Table of Contents
- 1 Where do you get information on the toxicity of the materials that you are working with?
- 2 How do you handle hazardous materials and substances?
- 3 How do you handle hazardous substances in the workplace?
- 4 How can you prevent exposure to hazardous substances?
- 5 How can we prevent harmful substances?
- 6 What do you need to know about hazardous substances?
- 7 What are the laws on hazardous substances in Victoria?
Where do you get information on the toxicity of the materials that you are working with?
The MSDS and container label for a particular toxic material should give specific first aid instructions in case of exposure by skin or eye contact, inhalation, or swallowing.
How do you handle hazardous materials and substances?
Limiting the amount of each substance stored at any one time. Keeping flammable substances away from areas that could cause them to ignite. Minimising the risk of leakage. Raising hazardous fluids above ground away from risks.
Which regulation assess the risk of hazardous substances?
The COSHH Regulations
The COSHH Regulations require employers to assess the risk to their employees, and to prevent or adequately control those risks. Sometimes, it’s easy to judge the amount of exposure to substances and decide what you can do about it.
Where can you get information about a hazardous substance?
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information about a hazardous substance or dangerous good. It gives more information than you will find on a label.
How do you handle hazardous substances in the workplace?
Reducing exposure to hazardous substances 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.
How can you prevent exposure to hazardous substances?
You can do this by:
- using control equipment, eg total enclosure, partial enclosure, LEV;
- controlling procedures, eg ways of working, supervision and training to reduce exposure, maintenance, examination and testing of control measures;
- worker behaviour, making sure employees follow the control measures.
How are hazards risks?
A hazard is something that can cause harm, e.g. electricity, chemicals, working up a ladder, noise, a keyboard, a bully at work, stress, etc. A risk is the chance, high or low, that any hazard will actually cause somebody harm. The risk of personal danger may be high.
What is Coshh risk assessment?
A COSHH assessment concentrates on the hazards and risks from hazardous substances in your workplace. Remember that health hazards are not limited to substances labelled as ‘hazardous’. Some harmful substances can be produced by the process you use, eg wood dust from sanding, or silica dust from tile cutting.
How can we prevent harmful substances?
10 Steps to Avoid Toxic Chemicals
- Make Your Own Cleaning Products.
- Avoid Fragrance.
- Give Your Personal Care Products a Makeover.
- Go “BPA-Free”
- Quit the Quats.
- Choose Alternatives to Plastics (where possible)
- Keep Harmful Chemicals Out of the House.
- Turn Down the Heat on Non-Stick Cookware.
What do you need to know about hazardous substances?
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. Many industrial, agricultural and medical organisations use hazardous substances.
What are the rules for handling hazardous materials?
Rule #6. Use all materials solely for their intended purpose. Don’t, for example, use solvents to clean your hands, or gasoline to wipe down equipment. Rule #7. Never eat or drink while handling any materials, and if your hands are contaminated, don’t use cosmetics or handle contact lenses.
What to do if you find a hazardous substance in your workplace?
Publications include: Hazardous substances: safety basics . In an emergency dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Otherwise, see your doctor immediately for treatment, information and referral. Notify your employer. Try not to handle the hazardous substance again.
What are the laws on hazardous substances in Victoria?
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.