YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE WORKING SAFELY WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Transcription

1 YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE WORKING SAFELY WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

2 Contents INTRODUCTION 3 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS 7 Hsno approvals 8 How substances are classified 8 Controls (rules) for managing hazardous substances 10 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 13 Hazardous substances can damage your health 14 Assess exposure to hazardous substances 15 Prevent exposure 16 Control exposure 17 Train your staff 20 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 23 Label all hazardous substances 24 Symbols on labels 24 Safety data sheets 30 Signs 31 STORE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SAFELY 35 Incompatibles 36 Gas cylinders 37 Oxy-acetylene welding 39 Flammable substances 39 EMERGENCY PREPARATION 43 Prepare for an emergency 44 Spill kits 45 Fire extinguishers 46 Secondary containment 47 Emergency response plans 48 TEST CERTIFICATES 51 Approved handler test certificates 52 Location test certificates 54 Stationary container system test certificates 55 TRACKING VERY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 57 FURTHER INFORMATION 61 Resources 62 Glossary 63

3 2 Introduction Published May 2013 DisCLAIMer The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has made every endeavour to ensure the information in this booklet is accurate and current. However, the EPA may change, delete, a to, or otherwise amend the information at any time without notice. The information provided is not in substitution or in any way an alteration to the laws of New Zealand. The EPA does not accept any responsibility or liability to any person, whether in contract, equity or tort, or under any other legal principle, for any direct or indirect losses or damage of any kind arising from the use of this booklet and the information provided in it. If you find any information in this booklet that you believe may be inaccurate, or you would like to provide any feedback, please hsinfo@epa.govt.nz.

4 Introduction This booklet is a reference guide KEY HSNO CONTROLS hse and hsno work together How hazardous substances are regulated under Hsno Who is responsible for workplace safety? 3

5 4 Introduction IntroDUCtion New Zealanders use products with hazardous properties (hazardous substances) on a daily basis both at home and at work. Around 150,000 workplaces throughout New Zealand use hazardous substances. Unfortunately though, because of this frequent use it s easy to take them for granted. Common hazardous substances like commercial cleaning products, paints, adhesives, acids, bases and solvents can cause serious harm when they aren t used safely. A lack of understanding about the harm that can occur is a serious problem with serious consequences. It s estimated that between New Zealanders die from occupational illness every year. Many of these deaths are from exposure to hazardous substances. WHAt ARe HAZARDous substances? Hazardous substances are substances that are explosive, flammable, oxidising, toxic, corrosive or toxic to the environment (ecotoxic). A hazardous substance may be a single chemical or a mixture of both hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. Most products used in the workplace are a mixture of chemicals. In this booklet the words product and substance may be used interchangeably. THIS BooKLet IS A REFERenCE GUIDE This booklet is for employers who own or manage small businesses. It helps you manage the hazardous substances you use and store at work more safely. It includes information about both the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Hsno) legislation and the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) legislation. The focus of this booklet is how to safely use and store hazardous substances at work. This booklet is a reference guide and gives you information about what you need to do and how to do it. Some of the information is repeated in different sections if it relates to more than one subject. There is also a glossary at the back, which explains some of the terms used in this booklet. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the Workbook and the Hsno Calculator. While this booklet gives you information about Hsno controls, the only way to work out which controls apply to you is to know the type and amount of hazardous substances you ve got. The Workbook explains how to prepare an inventory (list) of all of your hazardous substances. A template of a hazardous substance inventory is given in the Workbook. When you enter the details of your inventory into the Hsno Calculator, it will work out which of the key Hsno controls you need to have in place to safely manage your substances. To use the Hsno Calculator you will need access to a computer and the internet.

6 Introduction 5 This booklet is not designed to provide information for manufacturers about how to label hazardous substances or how to prepare safety data sheets. Aitionally, the Toolbox is not designed for use by farmers, people using and storing agrichemicals and does not cover explosives. It also does not cover rules made by district, city or regional councils. So you will need to check with your council to find out if there are specific rules for managing hazardous substances in your region. KEY Hsno ContROLS The Hazardous Substances Toolbox focuses on health and safety principles and key HSNO controls that increase workplace safety. It helps you to improve your level of compliance with HSNO but it does not contain information about every rule under the HSNO legislation. For example, the booklet does not provide detailed information about transport or disposal of substances. Hse AND Hsno WORK together HSE and HSNO are laws that work together to keep people safe. HSNO is intended to protect people, communities and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous substances. The HSE Act aims to prevent harm to all people at a workplace and near that workplace. This means employers must manage the hazards present in the workplace and take all practicable steps to eliminate, isolate and minimise significant hazards. Hazardous substances are one of the hazards that need to be managed under HSE. Hsno sets out performance standards that must be met to ensure hazardous substances are managed safely and expands on the HSE requirements. It s important to note that you may need to take safety measures beyond what s required by HSNO to prevent harm to people in your workplace. Some aitional steps relevant to HSE are described in Keep safe with hazardous substances, page 13. HOW HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes ARE REGULAteD UNDER Hsno Hazardous substances are regulated under HSNO based on the risks they pose to people and the environment. The hazardous properties of a substance are classified (put into groups) to determine how the risks can be managed. Most hazardous substances have more than one hazardous property and therefore have more than one classification.

