Hazardous Substance Register

Hazardous Substances refer to chemicals or substances which can be toxic, corrosive

and cause harm to people, animals or the environment. It is important that we document what substances are on site, when they are on site, and how they are stored.

There are processes, by law, that need to be followed to ensure that all hazardous substances are stored, used and disposed of correctly to reduce the risk to anyone that

uses or comes into contact with them. The best way to do this is by having a Hazardous Substance Register.

What is a Hazardous Substance?

As the register represents the maximum amount of the substances held, it means it

does not require updating on a daily basis, but reviewed on a regular basis (quarterly

or 6-monthly), especially when maximum quantities change or products used (brand or

specific product) change.

What to include on the register:

A Hazardous Substance Register should include all hazardous substances that

are used, handled or stored on a site or workplace (including hazardous waste).

The register should include:

• The substance name

• The maximum quantity to store

• Where it can be found on site

• UN number of the substance

• Specific storage requirements

• Any key information from the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

• What to do in an Emergency

• Any information about waste

Current Safety Data Sheets for each substance and emergency information/ equipment

must be immediately available at all times.

A hazardous substance is any product or chemical that has explosive, flammable,

oxidizing, toxic, corrosive or ecotoxic properties.

• Explosive - Explodes or causes explosion

• Flammable - Ignites easily and burns rapidly

• Oxidizing - Could be gaseous, solid or liquid and can cause or intensify fire and explosion

• Toxic - Can harm people if it enters the body through contact, being inhaled or ingested. The effects can range from mild to life threatening and can be immediate or long term.