ACTIVITY: Chemicals – Hazardous - Working with / SWMS No.: 3
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS) - Part 1
Company Name: Prestige Pest Technologies / Address: 550 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, NSW, 2487 / ABN: 63 561 994 308
Company Contact: Gillian Middlebrook / Position: Director / Phone:1300 837 196; 0405 516 367
Project Details
Project: / Insert Photo
Job Address:
Job Description:
Relevant workers must be consulted in the development, approval and communication of this SWMS: / SWMS Approved by Employer/PCBU/Director/Owner:
Print Name
Name: (Include names of workers who were consulted in relation to the development of this SWMS) / Signature: / Job Title: / Date:
Signature:
Date:
Name of Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Company Name:
Date SWMS provided to Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Signature: / Date:
Name of person responsible for ensuring compliance with SWMS: / Signature: / Date:
SWMS Scope
This SWMS includes / covers general information on how to identify and manage health and safety risks when working near or with hazardous chemicals at a workplace.
This SWMS does not cover the transportation of chemicals classified as Dangerous Goods, which is covered by the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code).
This SWMS does not cover:
- Chemicals that require health monitoring that are specifically included under Schedule14 of the WHS Regulation 2011 (e.g. Lead, Crystalline silica, Mercury)
- Asbestos or Asbestos containing materials
- Radioactive substances
- Infectious substances
- Use of Pesticides & Herbicides
- Use of Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN)
- Use of Explosives
- Chemicals at Major Hazard Facilities. / Dedicated SWMS should be developed for these tasks, and for any risks not covered in this SWMS.
Note:The WHS Regulations implement a system of chemical hazard classification, labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements based on the Global Harmonisation System (GHS). Transition to the GHS will occur over a 5-year period from 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2016.
Workplace hazardous substances and dangerous goods are also classified under the NOHSC Approved Criteriaand the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code).
Some substances and mixtures that are classified as Dangerous Goods under the ADG Code are also classified as Hazardous Chemicals under the GHS.
Environmental Risk
Incorrect or inadequate storage, use, disposal and clean up of chemicals can lead to the following environmental risks:
- Death or injury to vegetation and animals
- Pollution of waterways and water catchment areas
- Pollution of the atmosphere
- Pollution of soils.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure all PPE meets relevant Australian Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed.
Foot Protection / High Visibility / Head Protection / Eye Protection / Face Protection / Hand Protection / Protective Clothing / Breathing Protection / Sun Protection
/ / / / / / / / Broad brimmed hat, UV rated clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, tinted safety glasses with adequate UV protection)
AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment reproduced with permission from SAI Global under licence 1210-c062. Standards may be purchased at
Hazards - What can cause harm? / Risks - What can happen? / Control Measures to Reduce Risk
Job Step: Planning
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).
-Consult with the person you are carrying out the work for on the potential hazards and risks associated with the task
-If represented by an elected health and safety representative, the representative is included in any consultation
-Any other persons on site (trade or otherwise) who is effected by the same matter is consulted and co-operative arrangements are made (e.g. co-ordination or alternative measures)
-Document consultation and action items.
The Person Conducting the Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must:
-Ensure correct labelling of containers
-Display of warning signs & placards
-Maintain a Chemical Register
-Maintain a Chemical Manifest (when required)
-Identify the risk of physical or chemical reaction of hazardous chemicals
-Ensure the stability of hazardous chemicals
-Ensure chemical exposure levels are not exceeded
-Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
-Provide health monitoring of workers (when required)
-Provide information, training & instruction to workers
-Provide spill containment (as required)
-Obtain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used
-Ensure control of ignition sources
-Ensure control of accumulation of flammable & combustible chemicals
-Provide & make available fire protection & firefighting equipment
-Provide emergency & safety equipment
-Prepare an emergency plan (as required).
Liaise with Principal Contractor to establish the following on-site systems and procedures are in place:
-Health and Safety rules
-Induction for all workers
-Supervisory arrangements
-Communication
-Injury reporting
-Hazard reporting
-Personal Protective Equipment
-First Aid
-Site plans
-Traffic Management plans
-Risk Assessments
-SWMS and JSA’s
-Site security requirements
-Good housekeeping for the site
-Site amenities.