7 6 Introduction Each new hazardous substance imported or manufactured in New Zealand must be approved and have its classifications determined. Depending on its classification, rules are placed on a substance to manage the risks posed by that substance. These rules are known as controls. The controls vary depending on the risk associated with the hazardous substance. The risks come from the hazardous properties of the substance, the amount present and the way it s used. Some controls are always needed no matter what hazardous substances you use and store. Others are needed only when you have amounts of hazardous substances that are over certain limits (thresholds). So, the HSNO controls will differ depending on the type and amount of hazardous substances you use and store. This booklet focuses on the controls for using and storing hazardous substances safely. These rules are key to keeping people safe at work. WHO IS ResPonsIBLE FOR WORKPLACE SAFetY? Everyone has a role to play in keeping themselves and their workmates safe. The employer has a legal responsibility to make the workplace safe for staff and people visiting the workplace. Employers are expected to identify and assess hazards and manage those hazards by eliminating, isolating or minimising them in that order of preference. As an employer, if you can t eliminate or isolate the use of a hazardous substance, you must provide the right safety gear for your staff and train them about the hazards from hazardous substances and how they can protect themselves. Staff must also take responsibility to look after themselves at work. Staff need to ask questions about the risks of the hazardous substances they use and make sure they aren t putting themselves or their workmates at risk. Staff must also correctly use the safety and personal protective equipment provided at their workplace. PERson IN CHARGE HSNO assigns duties to the person in charge. The person in charge is the person that is in control of the part of the workplace that uses and stores hazardous substances. The role is similar to the person in control of a workplace under HSE. In a small workplace the person in charge may be the manager or owner of the business. In a larger operation with multiple locations and activities, several people could be designated persons in charge. Because this booklet is designed for small businesses (0-5 employees) we refer to the employer throughout the booklet rather than the person in charge. If you would like more information about the duties of the person in charge, please contact the EPA,

8 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS Hsno approvals How substances are classified Controls (rules) for managing hazardous substances 7

9 8 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS HAZARD CLAssIFICATIons, APPROVALS AND ContROLS Hsno APPROVALS Most products used by small businesses will be approved under a group standard approval. A group standard is an approval for a group of similar substances or products that have a similar use. The manufacturer or importer can assign a product to a group standard by making sure that the product has only the classifications that are allowable within the scope of the group standard. If the product meets the scope of the standard, the product is considered to be approved. A HSNO approval sets out the rules (also called controls) for managing the risks of a hazardous substance. THE Hsno APPRoVAL number IS on THE safety DAta sheet HSNO approval numbers are usually found in Section 15: Regulatory Information of your safety data sheet and look like the following example: HSR If you can t find the approval number on your safety data sheet, contact your supplier. HOW SUBstANCes ARE CLAssIFIED Hazardous substances can be classified under one of several similar systems. In New Zealand, the HSNO system is used. Substances manufactured overseas may use another system. The HSNO system is based on the United Nations (UN) dangerous goods classification system for transport and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling (GHS). hazard CLAssIFICAtion The classification for your product should be listed in the Hazards Identification section of the safety data sheet, usually found in Section 2. Section 15 of the safety data sheet may also have information specific to HSNO.

10 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS 9 Hsno CLAssIFICAtion system 6. 3 A class subclass degree of hazard The HSNO system uses numbered classes and subclasses to indicate the hazardous properties of a substance. For example, for a substance classified as 6.3A: 6 is the class, which indicates the substance is toxic to people 3 is the subclass, which indicates the type of toxicity, for example, irritating to the skin, and the letter A indicates the degree of hazard, with A being the highest hazard. Therefore a hazardous substance classified as 6.3A is highly irritating to the skin. The HSNO classes are: Class 1 explosives (note that this booklet does not provide information about explosives) Class 2 flammable gases Class 3 flammable liquids Class 4 flammable solids Class 5 oxidising substances Class 6 substances toxic to people Class 8 corrosive substances Class 9 substances that are toxic to the environment. Dangerous goods class 6.2 (infectious substances) and class 7, radioactive materials, are not regulated under HSNO but must be managed under the HSE Act when used and stored in the workplace. Most hazardous substances have more than one classification Most hazardous substances will have more than one hazardous property and therefore more than one classification. For example, petrol is classified as a 3.1A (highly flammable liquid), 6.1E (acutely toxic may be harmful, aspiration hazard), 6.3B (mildly irritating to the skin) 6.7B (suspected human carcinogen) and 9.1B (toxic to the aquatic environment).

