Managing Chemicals and Using ChemAlert Version: 005 · Australian Red Cross Blood Service Uncontrolled When Printed Managing Chemicals and Using ChemAlert ... of measurement under

Australian Red Cross Blood Service Uncontrolled When Printed

Managing Chemicals and Using ChemAlert ARCBS-OHS-L2-017

Version: 005

Original Doc. ID: 339278 / 343416 Effective date: 3/03/2014

Controlled Copy No.: Page 1 of 21

TMP001 Standard Operating Procedure Template

Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the requirements for the selection, assessment, purchase,

storage, handling and disposal of chemicals including hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods used

throughout the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service).

Scope

This procedure applies to all sites of the Blood Service.

Out of scope

The following is out of scope for this SOP:

Pharmacological agents

Solid radioactive sources

Blood and blood products

Food items and similar consumables.

Process owner

National Manager, Work Health and Safety (WHS)

Roles and responsibilities

The following table lists the roles and responsibilities of this SOP.

Role Responsibilities

Managers & Team Leader

Confirm that chemical risk assessments are completed on ChemAlert for all hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods.

All chemicals on site or within a location are used and stored in accordance with this procedure.

Confirm Safety Data Sheets for all products in use in the area are on ChemAlert.

Provide adequate supervision to ensure this procedure and related task-

specific procedures are followed.

Provide adequate training regarding the identification of chemical hazards and relevant safe work practices.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment

Nominate ChemAlert Standard Users for area (applicable to processing centres only).



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Materials Management Prior to accepting delivery ensure that all chemicals are correctly labelled,

and containers are in good physical condition.

Return any chemical product that is not correctly labelled, in poor physical

condition or not approved for use to the supplier.

Deliver chemicals into designated location to prevent incompatible

storage.

Purchasing Manager Seek approval from ChemAlert System Administrators prior to authorising

purchase of any new chemicals (including purchases via credit card or

stationery supplier).

Notify ChemAlert System Administrators of any change to a chemical

including change in supplier, manufacturer, product name, composition,

or use.

Health and Safety Representative (HSR)

Participate in chemical hazard identification and risk assessment activities.

ChemAlert Standard User (processing centres only)

Provide local ChemAlert assistance.

Complete electronic chemical risk assessments within ChemAlert.

Generate local ChemAlert stock holding report and perform annual stock holding audits.

Communicate local chemical stock changes to the ChemAlert System Administrators.

ChemAlert System Administrator

Administrate and review ChemAlert (electronic chemical management system) to maintain the currency of the Blood Service Chemical Register within ChemAlert.

Provide ChemAlert Standard User training.

Review all chemicals for their suitability for use at any Blood Service location prior to the materials being purchased or brought on to the site.

Assess chemicals against requirements for health monitoring when required.

Review and approve chemical risk assessments.

Undertake annual Processing Centre placarding audits.

Act as ChemAlert Standard User for all donor centres.

Coordinate donor centre stock holding audits as required.

WHS Consultant (WHSC) Act as Regional ChemAlert Standard User to support ChemAlert

Standard Users.

Coordinate workplace monitoring if required.

Manufacturing Services Manager

Maintain trade waste license/s where required.

Provide suitable waste disposal methods.

Chemical user Ensure familiarisation with product SDS and local storage, handling and

waste disposal requirements.



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Project Managers Require contractors to provide SDS for all products brought onto Blood

Service sites and confirm approval for short term use.

Workplace chemical safety is legislated in Australia under various Commonwealth and State Acts, Regulations,

Codes and Standards for Workplace Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods.

Chemical management within the Blood Service must meet the requirements of the Globally Harmonised

Systems for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Other regulatory control areas referenced in this

procedure include:

NICNAS: National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme. Government regulator of

industrial chemicals

TGA: Therapeutic Goods Administration chemicals as controlled via SUSMP (Standard for the Uniform

Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons)

Environment Protection supported by NEPM (National Environment Protection Measures).



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Procedure

Safety instructions

IMPORTANT! Some chemicals have the potential to cause injury or harm. If you are unsure of a

chemical refer to ChemAlert via Connect prior to handling.

