Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools

Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools A chemical may take the form of a liquid, solid,  risk assessments are performed and vapour, gas, fume or dust. Chemicals with documented that include identification of the occupational risks are considered to be any chemical, the nature of hazard and the degree chemicals, which may affect the health of those who of risk to health. come in contact with them in the workplace. Very  a current MSDS is obtained with the purchase often everyday products which are used in the of any hazardous substance or specified school environment can be hazardous. dangerous good. A chemical substance is considered to be  MSDSs are available to all teachers who use hazardous if: the chemical. A copy of all MSDSs must be kept (i) it meets the approved criteria for the in a centralised register and a copy of relevant classification of hazardous substances, or MSDSs in the area where the chemical is used to allow ready reference. (ii) it is a designated hazardous substance as listed in the Worksafe Australia  a Hazardous Substances Register is kept for all publication: List of Designated Hazardous hazardous substances used in the school. (a Substances register should include a list of all hazardous substances, a copy of all MSDSs and a copy of all risk assessments completed)  Identifying Risks with Chemicals  chemical containers are appropriately labelled with appropriate Hazchem stickers. The following information will assist in identifying occupational risks with chemicals:  induction and training is provided to all staff who may be exposed to a hazardous substance or (a) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) specified dangerous goods. contains information on the following: (i) identification  an emergency plan is prepared for dealing with (ii) health hazard information hazards likely to arise from significant accidents (iii)precautions for use and/or emergencies. (iv)safe handling information  storage cabinets are constructed of non- combustible materials and incompatible (b) The label will indicate the contents of the specified dangerous goods container, give any indication as to whether are segregated. the substance is hazardous as well as stating risk phrases and safety phrases for its safe Teachers must: handling and use.  be aware of the location of the Hazardous (c) The manufacturer or supplier has an Substances Register, and MSDSs for ready obligation to the purchaser to provide on reference. request, an MSDS on supply of the substance to ensure appropriate  refer to the MSDS when using a product for the information about the safe use of the first time to ensure any precautions for use are substance is available. Users should known and followed. contact the manufacturer or supplier if any  follow the advice for usage based on the additional information is required. information given on the label and MSDS.  advise their Principal or subject co-ordinator of The Principal and subject co-ordinators must any problems with the control measures. ensure that:  a risk management approach is adopted to manage occupational risks with chemicals including: (i) identification of the hazard (ii) assessment of risk (iii) control measures (iv) review and monitoring (v) record keeping 1 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools . Controlling the Hazards glasses. Personal protective equipment may be used in conjunction with other control methods. Once a hazardous substance has been identified Personal protective equipment must be suitable and the risks associated with that substance for the type of substance being used and must be identified and assessed, control measures must fitted properly. be decided upon.  Labelling There are six (6) basic steps, often referred to as the ‘Hierarchy of Control’, which are generally A chemical manufacturer or supplier must ensure adopted when controlling risks in occupational a label is fixed to a chemical’s container when the health and safety. substance is supplied. The label must include the following: These steps are listed below in hierarchical order, however it is understood that the most desirable  product name control is not necessarily the most practical choice given the specific situation.  the substance’s risk and safety phrases Hierarchy of Control  the ingredient’s chemical name 1. Eliminate the Hazard  the ingredients generic name if the description of the chemical name gives This is the most desirable course of action and it insufficient commercial protection can be done by removing the chemical, if it is not essential. Check to see if the chemical is really A label with the above information must be fixed required in the workplace or can an alternative to the container of the hazardous substance and and safer product be used. reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the label is not interfered with. 2. Substitute by Using a Less Hazardous Chemical Appropriate risk and safety phrases have been determined for a specific hazardous substance If possible try to use a less hazardous chemical, and are reported in the National Code of Practice or the same product in a less hazardous form, eg. for the Labelling of Workplace Substances. you may be able to use a water based rather than a solvent based paint. Examples of risk phrases include: R7 May cause fire, R11 Highly flammable. Examples of safety 3. Isolate the Risk phrases include: S15 Keep away from heat, S 37 This can be done by separating the process from Wear suitable gloves. students by distance or barriers, eg. fume Should substances be found for which there is no cupboards. label and you are unable to identify the product, 4. Use Engineering Controls appropriate safe disposal of the product is the safest course of action. Information about the This may involve using machinery, equipment or product will however have to be gathered to allow processes to minimise workplace contamination, for legal disposal. eg. exhaust ventilation may be installed to remove hazardous fumes from the air. Where bulk quantities of chemicals are purchased, decanting into smaller containers is 5. Introduce Administrative Controls common place. It is recommended that Changing the way students do the task by setting commercially available containers are used for up strict safety procedures will help to make your this purpose as these will have the correct workplace safer. This may involve basic practices labelling. such as restricting the number of students likely to be exposed, providing adequate supervision and written instructions for work procedures. 6. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If none of the above courses of action are immediately possible, then wearing personal protective equipment is essential. This may include the use of respirators, gloves or safety 2 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools  Safety Signage Information Signs - These signs are not referred specifically in AS1319. They Principals and teachers have an obligation to ensure communicate information of a general nature that there is a very clear and consistent and often refer to housekeeping matters, communication of potential hazards and risks workplace practices and logistical associated with activities conducted at the school. considerations. Safety signage is a simple strategy that can have a  Material Safety Data Sheets positive effect upon the learning environment. Every hazardous substance and specified Where signs are displayed to identify known dangerous goods must have a Material Safety hazards, safety signs in accordance with AS 1319- Data Sheet. (MSDS) This document must be 1994 are strongly recommended. provided by the manufacturer or supplier with the product on its first delivery and filed for future This standard outlines specific parameters for safety reference. signs in workplaces. There are six categories of signs. They are: The Material Safety Data Sheet contains more detailed information than the label. Including: Mandatory Signs - These signs specify that an  product name instruction must be carried out. Symbols or pictograms are depicted in white on a blue  hazards to health circular background. Sign wording if necessary,  type of contact affecting health precautions is in black lettering on a white background.  emergency response Prohibition Signs - These signs specify behaviour or actions which are not permitted.  storage or handling requirements The annulus and slash should be depicted in red  name and contact point of over the action symbol in black. Sign wording if manufacturer/supplier necessary, is in black lettering on a white background.