11 10 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS United nations transport CLAsses and PACKIng GRoUPs If you don t have the HSNO classifications for products approved under group standards you can use the United Nations (UN) classification and packing groups in the HSNO Calculator. Most safety data sheets will include the UN classes and packing groups because these are used internationally when transporting dangerous goods. The UN classes and packing groups are found in the Transport Information section of your safety data sheet. This is usually section 14. The packing group determines the standard of packaging to be used depending on how dangerous a hazardous substance is. There are three packing groups, I II and III. Packing group I is used for the most dangerous substances. An example of what to look for in section 14 is shown below (toluene is used as an example): UN number 1294 Proper shipping name Class 3 PACKIng group Toluene II If you don t have the Hsno classification for your products approved under group standards you need to include the un class and the packing group in the Hsno Calculator. ContROLS (RULes) FOR MANAGING HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes Controls are rules put in place to prevent or manage the adverse effects of hazardous substances. The controls for substances differ depending on their hazard classification and their particular approval. Controls that ARe ALWAYs needed A list of all of the hazardous substances you use and store To safely manage your hazardous substances you need to know what you ve got. Make a list of all of the hazardous substances used and stored at your workplace. See your Workbook. An assessment of the hazards followed by elimination, isolation, minimisation of hazards Hazardous substances can be harmful to people s health. Learn about the hazards of each hazardous substance, and assess who will be exposed and in what way. You then need to either get rid of the hazardous substance or isolate the use of the substance away from people. If you can t eliminate or isolate the substance you

12 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS 11 need to minimise your staff s exposure to it using controls, such as ventilation, safer work practices, and personal protective equipment. See Keep safe with hazardous substances, page 13. Staff training to use and store substances safely Staff need to be trained to use and store hazardous substances safely. See Keep safe with hazardous substances, page 13 and Store hazardous substances safely, page 35. Preparing for an emergency Make sure that your staff and workplace are prepared for an emergency. See Emergency preparation, page 43. ADDItionAL controls that MAY be needed If you have particular types or amounts of hazardous substances, you may have to comply with aitional controls. The HSNO Calculator will help you work out what key HSNO controls apply to you. Fire extinguishers Signs If you have flammable or oxidising substances, you may need a specific type and number of fire extinguishers. However, even if it s not legally required, it s best practice to always have fire extinguishers at your workplace. Fire extinguishers are used to put out fires before they reach the hazardous substances used and stored at your workplace. See Emergency preparation, page 43. Depending on the types and amounts of hazardous substances you use or store, you may need signs to warn people that hazardous substances are present. Although signs are only required when you have certain amounts of hazardous substances, it s best practice to always have them. See Hazardous substance information, page 23. Approved handlers If you have very toxic substances or amounts of flammable or oxidising substances over certain limits, one or more of your staff may need to be trained and certified as an approved handler. This is someone who has specific knowledge and experience about how to handle particular hazardous substances and has received a test certificate from a test certifier. See Test certificates, page 51. A location test certificate If you have flammable or oxidising substances at your workplace, you may need a location test certificate. This certifies that you are managing your flammable or oxidising substances in accordance with the rules. Test certificates are issued by test certifiers. See Test certificates, page 51.

13 12 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS Hazardous atmosphere zones A hazardous atmosphere zone surrounds a place where flammable substances are used or stored and flammable vapours may be present. Within these zones, special precautions must be taken to prevent unintended ignition so that a fire or explosion does not occur. See Store hazardous substances safely, page 35. Emergency response plan An emergency response plan is a written document that covers what will be done and who is responsible for doing each task if an emergency were to occur involving your hazardous substances. See Emergency preparation, page 43. Secondary containment (bunding) A secondary containment system ensures that liquid substances can be contained if they leak or spill from the container or vessel they are stored in. See Emergency preparation, page 43. ContROLS that MAY be needed not COVERED BY THE CALCULAtoR The controls below are not covered by the HSNO Calculator but guidance about what to do is provided in this booklet. A stationary container system test certificate A stationary container system is a fixed tank or process container and its associated equipment, pipe work and fittings. If you have a stationary tank containing a gas or liquid hazardous substance you may need a stationary container system test certificate. This certifies that your tank is safe and complies with the rules. See Test certificates, page 51. Controlled zones A controlled zone is an area around a flammable or oxidising substance. Within that area, ignition sources must be controlled and access must be limited to authorised personnel to protect the general public. See Store hazardous substances safely, page 35. Tracking Tracking is a record of what happens to a substance and who is responsible for it. The employer must keep records and track very hazardous substances from import or manufacture, to distribution and transport, through to use or disposal. See Tracking very hazardous substances, page 57.

