Hazardous Materials Handling — Hospitality & Tourism Edition
A procedure for the safe handling, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and dangerous goods in compliance with Australian WHS regulations and the Globally Harmonised System (GHS).
Purpose
To protect workers and the environment from the risks associated with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods through proper handling procedures, controls, and emergency preparedness.
Scope
Covers all hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods used, stored, or transported within the workplace. Applies to all workers, contractors, and visitors who may encounter or work with hazardous materials.
Prerequisites
- Current hazardous chemicals register listing all chemicals on site
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all hazardous chemicals within the workplace
- Workers trained in hazardous materials handling and emergency procedures
- Appropriate PPE, spill kits, and emergency equipment available
Includes food safety compliance (HACCP), RSA requirements, liquor licensing documentation, and tourism accreditation record keeping.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Identify and Register Hazardous Materials
Maintain an up-to-date register of all hazardous chemicals used, stored, or handled in the workplace. Ensure current SDS are available for each substance.
- 1.1List all hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods present on site
- 1.2Obtain the current SDS (issued within the last five years) for each chemical
- 1.3Record GHS classifications, hazard pictograms, and risk phrases
- 1.4Make the register and SDS easily accessible to all workers
Conduct a Risk Assessment
Assess the risks associated with each hazardous material considering the nature of the substance, how it is used, exposure pathways, and existing controls.
- 2.1Review the SDS for hazard information, exposure limits, and control measures
- 2.2Identify tasks that involve exposure — mixing, decanting, spraying, cleaning
- 2.3Assess exposure routes — inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection
- 2.4Evaluate existing controls and determine if additional measures are needed
Implement Controls Using the Hierarchy
Apply controls to eliminate or minimise the risks from hazardous materials, following the hierarchy of controls.
- 3.1Eliminate — can the hazardous substance be removed or replaced with a non-hazardous alternative?
- 3.2Substitute — can a less hazardous substance be used instead?
- 3.3Engineer — install ventilation, enclosures, or automated dispensing systems
- 3.4Administer — implement safe work procedures, restrict access, and provide training
- 3.5PPE — provide and enforce the use of required personal protective equipment
- Always start at the top of the hierarchy — PPE should be a last resort, not the first control
Label and Store Hazardous Materials Correctly
Ensure all containers are correctly labelled with GHS-compliant labels and stored in accordance with SDS requirements and dangerous goods segregation rules.
- 4.1Verify all containers have GHS-compliant labels with experience name, hazard pictograms, and signal word
- 4.2Label decanted or transferred substances immediately
- 4.3Store substances according to their compatibility and segregation requirements
- 4.4Ensure storage areas have bunding, ventilation, and signage as required
Train Workers in Safe Handling Procedures
Provide training to all workers who use or may be exposed to hazardous materials. Training must cover safe handling, PPE use, SDS interpretation, and emergency procedures.
- 5.1Identify all workers who require hazardous materials training
- 5.2Deliver training on SDS interpretation, GHS labelling, and safe handling techniques
- 5.3Demonstrate correct PPE selection, use, and maintenance
- 5.4Train workers on spill response and emergency procedures
- 5.5Record training completion and schedule refresher training
Establish Spill Response and Emergency Procedures
Ensure spill kits are available and workers know how to respond to spills, leaks, and exposure incidents involving hazardous materials.
- 6.1Position spill kits near hazardous material storage and use areas
- 6.2Train workers in spill containment and clean-up procedures
- 6.3Define escalation procedures for large or uncontained spills
- 6.4Maintain emergency contact details for hazmat response teams
Monitor Exposure and Health Surveillance
Where required, implement exposure monitoring and health surveillance programs for workers exposed to hazardous materials above threshold levels.
- 7.1Identify substances requiring atmospheric monitoring or biological monitoring
- 7.2Engage an occupational hygienist to conduct exposure assessments
- 7.3Implement health surveillance programs as required by WHS regulations
- 7.4Record and review monitoring results and take action if limits are exceeded
Dispose of Hazardous Waste Safely
Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with environmental regulations and SDS disposal recommendations. Use licensed waste contractors where required.
- 8.1Segregate hazardous waste by type — do not mix incompatible wastes
- 8.2Label and store waste in appropriate containers until collection
- 8.3Engage a licensed waste contractor for collection and disposal
- 8.4Retain waste disposal records and manifests
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Percentage of chemicals on site that are listed in the register with a current SDS, targeting 100%
Number of worker exposure incidents involving hazardous materials, targeting zero
Percentage of workers handling hazardous materials with current, documented training
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for providing SDS?
The manufacturer or importer of the hazardous chemical is responsible for preparing the SDS. The employer or PCBU must ensure current SDS are available and accessible to workers who use or may be exposed to the substance.
What should I do if I find an unlabelled container?
Do not use the contents. Treat the substance as unknown and potentially hazardous. Isolate the container, notify your supervisor, and arrange for the contents to be identified or safely disposed of. Never smell, taste, or touch an unknown substance.
What is an SDS and how current must it be?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document provided by the manufacturer or importer that contains information about the properties, hazards, safe use, storage, and emergency procedures for a hazardous chemical. Under Australian WHS regulations, an SDS must be reviewed and reissued at least every five years.
What is the difference between hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods?
Hazardous chemicals are classified under the GHS based on their health and environmental hazards (e.g. toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic). Dangerous goods are classified under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code based on their physical hazards during transport (e.g. flammable, explosive, oxidising). A substance can be both.
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