASSESS RISK

CONTROL EXPOSURE

Tools…Tools…

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POLICY

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGISTER

LABELLING

CONTROL MEASURES

PolicyPolicy

Progressive elimination or substitution of all hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Types of hazard Poison Flammable Explosive Oxidising agent Sensitizing agent Corrosive

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Manager Financial and technical support to implement policy

Team Leader Assessment and minimization of risk, appropriate

use and storage of materials

Staff Follow documented procedures on safe handling of

materials

ProcessProcess

Audit workplace an identify all materialsReview their value and ongoing needSecure an MSDSAssess the riskImplement risk controlsImplement LabellingDocument workplace procedures

MSDSMSDS

Issue date Manufacturer Product name Product use Properties and appearance Ingredients Health/Hazard information Precautions for use Safe handling Emergency aid Other information

MSDSMSDS

Every chemical/hazardous material must have an MSDS

Workers must have immediate access to MSDS’s for every chemical they are using at any time

There must be a Hazardous Materials Register at every worksite

ExerciseExercise

Analyse an MSDS

Locate information on two substances and discuss workplace implications

Product nameNormal use and purposeHealth HazardsPrecautionsSafe Handling Issues

Safe HandlingSafe Handling

No chemical brought onsite until a hazard assessment is completed

Ensure adequate ventilation Minimise spillage Do not mix chemicals Minimise amounts Wear suitable protection Ensure containers are labelled appropriately

LabellingLabelling

All chemicals being stored must be correctly labelled All decanted chemicals being used must be correctly

labelled, unless they are being consumed immediately Labels must be

On the outside of the container Written in English Durable Printed in a colour that contrasts to the container Lettering of sufficient size so that the writing is clearly legible

Hazardous Material LabelHazardous Material Label

Must have cautionary words appropriate to its hazardous nature

Eg. Corrosive, Poison, Hazardous, Flammable

Show the material name Show potential health effects Show precautions for use Show safe storage suggestions Include emergency first aid instructions Show contact numbers for further information

Hazardous Materials RegisterHazardous Materials Register

Familiarisation

ASBESTOSASBESTOS

Hazardous materialExposure to asbestos fibres may produce

Cancer – Mesothelioma or lung cancer Lung disease – Asbestosis, Pleural Plaque, Pleural

Thickening

Asbestos is s common component of many products manufactured as late as 1990’s

Asbestos productsAsbestos products

Cement sheets Roofing Pipes clutch and brake linings Insulation Electrical fittings (including switchboards)

Gaskets floor tiles many other products

Asbestos related disease results from breathing asbestos fibres and particles

The likelihood of disease is proportional to the amount and duration of exposure

Only licensed people can remove fixed or installed asbestos materials

Asbestos that is not disturbed, with fibres that are contained and not exposed does not pose a risk to people using the building

All buildings are required to have an asbestos register

The register must detail the location and condition of asbestos in the building

RiskRisk

Asbestos poses its greatest risk when it is disturbed

Drilling Cutting Sawing Breaking off pieces Water blasting

Asbestos RegisterAsbestos Register

Before maintenance work is completed on a building the staff person or contractor must consult the asbestos register

Where asbestos is identified it must not be disturbed

ExposureExposure

Exposed asbestos fibres as a result of disturbance must be reported to management using a hazard alert

Management will ensure a professional assessment of the risk is undertaken following notification of the hazard

Access to the building will be prohibited until the assessment and any remedial action is completed

Where a staff member believes they have been exposed to asbestos fibres they must….

Report the expose to management using an Incident/Injury Report Form

Seek an assessment from a medical practitioner