Hazardous Chemicals on Site
reg 36 · reg 44
Why it matters
Solvents, adhesives, sealants, fuels, and paints are everyday gear, and every one of them has a safety data sheet for a reason. The harm is rarely dramatic: it is headaches, dermatitis, and breathing problems that build up. Read the label, know where the SDS is, and treat the fumes you cannot smell as seriously as the ones you can.
Hazards
- ⚠ Breathing solvent and adhesive vapours in enclosed areas
- ⚠ Skin contact causing dermatitis and burns
- ⚠ Flammable products near hot work or ignition sources
- ⚠ Mixing incompatible chemicals
- ⚠ No safety data sheet available for a product in use
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Apply the hierarchy of controls (reg 36): substitute a less hazardous product, ventilate, then use PPE.
- ✓ Keep the safety data sheet for every chemical on site and read it before use.
- ✓ Ventilate enclosed areas and use the respiratory protection the SDS calls for (reg 44).
- ✓ Wear the right gloves and eye protection for the product.
- ✓ Store flammables correctly and keep them away from hot work and ignition sources.
- ✓ Never decant into unlabelled containers, and never mix products.
Crew discussion questions
- Which chemicals are we using today, and where are the SDS?
- Are we working in an enclosed area that needs ventilation?
- What PPE does the SDS call for, and do we have it?
- Is there any hot work near flammable products?
Applicable WHS citations
reg 36, reg 44
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