Understanding Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances

Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances are used in everyday occurrences, such as cleaning the office, fuelling your vehicle and herbicide for unwanted vegetation. WorkSafe Victorian Statistics estimates that over 200 personnel receive chemical burns when handling, storing or transporting hazardous material or products.

As an employer, there are obligations under the safety legislation to provide your employees with information, training and instruction for when personnel may be exposed to such hazardous situations.

The question for an employer is just how much information, training and instruction do you provide to the employees when handling, storing and transporting dangerous goods and hazardous substances? Is a simple induction when an employee starts work enough to meet compliance?

The Model Work Health and Safety Regulations that have been adopted in other states and territories recommends that information, training and instruction provided to an employee is suitable and adequate with regard to the nature of the work to be carried out. Furthermore, the information, training and instructions have been provided in a way that is readily understandable by any person to whom it is provided.

HAZCON has the appropriate consultants that can meet with you and discuss your organisation's training needs and expectations when handling, storing and transporting dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

If you have any further questions on the subject please contact HAZCON on 1800 429 26 or via hazcon@hazcon.com.au