14 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Hazardous substances can damage your health Assess exposure to hazardous substances Prevent exposure Control exposure MONITOR EXPOSURE Train your staff 13

15 14 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Keep safe WIth HAZARDous substances HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes CAN DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH Some of the risks from hazardous substances are obvious. For example, highly flammable substances like petrol, acetone or methylated spirits must be kept away from an open flame to prevent a fire or an explosion. Serious accidents involving these hazardous substances do happen, but it s important to also be aware of the less obvious harm caused by exposure to hazardous substances. This harm results from people being exposed to hazardous substances at work in three main ways: Breathing in toxic vapours, dusts, mists, gases or fumes from hazardous substances. If you can smell a hazardous substance, you are breathing it in. But you need to be aware that your sense of smell can become overloaded and even though you may no longer be able to smell the substance, it might still be in the air. Aitionally, some toxic hazardous substances don t have a smell, so you shouldn t use smell as the only indicator that hazardous substances are present. How hazardous substances enter the body Inhalation Hazardous substances getting onto your skin can be absorbed through your skin and enter your blood stream. Being swallowed or ingested. Hazardous substances can be swallowed accidentally, for example, if you eat or smoke without washing your hands after using them. Skin absorption Ingestion

16 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 15 The vapours from solvents are particularly dangerous and affect different people in different ways. Immediate effects from solvent exposure include headaches, forgetfulness, drowsiness, feeling dizzy and/or nauseous, irritability and mood changes, and irritation of the eyes, lungs and skin. Long-term effects are sometimes not so obvious but can be more serious and cause personality changes, sleep disorders, memory loss, cancer, damage to internal organs like the liver and kidneys, damage to an unborn child, fertility problems, and even death. These serious health risks are why it s so important to safely manage the hazardous substances at your workplace and protect your health and the health of your staff. You need to make managing hazardous substances safely part of the safety culture at your workplace. To be successful you need: commitment from all staff members to learn from past mistakes, and to continually review what you do. Keeping safe with hazardous substances is not something you can do once and then put aside. Taking the time to safely manage your hazardous substances now can prevent accidents and save money and lives later. Assess exposure to HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes Because of the serious health effects that can be caused by hazardous substances, you must determine the extent of the risk to staff and others from exposure to hazardous substances while at work. It s only after a full assessment has been done that the appropriate control measures, training and monitoring can be put in place. Generally, you need to try to reduce exposure by controls other than personal protective equipment. 1. MAKe a LIst of ALL of your substances First, prepare an inventory using the Workbook to make a list of all of the substances used and stored at your workplace. Include all substances to begin with; even the ones you might think are not hazardous. 2. DeteRMIne WHether your substances ARe HAZARDous Next, determine whether your substances are hazardous or not. To do this, read the substance label for warnings. Also read the safety data sheet, especially the Hazards Identification section to find out whether the product is hazardous. Check the Toxicological Information section of the safety data sheet to find out about health risks.

17 16 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 3. DeteRMIne WHo could be exposed Think about which staff work directly with hazardous substances and which staff may come into contact with them by working in the surrounding area where a substance is used. This is best done by observing your staff at work and discussing work practices with them. Also think about people who may come into contact with substances on contaminated surfaces (such as cleaners). Don t forget to include people who don t directly use hazardous substances such as contractors, visitors and other workers who may still be exposed to vapours. 4. DeteRMIne how people could be exposed Consider whether the people you have identified in (3) could be exposed by breathing in the substance, ingesting the substance or absorbing the substance through their skin. 5. DeteRMIne the degree of exposure. To determine the degree of exposure you will need to know the concentration of the substance during exposure and how long and how often people are exposed to the substance. Look carefully at the work processes. You are unlikely to be able to accurately assess the degree of exposure yourself. This assessment usually involves measuring air concentrations of hazardous substances or measuring hazardous substances in urine or blood. If you need help doing this assessment there are health and safety consultants who can assist you. Check the Yellow Pages or search the internet for consultants in your area. PREVent exposure Some hazardous substances may be created as by-products or waste from work processes - so remember to include these in your exposure assessment. After conducting your assessment you need to decide the best ways of keeping your staff safe. The best way to prevent harm is to get rid of, or eliminate, hazardous substances. If you can t eliminate a hazardous substance, you need to make sure that people are exposed to as little as possible by isolating the use of the hazardous substance away from people or, if that can t be done, by minimising staff exposure to the substance. When you make decisions about how to keep your staff safe remember to consider the health status of your staff. For example, people with asthma may have trouble breathing if they have to wear a respirator. Pregnant women should not work with hazardous substances that can harm a developing baby.

