Management of Hazardous Chemical and Other Substances

Policy

Murdoch University is committed to ensuring that a Chemical Management System is in place in order to meet legislative requirements and assist with the provision of a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors.

The Dangerous Goods Act, WA Occupational Safety and Health Act and associated regulations stipulate the legal requirements in regard to undertaking identification of hazardous substances, risk assessment and risk control. All staff and students shall have access to information on chemicals and hazardous substances in their working environment via a Campus wide information system.

A register (stock inventory) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be available for all hazardous substances used. A University master list is to be kept detailing the chemicals and their location in buildings under University control.

Each Division and Section within the University, including allied employer groups will segregate their building(s) into designated areas and allocate staff who have the responsibility for the chemical management within these areas. These staff will be trained on the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations in relation to hazardous substances and how to use the Chemical management computer data bases. Information on the exact location of chemicals will be kept secure within the databases and the level of access to information will be granted according to job function and as determined by the Hazardous Chemicals Committee or the Manager, Occupational Safety and Health.

Hazardous Substances Procedure Manual

Guidelines for Assessment of Risk From Use of Hazardous Substances