Report hazards and incidents before end of shift.

Overview

The following table is an overview of the main sections in this procedure.

Section Description

1 Training and Supervising

2 Use of ChemAlert (including GHS introduction)

3 Selection of new chemicals on ChemAlert

4 Assessing chemical hazards and establishment of controls

5 Purchasing of chemicals

6 Labelling

7 Handling, storage and disposal of chemicals

8 Health Surveillance

9 Emergency management and first aid

10 Reporting of incidents

11 Audit process (including annual ChemAlert stock holding audits)

12 Records and record keeping

13 Appendices 1-5

1. Training and Supervision

All persons handling chemicals within the Blood Service shall receive adequate training to allow them to work in

accordance with this procedure. Training completion is to be recorded via mySKILLS.

Training may include, but is not restricted to:

OHS CA2011 SCA – ChemAlert Standard User training

OHS HANDRYICE ELE – Dry ice handling PDL CRYO G SCA – Cryoroom general knowledge handling of

liquid nitrogen

PDL DANGERO2 SCA – Transporting dangerous goods Laboratory Safety



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2. Use of ChemAlert (including GHS introduction)

ChemAlert is a database of chemical products located on Connect. ChemAlert provides the platform for the

Blood Service chemical stock register and chemical stock holdings. ChemAlert also records chemicals which

are no longer in use by the Blood Service, ensuring a historical record of chemical exposure is maintained.

All persons within the Blood Service can access ChemAlert without login privileges to search for chemical

information. The ChemAlert access guide: ChemAlert Use - Donor Centre Instructions (ARCBS-OHS-L5-018)

provides basic search information. ChemAlert Standard Users and System Administrators are able to access

the Blood Service chemical stock register via an allocated username and password from the ChemAlert System

Administrator.

ChemAlert contains Blood Service chemical risk assessments – either as a hard copy attachment; historic, or as

an electronic chemical risk assessment performed in the ChemAlert risk assessment module.

ChemAlert is capable of generating a number of standard reports including stock register, stock holdings,

Dangerous Goods, Hazardous Substances, placarding (is the closest fit to a “manifest”) and storage

incompatibilities.

ChemAlert includes the GHS – Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

(Under SWA Model WHS Legislation). GHS became active from 1st January 2012 to unify the Hazardous

Substances and Dangerous Goods systems and is subject to a five year transition period.

In addition to GHS, the Blood Service must still be compliant with the Australian Dangerous Goods Transport

Code, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, and relevant state and territory transport laws for the transport of

dangerous goods by road and rail and air.

2.1 Significance of the GHS

Central to the GHS is hazard communication. Hazard communication is a term used to describe how critical

information about the hazards of chemicals and any precautions necessary to ensure safe storage, handling

and disposal, are conveyed to users of chemicals.

In the GHS, hazards are communicated to chemical users through a combination of symbols as well as words,

in the form of signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and pictograms. There are nine

hazard pictograms in the GHS which represent physical, health, and environmental hazards. Refer to Appendix

1 for all GHS pictograms. These are intended to appear on labels and in SDS.

Both Material Safety Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are readily available in ChemAlert. SDSs are

generated by the manufacturer/supplier and have an expiry of five years. Format must comply with the 16

header format required by the Code of Practice on Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals,

2011.

An SDS must:

be in English

contain unit measures expressed in Australian legal units of measurement under the National

Measurement Act 1960 (Commonwealth)

state the date it was last reviewed, or if it has not been reviewed, the date it was prepared

state the name, Australian address and business telephone number of the manufacturer or the importer

state an Australian business telephone number from which information about the chemical can be obtained

in an emergency.



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ChemAlert actively seeks manufacturer SDS within required timeframes. However in some instances a

manufacturer may not have updated an expired SDS so the document remains out of date. SDS review is not a

required Blood Service action after first purchase of a novel chemical.

3. Selection of chemicals on ChemAlert

Prior to the selection of new chemicals always consider the following:

Is the manufacturer’s chemical recorded in ChemAlert?

If yes, is it classified as low (green colour rating), medium (amber colour rating) or a high risk (red colour

rating) chemical?