18 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 17 Eliminate Getting rid of a very hazardous substance altogether from your workplace is the best solution. If you have a very hazardous substance, ask your supplier if there are any safer alternatives on the market. For example, solvent based inks can sometimes be replaced by vegetable oil based inks. If there is a safer alternative, you will still need to consider the risks associated with that product. Also ask yourself: Are there hazardous substances I no longer use? Am I storing more hazardous substances than I need? Reducing your amounts of hazardous substances may reduce your compliance needs and could therefore reduce costs. Are there hazardous substances that I can t identify? All hazardous substances must be labelled it s not safe to use or store a hazardous substance if you don t know what it is. If you answer yes to any of these questions, arrange to have the hazardous substance you no longer need disposed of safely. Check the safety data sheet for disposal information. If necessary, contact your local council for advice on how to dispose of the hazardous substance safely or choose a specialist chemical waste disposal company by searching the Yellow Pages or the internet. ContROL exposure IsoLAte If you still need the hazardous substance, try to isolate its use away from people. For example, spray painting in a booth that is fully automated and doesn t require anyone to enter the booth. Or, an automated process for removing objects from degreasing baths. MinIMIse If you can t eliminate or isolate your staff s exposure to hazardous substances, you must minimise it as much as possible. Generally, there are three ways of doing this: engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.

19 18 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES This illustration was taken from Safe Work Australia s Code of practice: Managing risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace. Engineering controls You can minimise the extent to which people are exposed to hazardous substances by using engineering controls, such as ventilation. The most effective engineering controls are ones that result in the hazardous substance being contained or prevented from reaching staff. Ventilation is also important to reduce staff exposure. Ventilation can also reduce the potential for a fire or explosion by diluting flammable vapours in the air around where hazardous substances are used or stored. Local exhaust ventilation is a type of ventilation that captures contaminants at or very near the source and exhausts them outside. Local exhaust ventilation systems should be installed and frequently maintained by a specialist, such as a ventilation engineer or health and safety specialist. This is important because it is easy to assume that since a ventilation system is present, the amount of hazardous substances in the air will not damage people s health. But if the ventilation system is not properly maintained, or is not sufficient for the job, it may provide little or no protection for staff. Administration controls You can also minimise exposure to substances by setting up certain work processes, or administration controls, to make work a safer place. Examples of administration controls are: job rotation, which reduces the length of time someone is exposed to a hazardous substance restricting access to areas where hazardous substances are used not allowing smoking or eating in areas where hazardous substances are used, and keeping the lids on your hazardous substances. This is one of the easiest ways to minimise exposure as it prevents vapours from hazardous substances escaping into the air that you and your staff breathe. Keeping flammable vapours out of the air also prevents them from building up in your workplace and reduces the risk of an explosion if they were accidentally ignited.

20 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 19 Personal protective equipment (PPE) If you have reduced your staff s exposure to hazardous substances as much as possible using other means, like ventilation, and there are still some staff who might be exposed to hazardous substances, you need to provide those staff with the correct protective clothing and equipment. Staff are entitled to receive the PPE necessary to do their job safely at no cost to them, or they can provide their own suitable PPE if they wish. Staff must be trained on when and why they need the protective clothing and equipment and how to use, clean and store it properly. PPE suppliers can help with this training. The type of PPE needed depends on the particular hazardous substance you are trying to minimise exposure to and the level of hazardous substance in the air at your workplace. Check the label or safety data sheet for each hazardous substance to determine the hazards of the substance and what precautions need to be taken. The safety data sheet will include information about what personal protective clothing and equipment should be used. When choosing PPE ask a health and safety specialist, or your supplier for help and explain to them what job the PPE will be used for. Choose products that meet New Zealand and/or Australian Standards. Examples of personal protective equipment Eyes To protect your eyes from hazardous substances splashing into them use safety glasses, goggles, face-shields or visors. Breathing Dusts, vapours, mists, fumes and gases can be inhaled when using hazardous substances. Half or full-face respirators, air-fed helmets or breathing apparatus can protect staff from inhaling hazardous substances. Body Overalls can help to protect the body from hazardous substances. Hands and arms Gloves made out of a suitable material should be worn when handling hazardous substances. Feet and legs Suitable footwear should be worn to protect feet. This could include safety boots or closed-toe shoes.

21 20 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES The effectiveness of PPE is dependent on staff using it correctly. If the wrong PPE is used, or it is not fitted correctly, it might not provide adequate protection. The best way of determining whether your staff use it properly is to discuss usage with them and to observe them wearing it while they are working and what they do with it once they have finished the job. You also need to make sure that PPE is frequently maintained. MonItoR exposure If your staff may be exposed to hazardous substances through their work, it s important that their health is frequently monitored to check that the minimisation techniques you have adopted are sufficient and the health of your staff is protected. This monitoring might be, for example, testing respiratory function. You also need to monitor their exposure to substances so you can determine if the control measures and personal protective equipment you have in place are sufficient. This could include air monitoring as well as monitoring the blood and urine of your staff. The results of air monitoring may be compared to workplace exposure standards (WES). A WES refers to the level of a substance in the air that is believed to be safe for nearly all workers repeatedly exposed, day after day, to that substance. The values are usually calculated based on exposure over eight hours, 15 minutes or, in some cases, instantaneous exposures. You must make sure that your staff are not exposed to levels of hazardous substances that exceed a WES. The monitoring of hazardous substances in the air and comparing these results to a WES should be done by a specialist such as an occupational hygienist. TRAIN YOUR staff It s really important that staff understand both the harm that can be caused by the hazardous substances they use and how they can protect themselves. Training your staff about the substances they use is therefore another important step in keeping your workplace safe. The training should include what you have in place to reduce exposure to hazardous substances, for example, ventilation or safe ways of dispensing hazardous substances. Training on why personal protective equipment must be worn, and how to use, clean and store it safely is also essential. You will need to take extra time to help staff who have difficulties with reading and people whose first language is not English.

