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.
Corrosive - Can cause severe skin burns and eye damage
Ecotoxic - is toxic to the environment
Reading a Safety Data Sheet
Most people find the challenging step in completing the Hazardous Substance Register is where to get the information from. The best place to look is your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that are supplied with the product from your supplier.
If you do not receive these, contact your supplier and ask for copies.
Ensure the copy is the latest version and has a current date.
Reading a Safety Data Sheet
The SDS will contain the information required for your register. Read through
each section and you will be able to find all details required.
The SDS Sections should include:
The substance name
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 readily available at all times. Create a file (hard copy and electronic) keep in the main database and near the product storage and area used.
Label Your Containers
Check that your containers of hazardous substances are clearly and correctly
labelled so people know what is inside. Labels must be maintained and
readable. The SDS sheet will have a section outlining what to include on the
container.
You have labelling responsibilities for:
Substances that have come from a supplier and are already labelled
Substances that you decant or transfer into a smaller container at your workplace
Stationary tanks, process containers and transportable containers
Hazardous waste
Install Signs
Signs provide clear and concise information. Signs are often the first warning
for people. Place signs to warn about hazardous substances in use / present
on site at key points such as entrance ways, on buildings, in areas where
hazardous substances are used or stored.
Signs should be clearly visible, easy to read and let people know what
hazardous substances that are present, and emergency information.
Check the regulations for signage requirements specific to your industry or talk
to your signage distributor. Share the SDS with your signage provider to gather
details required.
Inform and Train Workers
Everyone who works with and around hazardous substances must have a
knowledge and practical experience to do so safely. Workers need to know
about the hazardous substances relating to their work and the dangers the
pose.
Training can be completed by supervisors or competent experienced workers.
Keep a record of training that is completed.
Store Hazardous Substances Safely
Where and how you store hazardous substances will depend on the type of
substance and the amount that you have on site. The Regulations prescribe
requirements for different solutions, types, classes and quantities of hazardous
substances.
Check out the Safety Data Sheet for information regarding storage
requirements, speak to a Hazardous substances specialist or talk with your
safety equipment provider to see if they have a Hazardous Substance Storage
sales expert available.
Plan for Emergencies
All workers and emergency services need to know what to do in a hazardous
substance emergency and who is responsible for what. Preparing for an
emergency depends on the types and quantities of hazardous substances you
use and store.
Things you must do include:
Training your workers about what to do in an emergency
Keeping your inventory of hazardous substances readily accessible to emergency service workers
Labelling all hazardous substances and ensuring the label is readable
Have Safety Data Sheets available and readily accessible
Prepared to deal with spills and leaks or hazardous substances
Complete emergency drills regularly
Need Assistance?
Please contact us if you require any advice or check out our website: https://www.ohsconsultants.nz