WHS 123a | 23
4. DANGEROUS GOODS AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Hazardous substances are chemicals, organic matter and other substances which pose a health risk when people are exposed
to them. These may include glues, paints, solvents, corrosives, adhesives, thinners, cleaning solutions, chemicals, flammable
and Dangerous Goods. Dangerous goods are hazardous substances that are also explosive or flammable in nature with storage
required that is fit for purpose.
All chemicals will be included in the hazardous substances register and have their current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) present for
each chemical on the register. All workers shall have access to information about the chemicals in the event of a spillage or
exposure, even where workers would not normally use the chemicals directly. Quantities of
hazardous substances stored for use shall be kept to a minimum.
A hazardous substances register will be developed to record any substances purchased or used by the
(see Attachment 11). This will be reviewed on a regular basis.
5. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Failure to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition, or to use equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
may result in injury or death to workers or other parties.
All electrical equipment must be protected from damage, used safely and checked regularly. In addition, there are other
requirements that must also be implemented for ‘specified electrical equipment’. These requirements include combinations of
testing and recording and connection to safety switches.
Regular inspection and testing of in-service electrical equipment by a competent person is a way to ensure this safety duty is met.
The WHS legislation requires that electrical equipment is inspected and tested in accordance with Australian Standard 3760: 2010
In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Only authorised electrical personnel are to perform installation,
inspection, testing and labelling activities.
1. Testing Frequency:
The frequency of inspections that are outlined in Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2010 are recommended but can be
varied subject to a risk assessment. The Australian standard includes a table that sets out testing and inspection intervals for
various types of equipment from 3 months (for equipment that is high use, high risk, or hire equipment) to up to 5 years (for
equipment that is not open to abuse, flexing of cords, etc). In addition to the regular testing and inspection, the standard specifies
that electrical equipment is to be inspected and tested:
> before return to service after a repair or servicing, which could have affected the electrical safety of the equipment, and
> before return to service from a second-hand sale, to ensure equipment is safe.
Generally the following should be followed:
> tools and leads: every 12 months (low use)
> Safety Switches: monthly
> Offices: every 3 to 5 years
2. Residual Current Devices:
The fitting of Residual Current Devices (RCD) on certain equipment can considerably reduce the risk of electrocution. An RCD
(also known as a safety switch) works by detecting a current leakage. When RCD detects this current leakage, it turns the
power off almost immediately. Whilst an electric shock may still be received, the duration will be shortened reducing the risk of
serious injury.
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