A low risk chemical (green) should always be preferred over a medium or high risk product (amber or red).

Where a suitable alternative green rated chemical is not available, amber or red rated products may be

considered following completion of OHS Pre-Purchasing Safety Checklist (ARCBS-OHS-L3-021).

4. Assessing chemical hazards and establishment of controls

It is not mandatory to conduct a chemical risk assessment for all chemicals. All medium and high risk products

(amber or red) require a current chemical risk assessment. In the instance of a low risk chemical (green), a

chemical risk assessment may not be required if there is sufficient risk and control information from other

sources, codes or standards.

A chemical risk assessment is a means of:

Identifying which workers are at risk of exposure

Determining what sources and processes are causing the risk

Identifying if and what kind of control measures should be implemented

Checking the effectiveness of existing control measures.

ChemAlert includes a ‘Risk’ tab, selecting this tab then ‘list all’ will show the entire Blood Service risk

assessment library. In some instances, a chemical risk assessment may already exist for the chemical. If a

chemical is used in the same way (the amount, the concentration, handling, environment and disposal) as

another area then the existing chemical risk assessment can be adopted. If usage varies in any way, a new

chemical risk assessment must be completed.

A ChemAlert Standard User should complete a risk assessment within ChemAlert with the assistance of the

users of the chemical and the manufacturer’s SDS.

ChemAlert flags all chemical risk assessments for review every five years. It is the responsibility of the manager

of area utilising the chemical to ensure the currency of chemical risk assessments.

5. Purchasing of chemicals

All new chemicals must be reviewed and approved by ChemAlert System Administrator as per the ‘request’ tab

within ChemAlert prior to purchase or use in locations. ChemAlert Standard Users are able to submit requests

from within ChemAlert or forward a completed OHS Pre Purchasing Safety Checklist (ARCBS-OHS-L3-021) to

the ChemAlert System Administrator.

Note: This applies whether the chemical is for once only use, trial or permanent use.

If the new product is not already available within ChemAlert stock register, a request for inclusion into

ChemAlert will be made by the ChemAlert System Administrator at this point. This action will require a current

and compliant manufacturer’s SDS which the requestor is expected to provide to the ChemAlert System

Administrator. Once the addition is complete, the new chemical can be added to the appropriate stock holding



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and any required chemical risk assessments can also be added at this point. Once a new product has been

approved for use, the FAIMS purchasing process can proceed.

The registration/licensing requirements of NICNAS and of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines

and Poisons (SUSMP) where applicable must be met by the relevant manager.

6. Labelling

In general, a label is required for any substance, mixture or article classified as a hazardous chemical under the

state or territory legislation.

Dual use products and therapeutic goods are excluded from the labelling provisions under Regulation 335 Part 7.1

of the WHS Model Regulations.

6.1 Labelling information

A hazardous chemical is correctly labelled if the chemical is packed in a container that includes the following:

written in English

the product identifier

the name, Australian address and business telephone number of either the manufacturer or importer

the identity and proportion disclosed

any hazard pictogram(s)

any hazard statement(s)

any information about the hazards, e.g. first aid and emergency procedures

expiry date, if applicable.

ChemAlert includes a labelling capability for decanted products or where the original product label lacks detail.

Labels of different sizes can be produced from the ‘Reports’ tab.

6.2 Unlabelled or incorrectly labelled chemical containers

Complete the following steps to manage unlabelled or incorrectly labelled containers (including test tubes,

decanted chemicals (if not used immediately) and containers of chemical waste).

If… then…

A label is missing Action must be taken to correctly label the container.

The label attached is incorrect

Action must be taken to correctly label the container.

A container’s chemical content are not known

The container should be labelled with: ‘Caution – do not use:

unknown substance” and stored in isolation until its contents can be

identified. If the substance is identified as hazardous, then

appropriate labelling must be applied.

A containers chemical contents can’t be identified

Dispose of in accordance with relevant local waste management

requirements.

A small container is utilised The container must be labelled. The label must, at a minimum, be

written in English and include the product identifier and a hazard

pictogram or hazard statement that is consistent with the correct

classification of the chemical.