Warning Signs - These signs are to warn of hazards or a hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. The hazard symbol should be on a yellow background and a triangle should be depicted around the hazard symbol. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a yellow background.

Fire Signs - These signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. They contain a white symbol and/or text on a red background.  Decanting

Emergency Information Signs - These signs Decanting is the name given to the process of indicate the location of, or directions to transferring a substance from a large container to emergency related facilities. eg. exits, first aid, smaller containers (eg. when a finishing chemical safety equipment. They feature a white symbol is taken from bulk containers and divided into and/or text on a green background. smaller containers for individual users). If a chemical is transferred from one container to a second container and the second container’s Danger Signs - These signs are for warning contents are not entirely used immediately, the when a hazard or a hazardous condition is likely second container must be fixed with a label to be life-threatening. The word “Danger” is stating the substance’s product name and the featured inside a red ellipse inside a black substance’s risk and safety phrases. rectangle. It is recommended that commercially available containers are used for this purpose as these will 3 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools have the correct labelling.  Disposal Stickers for the purpose of labelling can be purchased from safety equipment companies. The majority of chemical waste produced in learning spaces in schools can be disposed of in Decanting and tasks such as cleaning equipment the garbage or down the sink. contaminated with the chemical or solvent, should be carried out in a well ventilated area and at Disposal of hazardous substances, contaminated least five (5) metres away from any potential product and waste material must be done in an source of ignition. approved manner for the substance and in accordance with recommendations on the label It must be remembered that plastic taps on drums and/or material safety data sheet. would melt in a fire, so these should not be used in conjunction with flammable goods. The majority of chemical waste in school work areas is hydrocarbon based. Spills of a large  Spillages quantity should be absorbed as specified and sealed in a container and stored until collection All spillages must be cleaned up immediately. An by a licensed waste contractor. absorbent material such as sand or sawdust may be used to soak up the spill. Cat litter and Containers of hydrocarbon, alcohol and ketone vermiculite are good absorbents for flammable substances should be collected by a licensed and corrosive chemicals. The contaminated waste collector. absorbent should then be cleaned up and placed Contact your local council authority or disposal in a container for disposal by your local disposal contractors for disposal options. contractor. Items, which should be identified for disposal, It is recommended that a spill kit be prepared so include: that any spill which might occur in a high chemical use area, such as science in high  substances that cannot be identified schools, can be dealt with properly.  substances that have not been used for some Doors and windows in the immediate vicinity of time the spill area should be opened to allow maximum cross ventilation. This will facilitate the  any substances which are not in current use removal of fumes and the drying of liquids. or being stockpiled Where a chemical spill creates a situation which  Storage requires the use of breathing apparatus, the fire brigade should be contacted. Storage risks are generally classified as low probability but have potentially high consequence  Fumes in the event of a mishap. In other words, at an The generation of fumes from some learning individual workplace, chemical storage incidents activities and processes, as is experienced in may never eventuate, however, disastrous technology workshops is a common occurrence. incidents can occur. They can cause serious injury if ingested in the The risk can be increased by poor storage form of a poison. methods, especially when chemicals are left in or Inhalation and absorption of fumes also pose a around teaching areas. hazard depending on the type of fumes. The probability of a chemical storage incident As a rule of thumb, whenever fumes are may be reduced by consideration of: generated, teachers should ensure that:  design of the storage facility  the work area is well ventilated  location, security and access to the storage  exhaust fans are used where facility appropriate  integrity of the chemical container  the amount of fumes is kept to a The following rules should be applied regardless minimum of the amount of solvent or flammable  respiratory equipment is available manufactured products stored at the workplace.

