When does the material become harmful?
Answers
Exposure to chemicals commonly used in workplaces can lead to a variety of short- and long-term health effects such as poisoning, skin rashes and disorders of the lung, kidney and liver.
A quarter of all Victorian employees regularly use hazardous substances such as chemicals, flammable liquids and gases in their work. A hazardous substance can take many forms, including gas, powder, liquid, solid or dust. The product may be pure or diluted.
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances are legally obliged to include warning labels and Safety Data Sheets with their products. This information offers advice on safe handling practices.
Common hazardous substances
Many industrial, agricultural and medical organisations use hazardous substances. The degree of hazard depends on the concentration of the chemical.
Common hazardous substances in the workplace include:
acids
caustic substances
disinfectants
glues
heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium
paint
pesticides
petroleum products
solvents.
Back to top
Possible side effects of exposure to hazardous substances
Health effects depend on the type of hazardous substance and the level of exposure (concentration and duration). A hazardous substance can be inhaled, splashed onto the skin or eyes, or swallowed. Some of the possible health effects can include:
poisoning
nausea and vomiting
headache
skin rashes, such as dermatitis
chemical burns
birth defects
disorders of the lung, kidney or liver
nervous system disorders.
Back to top
Labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous substances
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances in Victoria are required by law to provide warning labels and Safety Data Sheets with their products.
Employers must ensure that the Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous substance used in the workplace is available to employees, and that a central register of hazardous substances is established.
In accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) or other methods set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, warning labels on hazardous substances should feature:
hazard pictograms
signal words (such as danger and warning)
hazard statements (such as fatal if swallowed)
precautionary statements (such as wear protective gloves).
The GHS classifies and communicates chemical hazards using internationally consistent hazard pictograms, terms and information displayed on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets.
The Safety Data Sheet lists important information on handling the product safely, including:
potential health effects
precautions for use
safe storage suggestions
emergency first aid instructions
contact numbers for further information.
Back to top
Reducing exposure to hazardous substances
Suggestions on reducing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace include:
where possible, perform the task without using hazardous substances
where possible, substitute hazardous substances with less hazardous alternatives (for example, use a detergent in place of a chlorinated solvent for cleaning)
isolate hazardous substances in separate storage areas
purge or ventilate storage areas separately from the rest of the workplace
thoroughly train employees in handling and safety procedures
provide personal protection equipment such as respirators, gloves and goggles
regularly monitor the workplace with appropriate equipment to track the degree of hazardous substance in the air or environment
regularly consult with employees to maintain and improve existing safety and handling practices.
Back to top
Hazardous substances – written records
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, certain records have to be maintained if hazardous substances are used in the workplace, including:
details of risk assessments
results of air and environment tests, if required
details of health monitoring of employees, if required
records of each employee who works with a scheduled carcinogenic substance at the workplace.
Back to top
Professional advice about hazardous substances
Organisations such as WorkSafe Victoria can offer valuable information on how to reduce the risks of working with hazardous substances. Publications