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If a decanted hazardous chemical is to be used immediately in its entirety, labelling of the container is not

required. Used immediately means:

The hazardous chemical is not left unattended by the person who decanted it

The decanted hazardous chemical is used only by a person present at the decanting

The hazardous chemical container is subsequently rendered free from any hazardous chemical

immediately after use; so that the container is in the condition it would be in if it had never contained the

chemical.

6.3 Research chemicals or samples for analysis

If a hazardous chemical is used for research purposes only or is a sample for analysis, the label must, at a

minimum, be written in English and include the product identifier and a hazard pictogram or hazard statement

that is consistent with the correct classification of the chemical.

6.4 Hazardous chemicals packaged for transport

Hazardous chemicals, for example dry ice, that are classified as dangerous goods and transported by road or

rail must comply with the labelling or marking requirements that are specified in the Australian Dangerous

Goods (ADG) Code. Refer to Appendix 2 for all nine Dangerous Goods classes guide. The ADG Code

recognises the GHS as an appropriate labelling system for inner packages of dangerous goods in transit.

An example of inner and consumer packaging labelling change is shown below.

to this

ADG GHS

7. Handling, storage and disposal of chemicals

ChemAlert provides information regarding handling, storage and disposal of chemicals. However the information

will be chemical specific; i.e. a search for the chemical will need to be conducted via the search tab, once the

chemical is located, go to the ‘Handling’ tab which will list the chemicals handling, storage and disposal.

For specific personal protective equipment requirements when handling a chemical refer to the ‘Health’ tab

within ChemAlert and Personal Protective Equipment SOP (ARCBS-OHS-L2-042).

For specific disposal requirements please contact the Facilities Manager as disposal quantity and method

depends on site trade waste requirements and local Environmental Protection legislation.

Spill kits are required where there is a possibility of spills of greater than 500ml of ‘Corrosive’ substances or

where specified in the SDS for other classes of chemicals. The local stock holding report will assist in

determining if a spill kit is required. In most instances a ‘general’ spill kit will suffice. Appendix 3 provides more

information on spill kits.



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8. Health Surveillance

Some chemicals have the potential to cause adverse health effects and may require some form of health

surveillance. For more detailed information relating to health surveillance refer to the Conducting Health

Surveillance SOP (ARCBS-OHS-L2-034). When a chemical is being reviewed against approval for use, the

ChemAlert System Administrator will assess the chemical against requirements for health monitoring (as per

WHS Regulations, Schedule 14). Refer to Appendix 4 for the list of hazardous chemicals requiring health

monitoring. Where possible if a proposed chemical requires health monitoring, an alternative product should be

sourced.

9. Emergency management and first aid

Emergency management of a chemical is dependent upon information contained within an SDS. Manage any

chemical exposure and or moderate/large spill in the immediate area as per the emergency response procedure

for the location.

Liquid nitrogen and dry ice have specific emergency management requirements. Refer to Appendix 5 for

emergency management of liquid nitrogen (LN2) and dry ice (CO2).

Note: All emergency wash units shall be inspected annually to assure conformance with the requirements AS

4775-2007 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. A tag should be permanently attached to each

personal wash unit, to be marked at the successful completion of each yearly inspection. As per Facilities

Management, monthly checks of emergency wash units are flagged and recorded in BEIMS.

Employees who may be exposed to hazardous materials shall be trained in emergency response including the

location and proper use of emergency eyewash and shower units.

10. Reporting of incidents

All incidents such as chemical spill or chemical exposure require reporting via the OHS Incident - Hazard (Near

Miss) Reporting procedure (ARCBS-OHS-L2-020)

The following chemical incidents are deemed by legislation as immediately notifiable to external authorities:

Any injury that has acute symptoms associated with exposure to a substance at work requiring

hospitalisation and/or

Any event involving an uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas or release of a dangerous good of a

quantity of 250 Kg or L involved in a spillage is notifiable (this excludes Class 2.3 or PG 1 packaged

dangerous goods.

The Regional WHSC and National WHS Manager must also be notified.