4 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN It is important to consider the possible interaction DANGEROUS POISON of dangerous goods with other materials and POISON appliances. Solvent and manufactured product must be stored at least three (3) metres away CAUTION from: WARNING  heat sources (eg. stove, oven or heating A cabinet constructed of incombustible material appliance) must be provided for storing chemicals, unless the substances are of a class that are  ignition sources ( eg. electrical power points, incompatible by nature, and therefore stored welders, grinders, fans, air separately. conditioners and battery chargers) Only quantities of flammable liquids sufficient for current needs must be kept within a school  other classes of dangerous goods including building and must be stored in a secure cupboard gas cylinders or storeroom.  any materials that might interact dangerously if mixed. Steps must be taken to minimise the possibility of interaction. (eg. oxidising agents must be kept apart from solvent and paint.) Information should be available in the product’s MSDS.  anything easily combustible (eg. waste paper, rags, and wooden products)  stairs, aisles or emergency exits, where they may jeopardise escape from the building in the event of fire. The local fire brigade or WorkCover office is able Teachers should consider and ensure the to assist in this matter. The cupboard or following aspects of chemical usage in or near storeroom must not be placed near a means of classrooms are considered. escape (eg. a stairway).  cleaning agents and pesticides should be  Commonly used Chemicals stored well away from food, food preparation and food storage areas Teachers will need to become familiar with the risks associated with chemicals and other  dyes and textile testing agents should be substances commonly used in the classroom stored in a locked cupboard space and in their teaching activities. MSDS will need to be obtained for every substance used.  small quantities of estapol, lacquer, paint, enamel thinners or turpentine should be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is stored in a lockable cabinet when not being suggested to be worn where a heating process, used fumes, splashing, vapours and/or air-borne contaminants are present.  large quantities of paints and solvents eg. drums, should not be stored in the teaching Such chemicals include: work area  Adhesives  it is recommended that a storage area Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) separate from workshop areas should be used to store gas bottles such as oxygen, Hot melt Glue acetylene and LPG Liquid Nails (synthetic rubber based glue)  all chemicals with a label that states the Super Glue (cyanoacrylates) following should be secured in a locked storage cabinet which is not accessible to Animal Glue students 5 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools Contact Adhesives Water based paints (polymer) Epoxy Resins (two part resin and hardener)  Petroleum products Resorcinol (urea formaldehyde) Oils  Cleaning chemicals Grease Fluxes Petrol Solvents (methylated spirits) Diesel Bleaches Kerosene Alkalis  Polymers Acids Perspex Detergents Polycarbonates  Dyes and inks for fabrics and printing Polythene Naphthol Styrene White spirit Vinyls Sodium sulphate Nylon Caustic soda Polyethylene Soda Ash Celluloid  Etchants Phenol resins Ammonium persulfate solution Epoxy resins Copper ammonium chloride solution Silicones Ferric chloride solution Melamine Nitric acid Polyurethanes Sodium hydroxide solution  Sealers and fixatives  Metals and compounds Aerosol spray lacquers Chromium compounds Spray enamels Cobalt  Solvents Copper Mineral turpentine Iron oxide Methylated spirits Lead Polythinners Manganese  Timber products Molybdenum Treated pine Nickel Particle board Tin Medium density fibreboard (MDF) Vanadium Assorted exotic and native timbers Zinc oxide  Paints Oil based paint Enamels

