|
Hazardous
materials and substances, such as chemicals and asbestos, cause
over 2,000 deaths in Australia every year. Exposure to chemicals
commonly used in workplaces can lead to a variety of short and long
term health effects, such as poisoning, skin rashes and disorders
of the lung, kidney and liver. Depending on the product, a
hazardous substance can take many forms - gas, powder, liquid,
solid or dust. The product may be pure or diluted. Manufacturers
and importers of hazardous substances are legally obliged to
include warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with
their products. This information offers advice on safe handling
practices.
Common hazardous substances
Many industrial, agricultural and medical organisations use
hazardous substances. The degree of hazard depends on the
concentration of the chemical. Common hazardous substances in the
workplace include:
- Acids
- Caustic
substances
- Disinfectants
- Glues
- Heavy
metals
- Lead
Paint
- Pesticides
- Petroleum
products
- PCB
- SMF
- Solvents.
Potential
side effects
Health effects depend on the type of hazardous substance and the
level of exposure. A hazardous substance can be inhaled, splashed
onto the skin or eyes, or swallowed. Some of the potential health
effects can include:
- Poisoning
- Nausea
and vomiting
- Headache
- Skin
rashes, such as dermatitis
- Chemical
burns
- Birth
defects
- Disorders
of the lung, kidney or liver
- Nervous
system disorders.
Labels
and the MSDS
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances are required by
law to provide warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) with their products. Employers must ensure that the MSDS for
each hazardous substance used in the workplace is available to
workers, and that a central register of hazardous substances is
established. The warning label on a product might feature
cautionary words such as 'corrosive', 'poison' or 'hazardous'. The
Material Safety Data Sheet lists important information on handling
the product safely, including:
- Potential
health effects
- Precautions
for use
- Safe
storage suggestions
- Emergency
first aid instructions
- Contact
numbers for further information.
Reducing
exposure
Suggestions on reducing exposure to hazardous substances in the
workplace include:
- Where
possible, perform the task without using hazardous
substances.
- Where
possible, substitute hazardous substances with less toxic
alternatives.
- Hazardous
substances should be isolated from workers in separate storage
areas.
- Storage
areas should be separately ventilated from the rest of the
workplace.
- Workers
should be thoroughly trained in handling and safety
procedures.
- Personal
protection equipment - such as respirators, gloves and goggles -
should be worn.
- The
workplace should be regularly monitored with appropriate equipment
to track the degree of hazardous substance in the air or
environment.
- Workers
should be consulted regularly to maintain and improve existing
safety and handling practices.
Written
records
Certain records have to be maintained if hazardous substances are
used in the workplace, including:
- Details
of risk assessments
- Results
of air and environment tests, if required
- Details
of health monitoring of workers, if required.
Professional
advice
Organisations such as the Victorian WorkCover Authority can offer
additional advice on how to comply with regulations.
Medical
help
If you suspect you are suffering ill effects from exposure to
hazardous substances, see your doctor immediately for treatment,
information and referral. Notify your employer. Try not to handle
the hazardous substance again.
Where to get help
- Your
doctor
- Victorian
WorkCover Authority Tel (03) 9641 1555 (head office).
Things
to remember
- Exposure
to chemicals commonly used in workplaces can lead to a variety of
short and long term health effects.
- Manufacturers
and importers of hazardous substances are required by law to
provide warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with
their products.
- Organisations
such as the Victorian WorkCover Authority can offer information and
advice on how to reduce the risks of working with hazardous
substances.
The
main control Statutory documents include; Regulations
& Codes, etc
OHS
Act 2004
OHS
Hazardous Substances Regulations 1999
Hazardous
Substances Code of Practice 2000
Safe
Handling of Industrial Waste Code of Practice 2000
Dangerous
Goods Regulations 2000
EPA
Policies, Regulations and Standards
| 