22 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 21 Your Toolbox includes five safety animations for staff to highlight some of the things that can go wrong when not using hazardous substances safely. These animations can be found on the Toolbox website at Your Toolbox also contains two posters to help your staff understand the risks of working with hazardous substances. Put these posters up where they can be clearly seen to constantly remind staff about safety. You can order copies of these posters from the Toolbox website: CheCKLIst what your staff need to know A template for using this checklist as part of your staff training is available in your Workbook. Is the employee aware of the harm that can be caused from each hazardous substance they use at work? Is the employee aware of how to safely store, use or dispose of each substance they use? Does the employee understand what control measures are in place at the workplace to reduce exposure and keep safe? Has the employee been provided with the correct safety equipment and personal protective equipment? Has the employee been trained to use the safety equipment and personal protective equipment? Does the employee know where the safety data sheets are kept and have access to them? Does the employee know what to do in an emergency involving the substances they use? Has the employee been trained to use the first aid equipment to deal with splashes and other incidents? Does the employee understand the importance of asking their supervisor questions if they are unsure about how to safely use or store a hazardous substance?

23 22 KEEP SAFE WITH HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES FURTHER INFORMATIon The resources below contain some good generic information about managing the risks of hazardous substances. Labour Group at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Management of Substances Hazardous to Health. Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing the risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Links to these documents can be found on the Toolbox website:

24 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION Label all hazardous substances Symbols on labels safety data sheets signs 23

25 24 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION HAZARDOUS SUBstANCE INFORMATIon Labels, safety data sheets and signs are all sources of information that warn people about the risks of the hazardous substances at your workplace. LABEL ALL HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes Manufacturers and suppliers must sell you products that are correctly labelled, but you must make sure that the label stays on the container and continues to be readable. If a hazardous substance is decanted from one container into another, the receiving container must also be labelled. It s never safe to have hazardous substances in unlabelled containers because people may become confused about what hazardous substance they are using and not take the necessary safety precautions. Never put hazardous substances in food or drink containers because people may eat or drink it by mistake. Staff must always read the label before using a hazardous substance so they know what they are dealing with. symbols on LABels Many countries are adopting the GHS system 1 of labelling hazardous products. Part of this system includes the use of symbols (pictograms) to immediately warn people about the hazards of products. You are likely to see these symbols or the transport of dangerous goods symbols more and more often on the labels of your products. The symbols to look out for on products are shown in the table on pages Learn what these symbols mean so that you can immediately recognise the hazards of the products you use. The Know the Hazards Poster in the Toolbox will also help your staff to become familiar with these symbols. 1 Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

26 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 25 PHYSICAL HAZARDS Type of hazard GHS symbol Transport of Dangerous Goods symbols Flammables These pictograms refer to flammable substances. Flammable gases or Flammable liquids or Flammable solid Spontaneously combustible Dangerous when wet or

27 26 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION PHYSICAL HAZARDS Type of hazard GHS symbol Transport of Dangerous Goods symbols Oxidisers These symbols are for products with oxidising properties. The products could be gas, solid or liquid and can cause or intensify fire and explosion. Keep products with these symbols well away from flammable products. Organic peroxides Organic peroxides may contribute to fire, explosion or chemical decomposition. or Corrosives Products with these symbols are corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. They may also be corrosive to metals. Gases under pressure Products with these symbols are products where gas is kept under pressure. These products may explode when heated. If they are refrigerated gases they may cause cryogenic burns or injuries. Even normally safe gases can be dangerous when pressurised. or

28 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 27 HEALTH HAZARDS Type of hazard GHS symbol Transport of Dangerous Goods symbols Acute toxicity Products with these symbols are acutely toxic. If you see these symbols on the label you need to be aware that you are handling very dangerous products that could cause death if they come into contact with skin or you inhale or ingest them. Acutely toxic gas Toxic gas Less severe acute health hazards Products with this symbol may cause one or more of the following: skin sensitisation, skin and eye irritation respiratory irritation, or drowsiness or dizziness. Chronic (longterm) health hazards Products with this symbol can cause chronic health issues if people are exposed to the product. These products can: cause cancer cause mutations affect fertility cause damage to an unborn child, and cause allergies, asthma or breathing difficulties when inhaled. They can also be respiratory sensitisers. No dangerous goods symbols No dangerous goods symbols

