5 Step Chemical Compliance Checklist

Is your business compliant to Safework Australia regulations? Is your workforce protected against hazardous chemicals? Would you know what to do in the event of an accident? This five step chemical compliance checklist will keep your workplace and workers safe.

1. SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)

According to Safework Australia, “Businesses must keep copies of SDS for chemicals they use and they must be readily accessible for all workers involved in using, handling or storing the chemical at the workplace, emergency service workers, and anyone else who may be exposed to the chemical.”

SDS are documents that provide critical information about hazardous chemicals such as safe handling and storage procedures, emergency procedures and disposal considerations. Make sure you have a copy for all chemical products used and kept on site.

2. CHEMICAL REGISTER

Safework Australia states that, “The hazardous chemicals register must be readily accessible to all workers involved in the use, storage and handling of the hazardous chemicals at the workplace.”

Create a chemical register featuring all products used on-site and place it in a handy, easily accessible location.

3. DISPENSING EQUIPMENT

Implementing dispensing equipment will:

• Control dosage of consumables used
• Remove the danger of inappropriate dispensing or excessive handling of chemicals for staff
• Reduce the risk of a chemical accident
• Eliminates the need to decant chemicals
• Ensure work health and safety compliance.

If you don’t already have dispensing equipment in place, make the switch today by contacting your chemical supplier.

4. SCREEN PRINTED BOTTLES

Any substance decanted from the original container MUST BE CLEARLY LABELLED with instructions for use and reference to any hazardous substances. Screen printed bottles ensure that products are labelled with chemical resistant labels that clearly outline safety information and product information. Clearly labelled products help to ensure chemicals are used correctly and safely as well as ensuring compliance.

Throw out all non-labelled bottles immediately and talk to your chemical supplier about screen printed bottles.

5. STAFF TRAINING

Training will not only help staff to become competent and informed about the chemicals they are using, it will increase safety, improve compliance and lower the risk of accidents.

A range of free training resources are available so do your research and talk to your chemical supplier about what options they provide.

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