(1) The University utilises a wide array of regulated chemical materials for research and teaching. Generally small quantities are used for these purposes. However, as there are inherent hazards and associated risks to people, University assets and the environment, there is a requirement for strict control and management. (2) The purpose of this Procedure is to align regulatory requirements to guide the chemical management life cycle from procurement, handling, use and storage through to end of life disposal with the aim to: (3) This Procedure applies to all La Trobe University staff and students who procure, handle, use, store and dispose of regulated chemical materials and, where applicable, contractors and visitors (such as visiting academics). (4) Regulated chemical materials (including compounds) can be OR a combination of: (5) This Procedure covers all regulated chemical material with the exception of ionising and non-ionising radiation (Class 7 Dangerous Good). (6) Consumer products such as household cleaners and dishwashing liquids that are used in ways consistent with household use and are incidental to the work performed (such as in kitchenettes) are exempt from this Procedure. (7) Refer to the University Health and Safety Policy. (8) Managers and leaders, including supervisors are responsible for: (9) The Health and Safety Team are responsible for: (10) Direct Users are responsible for: (11) All staff and students are responsible for: (12) Contractors should refer to the Infrastructure and Operations contractor induction/guide which includes Handling Dangerous and Hazardous Substances procedure and other relevant documentation. (13) Where a contractor is independent of the Infrastructure and Operations induction and management process, the host will ensure the chemical management processes detailed in this Procedure are strictly adhered to. (14) Chemical Risk assessments are used to articulate the hazards and associated risks and to clarify the prevention risk controls and mitigation emergency processes. The details in a risk assessment will depend on the chemical properties and their application. (15) Where a chemical material is being introduced to the University, a pre-purchase risk assessment will be completed prior to acquisition. (16) Where multiple chemicals are used, a process/task risk assessment will also be completed and included with the documentation. Copies of all risk assessments will be readily available and easily accessible by the users. (17) The University uses Chemwatch SDS database to store information about the regulated chemical materials, to manage the chemical registers and to undertake chemical risk assessments. (18) When a chemical material is first acquired, an SDS will be obtained directly from the chemical manufacturer/ supplier. (19) All SDSs will be readily available, easily accessible and kept current (< 5 years). (20) Each area will have a register of the local chemical materials and will include: (21) Prior to the acquisition of any regulated chemical material, an SDS will be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier and a detailed risk assessment will be completed. The risk assessment will identify and guide the development of the necessary risk controls for safe transport, handling, usage, storage and will inform consideration of eventual disposal, such as longer term storage and finance. (22) Information about regulatory requirements and restrictions will be met prior to acquisition for: (23) Permits and licences; where required; will also be verified as there may be restrictions on acquisition. (24) Researchers that are manufacturing or supplying manufactured chemical materials outside La Trobe University will meet all necessary regulatory requirements to ensure safety is maintained through the acquisition process. This includes the preparation and provision of an SDS that is in accordance with Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017. (25) Staff and students that are handling, using, storing and disposing of chemical materials will complete an adequate level of training and be provided technical guidance to ensure tasks involving chemical materials will be performed safely. The training provided will be a mix of knowledge and instruction commensurate to the inherent hazards and associated risks of the chemical material and in-line with individual levels of knowledge and skill (i.e. undergraduate students VS post-doctoral researchers). (26) Relevant chemical information such as the chemical risk assessment, safe work procedure, chemical registers (where applicable) and SDSs will be included in the inductions and be available to support the tasks undertaken. (27) Correct storage and handling of chemical materials is critical to minimise the risk associated with the inherent hazards. Risks controls will be implemented on the basis of the physical properties of the chemical material and will include: (28) All Dangerous goods will be stored in strict accordance with the Victorian Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 (Vic). (29) All signage and placarding will align with the requirements outlined in Victorian Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 (Vic)). (30) Signage and placarding will be displayed on main entrances and buildings. (31) Dangerous goods storage areas will be correctly signed to indicate the class types of the materials present. (32) Health surveillance or screening, where required, are detailed in the SDS for each regulated chemical material. These requirements will be documented as part of the chemical risk assessment and health surveillance/screening will be provided when: (33) The University maintains trade waste agreements with relevant water corporations. These agreements detail the acceptable and non-acceptable physical and chemical characteristics and other requirements related to the wastewater discharged from University facilities into the sewer system. Detailed information on specific acceptance criteria is available from Infrastructure and Operations. (34) As a guide: (35) In the event of an emergency, University processes will be strictly adhered to. Leaders will also ensure local emergency procedures are developed that take into account the physical properties of the chemical materials in use including fire and explosion, environmental damage and the likely health effects, if exposure occurs. (36) For the purpose of this Procedure:Health and Safety Procedure - Chemical Safety
Section 1 - Background and Purpose
Top of PageSection 2 - Scope
Section 3 - Policy statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Part A - Responsibilities
Managers and Leaders (including supervisors)
Health & Safety Team
Direct Users
All Staff and Students
Contractors
Part B - Chemical Management Guidelines
Chemical Risk Assessment
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Database
Chemical Register
Part C - Procurement
Part D - Manufacture or Supply
Part E - Training
Part F - Storage and Handling
Part G - Signage and Placarding
Part H - Health Surveillance
Part I - Waste Management
Part J - Emergency Preparedness
Section 5 - Definitions
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