Hazards
Chemicals
Workplaces are full of chemicals and chemical substances. Some chemicals are 'hazardous' others are 'dangerous'. There is specific legislation covering both 'hazardous substances' and 'dangerous goods' - but employers have a duty to ensure that the use, handling, storage and transport of all chemical substances is safe and without risks to health.
Hazard
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Cytotoxic drugs
Cytotoxic drugs include a wide range of chemical compounds, with potentially serious side-effects in both patients or others exposed. How should they be handled? [read more] -
Solvents
Solvents are among the most commonly used chemicals in workplaces, used for degreasing, metal cleaning, adhesion, paint thinners and lubricants. [read more] -
Silica
Silica dust is a hazard for workers in mines and quarries, construction and demolition, and workers in art rooms. [read more] -
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
- or 'passive smoking' - is this an issue in your workplace?
[read more] -
Lead
Inorganic lead is used in a number of industries in the form of the pure metal, alloys and compounds. It is an accumulative poison with potentially very serious health effects. [read more] -
Latex
Latex in rubber is an irritant which can lead to skin problems and allergies in workers. Many unions, both in Australia and overseas, have campaigned to eliminate the use of latex rubber gloves. [read more] -
Hazardous Substances (Chemicals)
Chemicals are found in almost all workplaces, and many of these are harmful to workers' health - these are 'hazardous substances'. Find out about the effects of chemicals, their properties, legal standards and what action reps can take. [read more] -
Dangerous Goods
What are Dangerous Goods? Substances hazardous to health may also be classified as dangerous goods. [read more] -
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is regarded as the commonest single cause of poisoning in both industry and the home. [read more] -
Arsenic
Arsenic and its compounds and arsine (a gas) are highly toxic and are designated 'Hazardous Substances'. [read more]
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Occupational cancer and Workers’ Memorial Day
According to the ILO, over 600,000 workers a year die due to occupational cancer.
[read more] -
Perfumes and scents: chemicals too!
For those with allergies or multiple chemical sensitivity, the chemicals in perfumes and scents can cause problems. [read more] -
Chemicals and contact lenses
Should workers wear contact lenses when working with chemicals? [read more] -
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
[read more] -
Chemicals - Useful websites
Which websites, both Australian and international, to go to for more information on chemicals, MSDSs and so on.
[read more] -
Dust masks - how effective are they?
Disposable dust masks (also called 'nuisance' dust masks) are useless against hazardous substances and should not be used. [read more] -
Exhaust fumes - how dangerous are they?
Exhaust fumes - how dangerous are they? [read more] -
Cancer - what causes it?
Cancer can be caused by a number of chemicals, groups of chemicals, industries or industrial processes. Some chemicals are naturally found in foods and others are used for medicinal purposes. Some viruses can also cause cancer. [read more] -
Dangerous or Hazardous? What's the difference?
Don't confuse dangerous chemicals with hazardous chemicals - they are classified according to different criteria. [read more] -
Material Safety Data Sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provide information about chemical substances, and the hazards associated with those substances. Under Chapter 4 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2007 (Hazardous Substances and Materials) employers must provide OHS reps with access to MSDSs of all hazardous substances in the workplace. [read more] -
Exposure Standards for Chemicals
What are exposure standards? How are they set and what do they mean in workplaces? [read more] -
Dermatitis & other skin conditions
Dermatitis is a general term for any inflammation of the skin and is a common work-related condition often caused by contact with chemicals or other agents. [read more] -
Chemicals management in workplaces
What's the role of OHS reps and others in the prevention and control of exposure to hazardous substances?
[read more]