skip navigation
Home >  WorkSafe >  Safety priorities for working with hazardous substances

Safety priorities for working with hazardous substances

Content

  1. Safety priorities for working with hazardous substances
  2. Checklist
  3. More information 

1. Safety priorities for working with hazardous substances

Lost time at work, illness and sometimes death are all outcomes of failing to store, use or dispose of hazardous substances properly. Great care is essential and following the information in this leaflet will reduce the risk of such serious outcomes.

Hazardous substances are any chemicals or other materials that may put people at risk. They include pesticides, acids, alkalis solvents, cleaners, paints, asbestos, wood dust and welding fumes.

Some substances may cause allergic reactions and other medical conditions of varying severity. Other substances may be corrosive, harmful or toxic.

Employers must identify any hazardous substances being used in their workplace and should question whether their use is essential.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be provided for each hazardous substance, identifying the ingredients, and giving health information and precautions for safe use and handling. Continual vigilance is essential.

Because of the high potential for hazardous substances to cause lost time injuries, disease and even deaths, WorkSafe has designated their use in industry as one of seven areas to be given priority when our inspectors visit your workplace.

During their inspection, the department's inspectors will be looking for the six key elements presented overleaf. These deal with many of the common problems affecting the handling of hazardous substances that WorkSafe has found in workplaces. The elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory requirements under workplace safety and health laws. However, following the same checklist yourself will assist you to identify any shortcomings in your procedures or training and to correct or update them, thus getting you started on meeting your safety and health responsibilities.

In looking at safety in relation to hazardous substances and all workplace safety matters, please remember the three ThinkSafe steps:

  • spot the hazard;
  • assess the risk; and
  • make the changes.

2. Checklist

Register of hazardous substances

  • Is the list of hazardous substances complete?  (See an example here)
  • Is there a MSDS for each hazardous substance?
  • Are all MSDS in the register?
  • Are all MSDS in the register less than five years from date of issue?
  • Is the register readily available?

Labels

    • Do all original containers have the manufacturer's label?
    • Are all decanted containers labelled with name, risk and safety phrases? 

Risk assessment

    • Have you assessed the risk for all hazardous substances stored and used at your workplace?
    • Is each assessment recorded in your register against the relevant hazardous substance?  (see example here)
    • Are assessment reports available where the risks are significant?

Risk controls

    • Have steps been taken to adequately control risks?
    • Have you considered the hierarchy of controls when selecting controls?
    • Are controls regularly inspected and maintained (eg air flow on local extraction ventilation checked)?
    • Have you provided appropriate first aid and emergency facilities?

Training

    • Have all people who may be exposed to hazardous substances received information and been trained (before starting work)? 
    • Does your record of training include:
      1. health effects?
      2. controls?
      3. safe work methods?
      4. personal protective equipment/clothing?

Health surveillance

    • Have you initiated surveillance of your workers' health where there is a risk (eg. from lead, isocyanates-which are in many 2-pack paints and organophosphate insecticides)?
    • If so, have you appointed a medical practitioner?

3. More information

For further information on hazardous substances please contact WorkSafe via email safety@commerce.wa.gov.au or telephone 1300 307 877. 

Related information