11. Audit Process (including annual ChemAlert stock holding audits)

11.1 Stock holdings

Chemical stock holding audits of Processing Centres (including store areas) are to be conducted annually by

ChemAlert Standard Users in the functional area. This activity provides an excellent opportunity to dispose of

unwanted, unused chemicals.

Each ChemAlert Standard User is to generate a hard copy stock holding report for the location they

represent/manage and then perform or delegate checking of the stock holding report for the following:



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if the stock holding report matches the actual stock held (including correct Manufacturer)

volumes of holdings are within specified limits

all storage locations are correct

all storage cupboards are legislatively compliant

if there are any unauthorised (are not approved) chemicals within these areas.

Chemical stock holding audits of donor centres are to be conducted biennially by the Donor Centre Manager, with

the assistance of the ChemAlert Systems Administrator.

Any required changes or discrepancies in the processing and donor centre reports are to be forwarded to the

ChemAlert System Administrator who then adjusts the stock holding register for the location within ChemAlert. If

changes generate storage incompatibilities, the ChemAlert System Administrator is to notify the location

Manager (and if applicable, the ChemAlert Standard User) via email.

11.2 Placarding and signage

Placarding requirements (DG symbols) are determined by placard quantity threshold amounts as prescribed by

Schedule 11 of the WHS Model Regulations. Placarding reports extracted from ChemAlert can provide

guidance regarding placarding requirements. The ChemAlert System Administrator is responsible for ensuring

placarding requirements are met via a placarding audit conducted yearly. The Manufacturing Manager is

responsible for ensuring site placard signage (if applicable) is purchased, maintained and in a legible condition.

12. Records and record keeping

ChemAlert is an electronic means of record keeping in relation to a register of hazardous chemicals and

manifests. A register is a ‘list’ whilst a manifest is a ‘summary’. The register of hazardous chemicals and

manifest can only be accessed within ChemAlert by ChemAlert Standard Users and ChemAlert System

Administrators.

Within ChemAlert is a Stock tab which includes a Stock Register tab (all chemicals held by the Blood Service)

and a Stock Holdings’ tab (chemicals held by individual locations). The Stock Register tab is the equivalent of a

register of hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored.

Placarding reports (generated from the ‘actions’ box, print reports option) are the closest version of a manifest

report. If applicable i.e. if the quantity or group of Schedule 11 hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at

the workplace exceeds the manifest quantity, it can be located in the Stock Holdings tab against the location

with placarding requirements. Each location that has a placarding/manifest requirement must ensure the

manifest is:

o in a place determined in agreement with the primary emergency services organisation

o available for inspection

o readily accessible to the emergency service organisation.



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13. Appendices

Appendix 1. GHS pictograms



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Appendix 2. Dangerous Goods Guide



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Appendix 3. Content of a typical spill cleanup kit

Instructions for use

Personal protective equipment; gloves, apron, shoe covers, face shield, goggles and respirator (as

required dependent on the chemicals)

Absorbent socks, pads and pillows to absorb and contain spills

Absorbent material suitable for the substances likely to be spilled - sand, sawdust, kitty litter or

commercially manufactured chemical absorbents e.g.;

For bleach & hypochlorite exposure, Diphoterine should be provided/added in the spill kit

For oil and petrol spills that should be carried on trucks and donor mobiles- the appropriate absorbent

material shall be supplied in the spills kit that is appropriate for diesel and flammable liquids.

Note: Items in italic are not mandatory.

Neutralising agents such as lime or soda ash

Disposal bags and ties

Spade, shovel, scrappers or scoops to collect absorbent material.

Booms, plates and/or flexible sheeting to prevent spillage from entering drains and waterways

Bucket for temporary removal of the contaminated material

Squeegee

Mop and bucket.

Commercial spill kits:

Hazchem Spill Response Kit

Prenco Spill Response Kits

Spill Station Australia

Allure Haz Chem Kit.

Determining how to clean up a chemical spill

Each SDS in ChemAlert contains the procedure for cleaning up a spill.

Prior to taking any action, ensure that you understand the procedures for the particular substance or material

that has been spilt.

After a chemical spill, the following procedure will assist you clean up the spill in a safe and environmentally

friendly way:

1. Clear the area; ask all personnel to evacuate the area affected by the spill. Particularly if the chemical is

volatile.