6 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools contact with the dust produced during cutting, sanding and machining is potentially dangerous and should be avoided. MDF should not be machined unless all OH&S issues are addressed and an approved dust extraction system is used.  Timber Preservation Creosote is used for preserving timber situated into the ground, eg. fence posts. It can cause burns and discomfort if inhaled. PPE is to be used to minimise the risk of injury or illness. Creosote if used should be teacher use only.  Etching metals and PCB The process of etching is carried out in some  Dangerous Activities high school technology activities such as electronics, lithography and metallurgy. There are many chemical substances and other products that pose a tremendous risk of injury or The following etchant compounds and illness if used in specific learning activities as chemicals should not be used for any experienced in workshops of high schools. reason. Teachers of technology curriculum are urged to  Hydrofluoric acid seek professional advice with regard to the  Chromic acid following activities and the proper use of the chemicals involved.  Picric acid The Chemical Safety in Schools package  Mixture of Nitric acid, potassium produced by NSW DEET is an excellent resource dichromate with water for this purpose. The following etchant preparations are not  Dying Fabrics recommended for use because of their high Naphthol and diazo fabric dyes should be corrosive risk. used with extreme care. They can produce  Sulfuric acid < 2M potential carcinogenic compounds if mixed incorrectly. The use of these dyes by  Nitric acid + methanol students is not recommended.  Glycerol + acetic acid + nitric acid  Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic production  Ammonium hydroxide + hydrogen Technology work areas generally do not peroxide have the necessary facilities for the safe use  Spray Painting of FRP, due to the difficulty of controlling hazards and disposing of waste products. Spray painting is used as a means of applying a high quality finish to projects The production of FRP projects is not constructed in the wood and metal based recommended. Contact your state technology areas. WorkCover agency for guidelines and control measures before any FRP Spray painting should only be conducted in production. an approved spray booth that complies with state WorkCover agency requirements. The  Medium Density Fibreboard machining spray booth would need to have an This manufactured product is made using approved extraction and filtering system. formaldehyde based adhesives.  Agricultural activities – Insecticides Formaldehyde is toxic and is considered to A wide range of chemicals are used in be a probable carcinogen. Inhalation or skin 7 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com Managing Hazardous Substances in Schools agricultural activities within some high school curriculum areas.

Some of these substances are used in the maintenance of crop growing. The following organochlorine compounds have been totally banned for use in Australia.

 Aldrin  BHC  Chlordane  DDT  Dieldrin  Endrin  Heptachlor  Hexachlorophene  Isodrin  Lindane  Pentachlorophenol  2,4,5-T  Agricultural activities – Fertilizers Fertilisers generally contain a mixture of inorganic salts. The main components being nitrates, phosphates and sulphates. The most dangerous fertiliser is ammonium nitrate. When mixed with a hydrocarbon such as petroleum based oil it becomes explosive. Ammonium nitrate should not be used for agricultural activities in schools.

Disclaimer

ITE Services can not warrant and does not represent that this material, at the time of distribution, is complete, reliable and/or free from error.

ITE Services also can not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense you might incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon the information which appears in this document.

8 Copyright: ITE Services Fax: 07 55 981797 www. techsafeonline. com