Determine State & Local Authority requirements for notifications, licensing, storage, disposal of hazardous chemicals.
RB:4A / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA:2M
Job Step: Preparation – Exposure Levels
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).
Identify the Exposure Levels of the chemicals workers will be exposed to. Exposure standards represent the airborne concentration of a particular chemical that must not be exceeded.
Exposure levels are determined by:
-8 hour time weighted average (TWA)
-Peak Limitation
-Short Term Exposure Level (STEL).
Refer to the Safe Work Australia document – Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants for specific details.
Conduct a chemical Risk Assessment and ensure adequate controls are put in place to reduce the exposure level of workers to hazardous chemicals.
RB: 4A / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 3H
Job Step: Preparation - Training
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).
-General instruction on how to identify hazardous substances and dangerous goods
-How to read and interpret SDS
-Specific information about the chemicals being used
-How to do a chemical risk assessment.
-Specific on the job training in the tasks to be performed including demonstration of the work to be performed and direct (face to face) supervision until workers are deemed competent in the process
-How to use a Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) and/ or Safe Work Procedure (SWP) when working with chemicals
-PPE – selection & use
-Correct storage of chemicals
-Chemical incompatibilities
-Disposal methods
-Spills clean up
-Emergency Procedures
-Environmental considerations.
Achievement of competence should be documented. Ongoing general supervision must also be provided.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Preparation – Safety Data Sheets
Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals that workers (and other persons) will use, handle or be exposed to in the workplace.
Important information that must be included on the SDS includes:
-Hazard Classification
-Route of entry
-Advice / warnings for “At Risk” workers
-Storage instructions
-Physiochemical properties (chemical information)
-Situations of use that may generate hazardous chemicals (e.g. Toxic fumes from welding)
-First Aid & medical information
-Emergency information
-Transport information
-Storage instructions
-Environmental hazards.
Ensure:
-SDS is current (no more than 5yrs old)
-Meets Australian requirements
-Is the correct SDS for the chemical being used
-Is available for workers to access
-Workers know where to access the SDS
-Workers know how to read & interpret the SDS
If SDSs are kept on an electronic database, ensure there is a backup system available in the workplace, such as a hard copy in a filing system.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Health Monitoring
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).
-The worker is carrying out on-going work using, handling, generating or storing a Hazardous Chemical & there is a significant risk to the worker’s health
-If it is believed, or uncertain that exposure may have exceeded the Exposure Standard.
The PCBU must:
-Consult with workers regarding health monitoring
-Carry out health monitoring by or under direct supervision of an experienced registered medical practitioner
-Provide a copy of the medical report to the worker
-Follow the procedure outlined in the relevant Code of Practice.
NOTE:Health Monitoring is NOT an alternative to implementing controls measures to reduce worker’s exposure to hazardous substances.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Purchasing Chemicals
The purchasing of Hazardous Chemicals should be controlled and approved by a designated worker, supervisor or manager, who is trained and familiar with Hazardous Chemicals and Chemical Management.
Approval to purchase a hazardous chemical should only be provided if:
-The relevant SDS has been reviewed
-It has been determined that no safer alternative is available
-The volume of the chemical is appropriate to the expected short-term demand for use
-Adequate storage facilities are available
-Appropriate facilities and competent staff are available to safely carryout (or supervise) the work involving the chemical.
Chemicals should be purchased in small quantities, as required. The cost of chemical waste disposal often cancels out any cost saving achieved by purchasing in bulk.
Some chemicals have a limited life span, and may deteriorate and become unstable with age (e.g. diethyl ether, perchloric acid).
If the chemical is expected to become unstable over time, this must be identified at the time of purchase and arrangements made to manage the risk.
Records must be kept of all chemicals purchased, used and stored on-site.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Using and Handling Chemicals
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).