2. Put on all necessary personal protective equipment. (Remember concentrated chemicals are more

hazardous than diluted ones.)

3. Isolate the spill (if safe to do so); with the absorbent material, make a dam around the spill to contain the

spill and prevent it from spreading.

4. Working from the outside toward the centre push the absorbent material into the spill, taking care not to

cause it to spread. Add more absorbent material if necessary.



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5. Allow sufficient time for the chemical to soak into the absorbent material. Work it with the spade if

necessary.

6. Place the contaminated material into the bucket and transport to the chemical bin for later disposal.

7. Surround the spill area with more absorbent material and pour water to dilute the remaining concentrate

residue.

8. Repeat steps 2 – 6 if required.

9. Surround the spill area again and dilute once more, cleaning the area again.

10. Using detergent in a bucket mop the area well to remove any remaining traces. Dispose of the mop water

into the chemical bin.

11. Following resolution of the spill it is the responsibility of the spill kit users to refurbish the spill kit via

requisition to Blood Service Material Management Department.

12. Report all chemical spills via an Incident-Hazard Report, ARCBS-OHS-L3-028. Any event involving an

uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas or release of a dangerous good of a quantity of 250 Kg or L

involved in a spillage is notifiable, this excludes Class 2.3 or PG 1 packaged dangerous goods



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Appendix 4. Hazardous chemicals requiring health monitoring

Health monitoring is required under work health and safety laws where there is significant risk to your health due

to workplace exposure to the following hazardous chemicals as per Safe Work Australia, Hazardous Chemicals

Requiring Health Monitoring (at March 2013):

Acrylonitrile Lead (inorganic)

Arsenic (inorganic) Mercury (inorganic)

Asbestos 4,4’-Methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) (MOCA)

Benzene Organophosphate pesticides

Cadmium Pentachlorophenol (PCP)

Chromium (inorganic) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

Creosote Thallium

Crystalline silica Vinyl chloride

Isocyanates

Health monitoring is also required for other hazardous chemicals not listed above where there is a significant

risk to health and appropriate and valid test methods are available.



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Appendix 5. Management of liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide emergencies

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)

Use: LN2 is utilised for cell sample storage by VTIS, Red Cell Reference Labs, and R&D labs.

LN2 hazards:

Embrittlement - Many materials including plastics and some metals become very brittle at very low

temperatures. All materials must be suitable for use at -197oC to avoid incidents arising as a result of

embrittlement.

Explosion - Due to expansion of nitrogen as it changes from a liquid to a gas, there is potential for any

container or pipe filled with liquid nitrogen to explode if it is not designed to contain the pressure.

Cryogenic Burns:

LN2 will burn skin, the severity will depend on the amount of liquid nitrogen and the time of exposure

Small droplets will not harm your skin – prolonged exposure will result in frostbite. Extreme cases will

result in tissue becoming frozen.

Contact with uninsulated metal (or other heat conducting material) containing LN2 in the presence of

moisture will cause skin to adhere to the metal. If this happens, the flesh can be torn on removal.

Initially blood supply to the tissue acts as a heat source and creates a heat insulating gas film at the liquid/flesh interface. This gives a slight time delay between the liquid nitrogen touching the skin and tissue

damage occurring.

Prompt action can prevent injury.

First aid for cryogenic burns:

1. All cryogenic injuries should receive medical attention as quickly as possible. Immediate hospitalisation is

recommended for severe injuries.

2. Remove the patient from the risk of any further contact with the liquid or vessel

3. DO NOT rub or massage the affected area

4. DO NOT apply direct heat.

5. Move the patient to a warm place (22oC) if possible.

6. If medical attention is not immediately available, do the following:

Gently flush the affected areas with large quantities of unheated tap water for up to 30 minutes. (If

flesh is frozen, do not flush as thawing will result in extreme pain)

Loosen any clothing that might restrict the circulation to the affected area (taking care not to remove

any clothing frozen to flesh)

Protect the affected areas with dry, sterile, non-adhering dressings. Do not apply too tightly so as to

restrict blood circulation

Keep affected part(s) at rest

Do not give the patient anything to drink or eat until treated by a doctor or admitted to a hospital.



