Duties of PCBUs, manufacturers and importers

A risk assessment must be carried out to identify which hazardous chemicals are present on site and what could happen if workers are exposed to them. Any controls put in place must follow the hierarchy of controls, starting with the most effective options.

A risk assessment will help you to:

• identify which workers are at risk of exposure
• determine what sources and processes are causing that risk
• identify whether control measures are needed and what kind
• check the effectiveness of existing control measures.

If the hazards and risks are well understood and there are accepted ways to control them, a formal risk assessment may not be needed. For example, if there are only a few chemicals in the workplace and you already know the risks and how to manage them, you can implement the controls.

Any competent person can carry out a hazardous chemicals risk assessment. Simple assessments can be done in-house. More complex ones may require an expert, such as an occupational hygienist. You can find consultants online by searching ‘occupational hygiene’. Some occupational hygienists are listed by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.

Guidance on conducting a risk assessment is available in the Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace: Code of practice. 

Your risk assessment will help you decide if air monitoring is needed. Some signs that monitoring may be required include:

• frequent or long duration use of a chemical or process which generates hazardous vapour, dust, mist or fume
• efficiency of ventilation is not known or no mechanical ventilation
• people in the workplace are complaining of health concerns that may be due to the vapour, dust, mist or fume
• the potential for serious health effects if controls are inadequate
• a complex work environment and it is difficult to estimate exposure.

Some substances are dangerous even at low levels, such as respirable crystalline silica. For these, air monitoring should be done regularly to check that controls are working.

If you are unsure whether air monitoring is required, consult an occupational hygienist for advice.

Before introducing a hazardous chemical into the workplace, conduct a risk assessment that addresses the following questions.

• Is the substance actually needed for the task?
• Is there a safer alternative?
• How can the chemical and its waste be disposed of safely?
• What quantity needs to be kept and how can it be stored safely?
• Is a licence or permit required? Are there any legal safety requirements for the substance (e.g. hydrofluoric acid, mercury)?

Some hazardous chemicals may be generated by work activities, such as silica dust, fibres, welding fumes and diesel exhaust. These hazards must also be identified and controlled.