Hazardous Substances

 

Definitions:

‘Hazardous substances’ are substances that have the potential to harm human health. They may be solids, liquids or gases; they may be pure substances or mixtures. When used in the workplace, these substances often generate vapors, fumes, dusts and mists. A wide range of industrial, laboratory and agricultural chemicals are classified as hazardous.

 

Hazardous chemicals may enter the human body in a number of ways, depending on the substance and how it is used (the nature of the work). The major routes of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace are inhalation and skin contact or absorption.

Hazardous substances may cause immediate or long term health effects. Exposure to these substances may result in poisoning, irritation, chemical burns, sensitisation, cancer, birth defects or diseases of certain organs such as skin, lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. The severity of the health effects depends on the substance and the dose absorbed.

 

 

Consistent with section 21 of the OH&S ACT 2004, EnviroPoles ensures that every effort is made to provide and maintain for employee’s and subcontractor’s working environment that is safe and without risk to health in the workplace. In doing so, and pursuant to sections 21 of the OHS Act, EnviroPoles ensures that all aspects concerning the use, handling and storage of any hazardous goods including waste collected, is carried out in accordance with both legislative requirements and with due consideration to the health and safety of all persons in the workplace, whether directly employed or subcontracted with EnviroPoles and for any other person who may be on site whilst attended by EnviroPoles personnel.

 

 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES HANDLING PROCESSES

 

In order to achieve, control and monitor the safe storage and use of all hazardous substances in the workplace, EnviroPoles maintains that the following takes place: