Dangerous goods are substances and goods that have explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious or corrosive properties. Hazardous substances can be any substance that may cause harm to a person’s health.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act, a business has the primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of workers and other persons are not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business. This includes ensuring the safe use, handling and storage of substances.
Dangerous goods and hazardous substances can present a huge risk to work health and safety in the workplace. Without the proper procedures in place, dangerous goods and hazardous substances can cause immediate, direct harm to people within the vicinity, damage property or lead to long-term health issues.
This Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substance Procedure ensures that:
- arrangements are in place to minimise the risk of adverse health effects
- the business and its employees comply with all the relevant laws and regulations
- Safety Data Sheets are current and placed in various locations in the workplace
- injuries or incidents are reported
- appropriate PPE is used
- chemicals are stored correctly
- containers and bottles are labelled correctly
- possible spills are controlled
- spills are managed correctly, and
- dust controls are implemented.
The procedure operates in conjunction with:
- 506 – Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment Form
- 503 – Workplace Safety Inspection Form
- REGISTER – Dangerous Goods Register
