HAZCHEM

The Hazardous Chemical Code System (HAZCHEM) is an international standard used to identify chemicals and dangerous goods. Products are grouped according to the most likely risk involved and are classified into nine main classes:

• Class 1 – Explosives
• Class 2 – Gases
• Class 3 – Flammable liquids
• Class 4 – Flammable solids
• Class 5 – Oxidising agents and organic peroxides
• Class 6 – Poisonous and infectious substances
• Class 7 – Radioactive substances
• Class 8 – Corrosive substances
• Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Some products also have a ‘subsidiary risk’. This means the product has an additional hazard other than that of the main class. This risk is also identified by a label. For example, Chlorine is classified as Class 2.3 (Poisonous gas) with a Subsidiary Risk of 5.1 (Oxidising agent). This type of product would be identified by using both labels.

There are two other class labels which are used when transporting dangerous goods:

• Mixed Class for Road Transport
• Mixed Class for Rail Transport.

HAZCHEM Emergency Action Code system

The HAZCHEM Emergency Action Code indicates the actions needed to minimise hazards if there is a spill of a dangerous chemical. The system consists of a number followed by one or more letters. Some letters may be displayed on a dark rectangle, or white on black to show the need to use special equipment. For example, if the letter Y is white on black, emergency personnel other than firefighters do not need to wear breathing apparatus. In normal written documents this is shown by the use of brackets; for example [Y].

The code is based on a numbering and lettering system to identify the equipment most suited for an emergency. The numbers indicate what equipment should be used for fire fighting and where appropriate, for dispersing or cleaning up spills. The numbers and associated equipment used are:

1. water jets
2. water fog (if unavailable fine water spray may be used)
3. foam
4. dry agents (for substances where contact with water is hazardous).

You can use any fire-fighting equipment which has a higher number than that shown in the code for that chemical.

Example: 2PE

See example, if the code is 2 this means you can use water fog, foam (code 3) or dry agents (code 4). You must never use equipment with a lower number.

The first letter P in the sample code indicates the risk of violent reaction or explosion and the need for protective clothing and breathing apparatus.

Full protective equipment must be used by anyone containing or cleaning spills – at the very least breathing apparatus, protective gloves (chemical resistant), rubber boots and a special splash suit. In the case of some chemicals, a fully sealed gas suit would be required.

In cases like this example you will always need to follow your company’s emergency procedure. Part of the procedure will be notifying the appropriate emergency authority.

The second letter E in the sample code indicates that evacuation should be considered. In cases like this example you will always need to follow your company’s emergency procedure.

You company’s emergency management chemical spill management procedure should include the following measures:

• dilute – the substance may be diluted with large quantities of water; however, to avoid environmental effects, this diluted solution must be contained and be recovered
• contain – any spillage must be stopped from entering stormwater drains or watercourses and the substance recovered to prevent environmental damage.

Meanings for each first letter are detailed in the following table.

HAZCHEM code table

Sign posting

Buildings and storage areas containing chemicals and dangerous goods must be sign posted. This alerts those entering the building or storage areas to the possible hazards of the products in them and the safety procedures needed. The signs are based on international standards to make sure they are easily understood by everyone.

Safe storage is important both from both OH&S and environmental perspectives. Chemical storage and handling is regulated by the WorkCover authority so that safety to humans is the first priority.

When storing chemicals make sure that you:

• replace containers in storage space after use
• face the label so it can be easily read
• ensure that storage areas are only accessible to people trained in chemical handling
• fill out all relevant paperwork such as usage logs or registers
• ensure that some chemicals are not stored near other chemicals with which they may react (for example, acids with oxidising agents)
• store liquid chemicals in the designated bunded area (a bunded area is one that has built up sides or walls to contain accidental spills or leaks).

Material safety data sheets

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are documents that provide all the information needed to allow safe handling, use, emergency actions and disposal of a specific chemical product.

The supplier (manufacturer) is legally responsible for providing an MSDS for any hazardous product they supply. The MSDS is to be given to the buyers or prospective buyer and provided on request. A current MSDS must be supplied before or with the first delivery of a hazardous substance. The MSDS must be revised and re-issued whenever the product is changed in some way; for example, if the composition or ingredients are changed. When the MSDS has been revised, the new version must be sent with the next delivery or on request. Regulations require MSDS to be reviewed every five years.

Every worker who handles or uses hazardous substances must have access to MSDSs. They may be located in the immediate worksite or work area or held in a central location, provided that everybody knows where they are and has access to them.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The use of personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles and the like) and increased information about the effects of chemicals on humans (as summarised on MSDS) have gone along way to reducing the risks to human health through workplace exposure to chemicals.

Chemicals can be dangerous. Protective clothing and equipment should be used when handling them. You should check with your trainer or OH&S officer to find out where PPE is stored and when it should be used