Means any of the following carried out at a workplace—
a) Work that exposes a person to lead dust, or lead fume, arising from the manufacture or handling of dry lead compounds;
b) Work connected with the manufacture, assembly, handling or repair of, or parts of, batteries containing lead that involves the manipulation of dry lead compounds, or pasting or casting lead;
c) Breaking up, or dismantling batteries containing lead, or sorting, packing and handling plates or other parts containing lead that are removed or recovered from batteries;
d) Spraying molten lead, or alloys containing more than 5% by weight of lead metal;
e) Melting or casting lead alloys containing more than 5% by weight of lead in which the temperature of the molten material exceeds 450ºC;
f) Recovering lead from its ores, oxides or other compounds by thermal reduction process; g) Dry machine grinding, discing, buffing or cutting by power tools alloys containing more than
5% by weight of lead metal;
h) Machine sanding or buffing surfaces coated with paint containing more than 1% by dry weight of lead;
i) A process by which electric arc, oxyacetylene, oxy gas, plasma arc or a flame is applied for welding, cutting or cleaning, to the surface of metal coated with lead or paint containing more than 1% by dry weight of lead metal;
j) Radiator repairs that may cause exposure to lead dust or lead fumes; k) Fire assays if lead, lead compounds or lead alloys are used
l) Hand grinding and finishing lead or alloys containing more than 50% by dry weight of lead; m) Spray painting with lead paint containing more than 1% by dry weight of lead;
n) Melting lead or alloys containing more than 50% by weight of lead metal if the exposed surface area of the molten material exceeds 0.1m2. and the temperature of the material does not exceed 450ºC;
o) Using a power tool, including abrasive blasting and high pressure water jets, to remove surface coated with paint containing more than 1% by dry weight of lead and handling waste containing lead resulting from the removal;
p) A process that exposes a person to lead dust or lead fumes arising from manufacturing or testing detonators or other explosives that contain lead;
q) A process that exposes a person to lead dust or lead fumes arising from firing weapons in an indoor firing range;
r) Foundry processes involving –
i) Melting or casting lead alloys containing more than 1% by weight of lead metal in which the temperature of the molten material exceeds 450ºC; or
ii) Dry machine grinding, discing, buffing or cutting by power tools lead alloys, containing more than 1% by weight of lead metal.
PROCEDURE
Hutchinson Builders and subcontracted personnel are to comply with the relevant provisions of the following procedural requirements and legislative references. The typical hazards addressed by this procedure include:
HAZARDS RISK (Potential)
Exposure to a hazardous substance via inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin or mucus membranes.
Environmental contamination Property damage
High
Emergency Procedures
With the potentially high hazard risk involved with the use, storage and interaction with hazardous & dangerous substances Hutchinson Builders, in accordance with QLD legislation and Codes of Practice implement a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (See WHSMP – Appendix 8) for the effective and organised response in all emergency situations.
Monitoring
The Code of Practice stipulates the requirement for health monitoring in the event there is an increased risk of exposure to chemical substances. Hutchinson builders utilise air monitoring devices on sites that pose a risk of exposure to hazardous chemical substances.
Hutchinson builders also recognise as a part of the duty of care that:
All workers exposed to hazardous chemicals are informed and supplied with a record of the hazardous chemical to which they were potentially exposed; and
Allow the potentially worker to inspect the record at any time. Prohibited and notifiable substances
1. Prohibited substances will not be used for prohibited purposes (relating specifically to asbestos) as described under the relevant state legislation.
2. Where the use of a substance requires notification to the relevant state authority, that authority will be notified as required.
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Register
3. A Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Substances Register [refer to HB-HSEQ-F-040] shall be maintained for any Hutchinson Builders operated workplace where hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods are stored or used, including projects.
The register must contain:
a. The date the substance was introduced to the site b. The name of the product
c. Product manufacturer d. Classification of product
i. Dangerous goods ii. Hazardous substances
f. If a risk assessment has been completed for the substance; g. the quantity typically stored on site;
h. the date the substance was removed from site i. ADG/ Hazardous Class;
j. Any special storage requirements must be listed in the appointed space, and the requirement for k. Area bunding around the substance.
4. The register and SDS’s shall be located in a readily accessible position to any Hutchinson Builders employee or subcontracted worker at the workplace.
Subcontractor Requirements
5. In addition to Provision 1, each subcontractor involved with project works shall ensure the following issues are complied with:
a. SDS dated within the last five (5) years are to be given to Hutchinson Builders as part of site specific Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and a copy kept with the product on site;
b. Risk assessments for each substance (and its uses) shall be carried out prior to the hazardous substances being brought onto site, as part of site specific SWMS.