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Asphyxiation:

Sudden asphyxia

In sudden and acute asphyxia, such as from deep inhalation of any gas not containing air or oxygen (e.g. pure

nitrogen), unconsciousness is immediate.

Gradual asphyxia

When asphyxia develops slowly due to a gradual reduction of the oxygen content of the air, the affected person

has little warning.

The symptoms of gradual asphyxia are:

o inability to think clearly

o disturbance of muscular coordination

o rapid fatigue

o easy arousal of emotions, particularly irritability.

If oxygen reduction becomes severe, dizziness then loss of consciousness may occur.

Note: These symptoms can vary according to individual tolerances to an oxygen deficient atmosphere and the

environmental and physiological condition of the victim.

If a person has collapsed in the LN2 room and the low oxygen alarm has been activated assume potential

exposure to LN2, the following action is required:

o DO NOT enter the area to attend to the collapsed person as you too may become a victim yourself

o If others are present alert them to the incident and request an activation of an internal emergency

and allow no one to enter the area until Chief Warden directs otherwise

o The only persons able to retrieve a collapsed person in this state are trained users of SCBA (Self-

Contained Breathing Apparatus), whom would be members of the emergency services in

attendance

o Once the person has been removed by the protected rescuers, CPR can commence.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

CO2 is utilised as dry ice (DG Class 9) by Inventory & Distribution for the shipping of blood products, Processing

in the handling of frozen plasma products and CO2 gas (DG Class 2.2) by lab functions for the incubation of cell

cultures at the correct pH.

Dry ice as a solid evaporates (sublimates) and expands into carbon dioxide gas. Each litre of dry ice will create

850 litres of carbon dioxide gas.

Carbon dioxide gas in compressed gas cylinders is able to displace oxygen from air and is also a toxic gas

above certain concentrations.

Carbon dioxide hazards:

o Explosion: Dry ice if stored in a sealed container or compartment can result in a rupture or

explosion of the container or compartment due to gas build-up. Dry ice storage containers must be

sturdy, insulated and have lids that cannot generate an air-tight seal. Dry ice must never be stored

in a fridge or freezer

o Cryogenic burns: Dry ice can cause cold burns or frostbite, such burns are NOT to be treated with

heat, management is the same for a thermal burn remove any contaminated clothing and flush

affected area with running water



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o Asphyxiation:

If a person shows signs or symptoms of low oxygen remove them to an area with fresh air

If a person has collapsed in the vicinity of dry ice assume potential exposure to sublimating

dry ice, the following action is required:

DO NOT enter the area to attend to the collapsed person as you too may become a victim

yourself

Increase local ventilation by opening doors and windows if possible

If others are present alert them to the incident and request an activation of an internal

emergency and allow no one to enter the area until Chief Warden directs otherwise

The only persons able to retrieve a collapsed person in this state are trained users of

SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), whom would be members of the emergency

services in attendance

Once the person has been removed by the protected rescuers, CPR can commence.



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Definitions

Term/abbreviation Definition

Container Means anything in or by which a hazardous chemical is, or has been, wholly or partly covered, enclosed or packed, including anything necessary for the container to perform its function as a container.

Dangerous Goods Substances or articles which may be hazardous to life, health, property or the environment from a single incident. Transport derived. Refer to Appendix 2 for all nine Dangerous Goods classes.

Decant To transfer a hazardous chemical from a correctly labelled container to another container within the workplace.

Dual Use Product labelling

Some hazardous chemicals may be intended for supply to both the consumer household markets and workplaces in identical containers and packaging. These products are sometimes referred to as dual use products. A dual use product label need only comply with the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) labelling requirements. If the manufacturer or importer determines that the use handling and storage of the product are predominantly related to a work activity, the label must meet WHS requirements.

GHS The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a single internationally agreed system of chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The GHS document (Purple Book) is neither a standard nor

a regulation, it is however an agreed means of hazard classification.

Hazardous chemical

Means any substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for a hazard class in the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) hazard classes, including a classification in Schedule 6 of the WHS Regulations.