Do’s:
-Read the SDS before using chemicals
-Before mixing any chemicals together, check for compatibility & refer to SOP & SDS
-Wear appropriate PPE at all times
-Store chemicals in their correct containers
-Ensure all chemicals are correctly labelled, especially decanted chemicals
-Store chemicals correctly in designated stores
-Dispose of chemicals correctly
-Triple rinse all empty / unwanted chemical containers and make containers unusable before disposing of them
-Keep chemicals stored away from children and animals
-Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chemicals
-If there is a leak or spill, keep away from the area, unless you know what the chemical is and how to safely clean it up
-Be aware of other people in the work area.
Do Not:
-EVER store chemicals in food or drink containers
-Store chemicals in unlabelled containers
-Eat or drink when handling chemicals
-Eat or drink without washing hands thoroughly first
-Take food into the work area where chemicals are being used or stored
-Smoke when handling or working near chemicals
-Mix any chemicals together without directions
- some chemicals are incompatible, always check the SDS and the manufacturer’s directions for correct use
-Add flammable liquids or chemicals to fires in an attempt to make the fire burn better – this is VERY dangerous and can cause serious injuries
-Carry Dangerous Goods in car boots – “Ute it, don’t boot it!”
-Expose chemicals to temperature extremes
-Wear contaminated PPE in areas outside the work zone, such as eating areas
-Use mobile phones around flammable chemicals.
Ensure suitable work area. Check:
-Adequate ventilation – natural or mechanical
-Sufficient work space
-Water / sinks available if required
-Correct chemical handling equipment available and in good condition
-Suitable work bench or floor surfaces
-Ready access to emergency equipment
-Sufficient lighting (non-sparking if using flammable chemicals)
-Restricted area - no access by general public or unauthorised workers
-Warning signage if required
-No ignition sources
-No stored chemicals in work zone.
Confined Spaces: Specific hazards with increased risk levels are involved with using hazardous chemicals in Confined Spaces. For example: LPG is an Asphyxiant, pressured, highly flammable gas. It is heavier than air and can accumulate in basements, cellars, pits, closed rooms etc. Symptoms of exposure are directly related to displacement of oxygen from air when LPG is released into confined spaces.
Work (Entry) permits will be required when using hazardous chemicals in confined spaces.
Always use mechanical ventilation, such as a fume cupboard when it is required to do so by a SDS, SWMS or SOP.
If work will be done in an area where there is a possibility of exposure to dangerous substances, use a buddy system or establish an emergency communication system. A worker can be dangerously exposed or overcome by a chemical and need immediate assistance.
Remember: Be aware of other workers & persons who are in close proximity to where you are working with chemicals as they may be affected by hazards associated with the chemicals you are working with.
Keep the workplace clean to reduce the risk of contamination. Where possible, wipe up and absorb the contaminant, using PPE as required.
Clean up spills immediately and dispose of contaminated material properly. With some chemicals a vacuum is recommended for clean up rather than a broom or compressed air. The idea is to collect and confine the contaminant, not just spread it around.
Shower and wash immediately after work. Wash clothes in separate wash from other clothes.
Do not take contaminated clothing home to be laundered because by doing so, it could expose family members to the contaminant.
When working with chemicals – if in doubt – ASK.
RB: 4A / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 3H
Job Step: Storage
Hazards include:
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Air under pressure
-Gas under pressure
-Hazardous Chemicals – chemical reactions, exposure to harmful chemicals
-Hazardous Chemicals – exposure to harmful chemicals
-Static electricity
-Electricity – sparking
-Confined spaces – asphyxiation. / Risks include:
Death, Injury or Illness caused by:
-Fire / explosion caused by chemical reactions or static electricity
-Chemical Burns
-Inhalation of Fumes / Vapours
-Air and/or gas injection injury - Ear Damage / Embolism
-Skin sensitizing
-Allergic reactions
-Carcinogenic health effects
-Mutagenic health effects
-Teratogenic health effects
-Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals:
- Inhalation (breathed in)
- Ingestion (swallowed)
- Absorption (via the skin)
- Asphyxiation (lack of Oxygen).