(NOTE: Risk Assessments should be maintained for a period not less than 30 years where atmospheric monitoring or health surveillance is required, and not less than 5 years in other circumstances);
c. ALL containers in which hazardous substances are stored shall be appropriately labelled;
d. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are developed for the use of hazardous substances or processes representing significant risks to users;
e. Details of instruction, training and supervisory requirements for the use of the hazardous substances, is to form part of site specific SWMS;
f. An incombustible storage depot for any dangerous goods over the exemption limit detailed in the relevant state Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation or Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
g. An emergency plan developed for any significant risks associated with any hazardous materials on site; h. A fire extinguisher provided to any area where a hazardous material shows a significant fire risk;
i. Personal protective equipment provided for use with the hazardous substances in accordance with the SDS and SWMS; and
j. Personnel trained in the hazards associated with the hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods and in the correct use and maintenance of personal protective equipment – to be recorded on form HB-HSEQ-F-097. Labeling of Containers and Enclosed Systems
6. Containers holding hazardous materials (including those which have been decanted or diluted) must be clearly labelled, and state the following information as appropriate.
Table: Provisions for use and the necessary labelling components required for legislative compliance.
Provisions for Use Labelling Required
Substance decanted and stored in container, which
will not be used immediately and container will not be emptied and cleaned immediately after use.
The following must be present for regulation compliance:
Is written in English
product identifier (name)
manufacturer or importers Australian contact details (phone number(s) and address);
identity and proportion disclosed, in accordance with Schedule 8 of the WHS Regulation for each chemical
ingredient;
any hazard pictogram(s) consistent with the correct classification(s) of the chemical;
any hazard statement(s), signal word and precautionary statement(s) that is consistent with the correct classification(s) of the chemical;
any information about the hazards, first aid and emergency procedures relevant to the chemical, which are not otherwise included in the hazard statement or precautionary statement, and
Expiry date (if applicable).
Additional phone numbers, poison hotlines, postal and internet addressed may be included.
Decanted substance to be used immediately and container emptied and cleaned after use.
Labelling is not required if the person who uses and decants the substance, is aware of safe use instructions and, the containers entire contents is to be used immediately and the container cleaned after use.
7. Container labels are not to be interfered with in any way and should be maintained in good condition and be easily read. If the label on a hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods container has been damaged a new label is to be attached to the container listing all required information.
8. When there is an unknown substance the container is to be labelled ‘Unknown Substance Do not use’, and placed in secured area, and disposed of as per instructions from authorities, in the event the substance cannot be identified.
9. Any enclosed system (i.e. pipe work, tanks, etc) containing hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods will be identified and fitted with appropriate labelling or placarding so that the contents of the tank or pipe work can be readily identified.
10. Pipe and tank labelling must comply with the relevant Australian Standard/s and legislation. (E.g. AS 1345 Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts).
Storage and Handling
11. All hazardous substances and dangerous goods will be safely stored in accordance with legislative requirements. For example:
a. Incompatible substances will not be stored together (refer to compatibility tables located in Annexure A of this procedure and to the substances SDS for more specific information);
b. Appropriate security provisions will be in place to prevent unauthorised access to hazardous materials stores including the locking of stores that hold corrosive substances;
c. Checks will be made to ensure that dangerous goods packages delivered to a site are labelled in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code;
d. Appropriate placarding and signage will be correctly located on the outside of dangerous goods storage areas and site perimeter as required by the relevant state Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act and Regulations or Work Health and Safety Regulations.
e. Licenses shall be obtained or notifications made as per the requirements of the relevant state Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act and Regulations or Work Health and Safety Regulations.
f. Appropriate fire protection and other emergency equipment will be provided (e.g. first aid equipment, and emergency eye wash and safety showers);
g. Where required, emergency procedures will include processes for dealing with any potential dangerous goods related emergencies (e.g. spills, gas leaks and fires);
h. Hutchinson Builders’ employees required to deal with dangerous goods related emergencies should be trained in the relevant procedures;
i. Hazardous materials will be stored in bunded and hardstand areas in accordance with applicable licence conditions and/or Australian Standards (e.g. AS 1940 – The storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids). The bunded area should be roofed if practicable;
j. All transfer or decanting of hazardous materials should be conducted in bunded areas that are roofed if practicable;
k. Ensure all containers of hazardous materials are in good condition with no damage/corrosion or leaking of contents;
l. Equipment (e.g. spill kit materials) must be available for the containment, recovery and clean up of any spillages;
m. The spillage and clean up materials should be contained and disposed of appropriately;
n. Hazardous materials should not be stored or used in proximity to any waters or where it can be potentially released to waters such as stormwater drains;
o. Periodic inspection of tanks, pipe work and associated systems and areas used for the storage and handling of dangerous goods;
p. The installation of vehicle protection bollards for dangerous goods stores and tanks which may be liable to damage from manoeuvring vehicles, including forklifts.
12. Hazardous materials should only be handled by people who are skilled to do so (i.e. they have received the appropriate training in hazardous materials and in the use of any required personal protective equipment (PPE)). 13. Relevant PPE must be provided and used to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials.
14. Hazardous materials will be used according to the label and SDS directions. Risk Assessments
15. All hazardous substances and dangerous goods used by Hutchinson Builders’ employees shall have a risk assessment completed by a competent person. Where necessary, a team approach may be adopted to ensure appropriate skills are available for the assessment, including the end users, managers and supervisors from the appropriate areas and recorded on Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment Form HB-HSEQ-F-040-A.