Hazard statement Hazard statements are assigned to a class and category that describes the nature of the hazards of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard, (classified as physical, health and environmental and includes additional Australian Hazard Statements).

HSIS Hazardous Substance Information System (purely materials). HSIS in some instances may not include GHS classification.

Label Written, printed or graphical information elements concerning a hazardous chemical that is affixed to, printed on or attached to the container of a hazardous chemical.

Manifest A written summary of specific types of hazardous chemicals with physicochemical hazards and acute toxicity that are used; handled or stored at the workplace. A manifest is only required where the quantities of those hazards chemicals exceed prescribed threshold amounts. The primary purpose of a manifest is to provide detailed information to emergency services.

NICNAS National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme. Government regulator of industrial chemicals.



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Term/abbreviation Definition

Pictogram There are nine hazard pictograms in the GHS which represent the physical, health and environmental hazards.

Note: The GHS system also recognises the equivalent pictograms that apply to Dangerous Goods under the ADG Code.

Refer to Appendix 1 for all nine GHS pictograms.

Physiochemical hazards These are physical or chemical properties of the substance, mixture or article that pose risks to workers other than health risks, as they do not occur as a consequence of the biological interaction of the chemical with people. They arise through inappropriate handling or use and can often result in injury to people.

Precautionary statement Precautionary statements describe the recommended measures that should be taken to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical. The GHS categorises precautionary statements according to whether they relate to prevention, response, storage and disposal.

Product Identifier A product identifier is a unique name or number by which the chemical is to be known and which allows the product users to identify the hazardous chemical.

Register A list of product names of all hazardous chemicals used handled or stored at the workplace accompanied by the current SDS for each hazardous chemical listed.

SDS A safety data sheet (SDS), is a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals, how they affect health and safety in the workplace and on how to manage the hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Signal words Of which there are two, indicate the severity of a chemical:

DANGER or WARNING

‘Danger’ is used for the more severe or a significant hazard, while ‘Warning’ is used for the less severe hazards.

Sublimate To cause (a solid or gas) to change state without becoming a liquid.

SUSMP Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, known as the Poison Standard refers to:

the classification of medicines and chemicals into Schedules for

inclusion in relevant legislation of the states and territories;

includes provisions about containers and labels, and recommendations

about other controls on medicines and chemicals; and

is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments as the

Poisons Standard.

Therapeutic goods labelling

Therapeutic goods are regarded as correctly labelled under the WHS Regulations when labelled in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements. When not in a form intended for intake or administration to or by a patient or consumer or for therapeutic purposes, workplace labelling must be used.



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References

Associated external documents

Document Reference description

Regulation (for air) International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations Manual – 2013 (54th Edition)

Code Australian Dangerous Goods Transport Code (for road and rail), 7th Edition, revised October 2011

Code of Practice Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals, December 2011

Code of Practice Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, July 2012

Code of Practice Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals, December 2011

Australian Standard AS 4775-2007: Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

Referenced documents

Document type

Document number

Document title

Policy ARCBS-OHS-L1-002 Occupational Health & Safety Policy

SOP ARCBS-OHS-L2-034 Conducting Health Surveillance

SOP ARCBS-OHS-L2-042 Personal Protective Equipment

SOP ARCBS-OHS-L2-020 OHS Incident - Hazard (Near Miss) Reporting

Form ARCBS-OHS-L3-021 OHS Pre Purchasing Safety Checklist

Form ARCBS-OHS-L3-028 Incident-Hazard Report

Resource ARCBS-OHS-L5-018 ChemAlert Use – Donor Centre Instructions

Change history

Version number

Effective Date

Reference Summary of Change

001-003 - For issue 001-003 change history refer to Quality Department.

004 17/02/2014 Significant rewrite to include move to ChemAlert register and GHS requirements (not implemented).

005 Refer to Footer

Content changed to explain ChemAlert as the Blood Service’s chemical management system. Content aligned with current WHS legislation. Inclusion of the content from Spills Cleanup and Spills Kit Procedure ARCBS-OHS-L2-021. Spelling error corrected and the reference of code yellow removed and replaced with internal emergency.

DOCUMENT END

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