29 28 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION ENVIRonMentAL HAZARDS Type of hazard GHS symbol Transport of Dangerous Goods symbols Environmental hazard Products with this symbol are toxic to the environment. SignAL words You may also see signal words on the label such as DANGER and WARNING. DANGER is used for the most dangerous substances, while WARNING is used for less dangerous substances. Products imported from Australia might use the signal words CAUTION, POISON or DANGEROUS POISON. CAUTION is used for the least dangerous while DANGEROUS POISON is used for the most dangerous substances. HAZARD statements Hazard statements may also be on the label. These statements alert you to the harm that the product can cause for example, MAY CAUSE MILD SKIN IRRITATION. PreCAUtionARY statements Precautionary statements are phrases on the label that describe the recommended measures that should be taken to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposures to a hazardous product, or from improper storage or handling of a hazardous product, for example, KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN, or, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

30 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 29 The GHS LABel shown below is an example of WHAt to look for Mineral Turpentine Pictograms DANGER Signal Word KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN Flammable liquid and vapour May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways Causes mild skin irritation Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Hazard Statements Precautionary Statements Preventative measures Read label before use. Keep away from heat and ignition sources. No smoking. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Avoid inhaling vapour, use only with adequate ventilation. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using or handling this product. First Aid If skin rash or irritation occurs get medical attention. Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of soap and water. If swallowed, immediately call Poisons Centre (0800 POISON) or get medical attention. Do NOT induce vomiting. If medical advice is needed, have product or label at hand. Emergency Response Measures In case of fire use CO 2 dry chemical or foam extinguisher. Absorb spilled liquid with sand or inert material. Storage Store locked up, in a well-ventilated place and keep containers cool. Disposal Avoid release to the environment. Do not allow to enter drains or waterways. Dispose of this material and its container to a hazardous or special waste collection point. Supplier information including emergency phone number HSNO approval number: HSR001482

31 30 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION SAFetY DATA SHeets Having a current safety data sheet (SDS) for each hazardous substance and understanding it is essential. If you don t have an SDS ask your supplier to give you one. Also ask your supplier to give you an updated SDS if the one you have is more than five years old. Your supplier has a legal obligation to provide you with information about the substances they sell you. An sds provides important information about the hazards of a substance and how to handle, store, transport and dispose of it safely. Safety data sheets also provide first aid information, information about the personal protective equipment that the person handling the substance should wear and what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a spill or fire. Safety data sheets usually include the following 16 headings: Section 1 Product name and emergency telephone number of the manufacturer/supplier d Section 3 Composition/information on ingredients Section 4 First aid measures Section 5 Fire fighting measures Section 6 Accidental spill/release measures Section 7 Handling and storage Section 8 Exposure controls/personal protective equipment Section 9 Physical and chemical properties Section 10 Stability and reactivity d Section 2 Hazards identification (this is where the classification should be found) Section 11 Toxicological information (this is where information on health effects can be found) Section 12 Ecological information (this is where information on environmental effects can be found) Section 13 Disposal considerations Section 14 Transport information (this is where the UN class and packing group can be found) Section 15 Regulatory information (information specific to Hsno may be found here) Section 16 Other information. As the employer, you need to read the SDSs to find out the harm the hazardous substances used at your workplace can cause and how you can protect your staff.

32 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 31 You then need to explain to staff handling hazardous substances the hazards of the substances they use and how they can protect themselves. Safety data sheets can be difficult for people to understand, particularly if they have reading problems or where English is a second language. So, it s important that you take the time to explain this information to your staff and don t leave them to read the SDSs on their own. Staff also need to know where the SDSs are stored and be able to access them quickly in the event of an emergency. SIGns Signs are required when you have amounts of hazardous substances over certain limits. Use the Hsno Calculator to help you work out whether you are required to have signs in place. Even if you aren t required to have signs, it s best practice to always have them as they warn visitors and emergency services that hazardous substances are present. Emergency services rely on signs when they respond to an emergency to decide on the course of action they will take and the protective equipment they will wear. WHAt to put on the sign Signs must be made out of a durable material and clearly show in plain English or in pictograms: 1. That hazardous substances are present. The word HAZCHEM is recognised worldwide to warn that hazardous substances are present. DANGER or WARNING can also be used to warn that hazardous substances are present. 2. The hazardous property of the substance and the type of hazard of each substance present. The hazardous property of a substance indicates the harm that the substance could cause, for example, the substance might be a flammable liquid. It s important to note that most hazardous substances have multiple hazard classifications and you might be over the limit for more than one hazard classification. If you are, you will need to show more than one hazard on your sign. The example signs for diesel on page 32 help illustrate this. 3. For flammable or oxidising substances, precautions such as keep away or no smoking, to prevent unintended ignition, combustion, or thermal decomposition. 4. Emergency actions such as Call Emergency Services Dial 111, or for ecotoxic substances, In an emergency protect waterways.

