Hazardous substances

Hazardous substances are dangerous. How dangerous depends on the type of substance, what it is made of, the way it enters the body, and the amount of substance that enters the body. A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to you.

The types of hazardous substances you may encounter in the workplace vary according to the industry you work in.

Construction

Hazardous substances commonly used or found in the building and construction industry include paints, solvents, glues, sealants, particle fibreboard, medium-density fibreboard, insulation material, concrete, cements, cement finishes, grease, oils, fuels, asbestos and wood dust.

Hospitality and tourism

The most common hazardous substances in the hospitality and tourism industry are chemical cleaning agents. Agents such as antiseptic for a cut, detergents, cleaning fluids, polishes and air fresheners are used daily and can present risks to health and safety.

Health and community services

The most common hazardous substances in the health and community services industry are cleaning products, detergents, disinfectants, medical supplies and medical waste are examples of hazardous substances that are prevalent in the health and community services industry.

Short and longer term effects

Hazardous substances may be in the form of a solid, liquid or gas. Exposure can occur through contact with the skin or eyes, or via the respiratory or digestive systems. Exposure may cause harmful health effects, either immediately or over a longer term. Potential harmful effects include dizziness, nausea, itchiness, skin poisoning, chemical burns, dermatitis or respiratory diseases. The severity of the health effects depends on the substance and the amount absorbed by the individual.

For further information please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Labelling and decanting

Suppliers and person conducting a business or undertaking have specific labelling obligations for all dangerous substance containers in the workplace.

The label must be in English and contain the following:

name of the product
risk and safety phrases that gives information about the substance's or lead's hazards
dangerous goods information as stated in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
chemical names of particularly hazardous ingredients
chemical or generic names of certain other ingredients

A safety data sheet is provided by the manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances. The safety data sheet provides detailed information on a hazardous substance including:

the dangerous substance's product name
the chemical and generic name of certain ingredients and the proportion of the ingredient in the substance
the chemical and physical properties of the substance
health and safety hazard information
information for its safe use and handling
first aid information
the manufacturer's or importer's name, Australian address and Australian phone number

In regards to safety data sheet a person conducting a business or undertaking must:

obtain a safety data sheet of a dangerous substance from the supplier
keep a register containing a list of all dangerous substances used at the workplace and put a copy of any safety data sheet obtained in the register
take reasonable steps to ensure the safety data sheet is not changed other than by the manufacturer or importer
keep the safety data sheet close to where the substance is being used
ensure a label is fixed to a dangerous substance container
train workers how to read and interpret a safety data sheet

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation that occurs when a substance comes into contact with the skin and causes irritation. The skin may become red, swollen, tender, hot, painful or itchy. If the reaction is severe, the skin may blister or weep and become cracked or crusty.

A range of substances can cause contact dermatitis, including:

industrial chemicals
manufactured products
metal objects
natural plant and animal products

Different people will react differently to each substance and some workers may have no reaction at all. Some substances may have an immediate and obvious effect on the skin. Other substances could be used regularly for a long time before the skin begins to react. After the first reaction occurs, dermatitis will develop fairly quickly each time there is contact with that substance. As well as causing pain or discomfort, dermatitis can, in some cases, mean long periods away from work.

Reducing the risk

It is the responsibility of the person conducting a business or undertaking to provide safe work procedures, information, training and supervision for workers handling hazardous substances. If procedures are not followed and appropriate personal protective equipment used correctly workers may suffer symptoms of dizziness, nausea, itchy eyes or itchy skin almost immediately. Other symptoms such as dermatitis or cancer may develop gradually over a much longer period of time.

The risk of injury can be reduced by:

reading and following the manufacturer or supplier's written instructions and safety data sheet
following safe work procedure
ensuring all chemical containers are clearly labelled
not decanting chemicals into other containers, such as milk or drink bottles
always using barrier cream and wearing the appropriate safety equipment such as protective gloves provided by the person conducting a business or undertaking
not eating, drinking or smoking while working with a hazardous substance
not keeping food or drink near the substance
thoroughly washing hands before going to the toilet or eating and drinking

All workers should be trained in first aid treatment for the hazardous substances they handle.