16. The completed risk assessment should comply with the requirements of the relevant state authorities for the control of workplace hazardous substances and applicable Dangerous Goods Legislation.
17. Where the assessment identifies that the risk is not adequately controlled by current strategies, the relevant manager must ensure that appropriate controls are implemented as soon as practical, and prior to the use of the substance.
18. Dated Risk Assessment Records must be retained for a period of not less than:
a. Where a risk assessment shows a hazardous substances use causes a ‘significant’ degree of risk and/or atmospheric monitoring or health surveillance is required- 30 years; or
b. Where a risk assessment shows a hazardous substances use does not cause a ‘significant’ degree of risk - 5 years.
19. Risk assessments will be reviewed and/or amended:
a. Where changes have been made to the storage or handling processes;
[Example: Original assessment considered a substances use in a well ventilated ‘open’ area. New application requires substance to be used in an enclosed area with poor ventilation. A risk assessment must be conducted to determine hazards created by the ‘new’ application and to identify appropriate controls that should be implemented when using the substance in an enclosed space]
b. Where the SDS or safety information associated with a substance is amended; c. Where new or improved control measures are implemented;
d. Following an incident involving a hazardous material;
e. Where monitoring or health surveillance identifies levels exceeding recommended limits; and f. At intervals not exceeding 5 years from the date of the initial assessment.
Health Surveillance
20. Hutchinson Builders’ will provide health surveillance for any employee who is exposed to a hazardous substance if there is a risk to the health of the employee as a result of that exposure, and:
a. The hazardous substance is referred to in the applicable legislation (i.e. Schedule 14, column 2 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011); or
b. The exposure to any other hazardous substance is such that:
i. An identifiable disease or other effect on health may be related to the exposure, and
ii. There is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or other effect on health may occur under the particular conditions of work, and
iii. There is available an effective technique for detecting indications of the disease or other effect on health.
[Note: Examples of hazardous substances requiring health surveillance include, but are not limited to: Asbestos, Benzene, Crystalline Silica, Isocyanates, and Lead (inorganic)].
21. Hutchinson Builders will also provide biological monitoring for an employee if there is a reasonable likelihood that the employee could be exposed to levels of a hazardous substance that could be a risk to health and an effective procedure for the biological monitoring of those levels is available.
22. In addition to the health surveillance / biological monitoring requirements for hazardous substances, the following applies in relation to lead:
a. Where the risk assessment shows that a process includes a lead risk job/work, health surveillance will be provided to any worker who is starting work in the lead risk job or who already works in the job.
b. The specific requirements (including intervals for testing) of the relevant state legislation regarding health surveillance/biological monitoring will be met.
23. If health surveillance is required for Hutchinson Builders’ employees it is to be performed under the supervision of an authorised medical practitioner or designated doctor and if the health surveillance is for a substance listed in the relevant legislation the corresponding listed procedures must be included in the health surveillance. 24. For lead, where the designated doctor/authorised medical practitioner requests the relevant risk assessment
record this is to be provided.
25. When selecting an authorised medical practitioner/designated doctor to perform the health surveillance Hutchinson Builders will consult with the relevant employees and workplace health and safety representatives. 26. Hutchinson Builders will pay for all costs associated with the employees’ health surveillance.
27. The authorised medical practitioner/designated doctor must provide Hutchinson Builders and the employee concerned with a copy of the Health Surveillance Report (outcome of health surveillance and any required preventative or remedial action) and a copy of the report must be kept on record for 30 years.
28. Any medical records relating to the health surveillance can only be obtained by Hutchinson Builders with the employee’s written consent. Hutchinson Builders must maintain any medical records in a confidential manner and not disclose the contents of the medical record to any person other than the employee concerned without their written consent.
29. For lead, the results of the health surveillance will be provided to Work Health and Safety Queensland (Qld) on the approved form within 6 months of receiving the health surveillance report.
30. Relevant state OHS authorities, as the case requires, is to be notified of any adverse result detected in the health surveillance that is consistent with exposure to a hazardous substance referred to in the applicable legislation. 31. The project risk assessment is to consider the specific health surveillance issues for the project.
Atmospheric Monitoring
32. If a risk assessment for a hazardous substance/lead used by Hutchinson Builders employees indicates that monitoring of atmospheric contaminants should be undertaken Hutchinson Builders must ensure that:
a. Appropriate monitoring is undertaken in accordance with a suitable procedure; and b. The results of the monitoring are recorded; and
c. Any employee or other person working at the site who may be or may have been exposed to an atmospheric contaminant that has been monitored is provided with the results of the monitoring; and
d. The monitoring records are readily accessible to the relevant employee or person.
33. In the event the works are on a long term basis or in a fixed location Section 34 of the WHS Regulations stipulates the retesting of the workplace should occur every 5 years following a positive contaminant reading.
Safe Work Method Statements
34. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is to be developed and/or reviewed and used whenever Hutchinson Builders’ employees use hazardous substances as part of construction work. Development of the SWMS must