33 B B 32 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION The sign below GIVes an example of each of these requirements 1B 2B HAZCHEM IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 111 FIRE POLICE AMBULANCE 24hr COMPANY CONTACT XX XXX XXXX 4 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AREA NO SMOKING 3 ExAMPLe signs for DIesel Diesel has the following classifications: 3.1D, 6.1E, 6.3B, 6.7B and 9.1B. Only the 3.1D and 9.1B classifications trigger the requirement to have signs. HSNO requires you to state on your sign that you store flammable substances when you have 10,000 L or more of a 3.1D substance. HSNO also requires that you state that you have ecotoxic substances on your site when you have 1,000 L or more of a 9.1B substance. So if you are storing 1,000 L or more of diesel your sign would look like the following: HAZCHEM If you are storing 10,000 L or more of diesel your sign would look like the following: HAZCHEM IN CASE OF SPILL CALL REGIONAL COUNCIL POLLUTION HOTLINE 0800 XXX XXX TOXIC TO AQUATIC LIFE CONTAIN SPILLS, PROTECT WATERWAYS IN CASE OF FIRE CALL 111 ASK FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT IN CASE OF SPILL CALL REGIONAL COUNCIL POLLUTION HOTLINE 0800 XXX XXX COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES NO SMOKING TOXIC TO AQUATIC LIFE CONTAIN SPILLS, PROTECT WATERWAYS

34 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 33 Where to PUt signs Signs need to be put close to where the hazardous substances are stored, but not too close. People need to be warned of the danger before coming across the hazardous substances. Signs mustn t be put in places where they may be hien. For example, do not put them: beside doors or gates that cover the sign when the doors or gates are opened, or above doors, or anywhere the sign may be concealed by smoke in an emergency. When hazardous substances are stored inside a building, signs must be put at each entrance to the building. If the hazardous substances are in a particular room within a building, the entrance to that room must also have a sign. You must also place a sign at the entrance to the land where the building is located. If the hazardous substances are located outdoors or in a tank, a sign must be positioned immediately next to that area or tank. A key test is to look at the outside of your workplace building or inside your building where your hazardous substances are stored (such as your storage cabinet or dangerous goods store) and ask yourself: What will tell emergency services about the hazards lurking inside?. WORKSHOP DANGEROUS GOODS STORE SIGN DOOR SIGN TANK Having signs to warn people and emergency services about the hazardous substances used and stored at a site is a control under HSNO. This illustration shows where signs should be placed at a site. SIGN DOOR SIGN OFFICE ENTRANCE SIGN

35 34 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION Where to get a sign Safety equipment suppliers can provide you with the right signs. Check the Yellow Pages or the internet for safety equipment suppliers in your area. FURTHER INFORMATIon Signs The code of practice Signage for Premises storing Hazardous Substances (HSNOCOP 2) explains the requirements for signs and can be purchased from Responsible Care New Zealand (RCNZ), in hard copy or CD format. See A copy of the code is available for viewing at the EPA office in Wellington.

36 STORE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SAFELY SuitABLe containers incompatibles gas cylinders Oxy-Acetylene welding flammable substances 35

37 36 STORE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SAFELY STORE HAZARDOUS SUBstANCes SAFELY Storing hazardous substances safely is an important part of protecting you and your staff. SUITABLE ContAIneRS It s best to keep your hazardous substances in the containers they are bought in. But if you need to decant a substance into a smaller container make sure you transfer it into a clean container that is made out of a material that does not react with the hazardous substance. Check your safety data sheet to find out what your substance can be stored in safely. You must also make sure that the new container is properly labelled and is immediately identifiable as holding a hazardous substance. NEVER store hazardous substances in food or drink containers it s just too easy for someone else to get confused about what s in the container even if it is labelled. Too often people are seriously harmed after accidently drinking hazardous substances stored in drink containers. INCOMPATIBLes Not all hazardous substances can be stored together safely. Different types of substances can cause a fire or explosion if they come into contact with each other. These substances are often described as incompatible and it s important that they are stored separately to prevent the substances from mixing if a leak or spill were to occur. The safety data sheet for a hazardous substance will tell you which substances and materials it should be kept away from, but the box below provides some general guidance. IncoMPAtIBLe substances GeneRAL GUIDAnce Hazardous substance type: Flammable gases (class 2.1.1) Flammable liquids (class 3) Oxidising substances (class 5.1) Organic peroxides (class 5.2) Keep away from: Flammable aerosols (class 2.1.2); flammable liquids (class 3); class 4 substances; oxidising substances; organic peroxides (class 5). Flammable gases and aerosols (class 2); class 4 substances; oxidising substances; organic peroxides (class 5). All other types of hazardous substances (including organic peroxides). All other types of hazardous substances (including oxidisers).