Chemical Management

Policy last updated

28 July 2026

Scope

Schools
School councils

Date:: January 2020

Policy
Procedure
1. Building and maintaining a chemical register
2. Identifying dangerous goods and hazardous substances
3. Assessing the risk
4. Controlling the risk
5. Control considerations when developing a safe work procedure
6. Personal protective equipment in science rooms and laboratories
7. Controls for using pesticides and herbicides
8. Health monitoring and exposure standards (applicable to hazardous substances)
9. Procuring new products and chemicals
10. Maintaining safety data sheets
11. Emergency management
12. Hazardous waste disposal
Resources

Policy

Chemwatch GoldFFX now available

All schools now have access to the Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) chemical management system, which:

is free for all government schools
is supported by the department
makes chemical management administration quicker and easier for schools
minimises time and effort required to maintain a chemical register
minimises time and effort required to update safety data sheets.

The Statewide OHS Services Team is available to help schools access and use Chemwatch GoldFFX.

For 24/7 support, contact the Chemwatch team by email at schoolsupport@Chemwatch.net, call 03 8820 5110, or use the chat on the Chemwatch website.

Policy

This policy outlines the requirements for managing chemicals in schools. It provides guidance on identifying hazards linked with chemical use, and on effective risk management.

Summary

The principal or their delegate must:
- ensure that all chemicals, dangerous goods and hazardous substances stored at the school are identified, and appropriate controls (including training) are put in place for their storage, use and disposal
- acquire and maintain safety data sheets for all dangerous goods and hazardous substances stored at the school
- maintain a chemical register that lists all dangerous goods and hazardous substances that are stored at the school.
All schools have free access to Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) which is the department’s chemical management platform. Schools can:
- create and maintain a digital chemical register
- access and store up to date Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- find information that supports risk assessment and hazard identification.
Small quantities of consumer items brought to school by staff for personal use do not need listing on the chemical register. Such items may include:
- aerosol deodorant
- hand sanitiser
- cosmetics
- medications
- food (unless a dangerous good and used for work purposes)
- most common stationery items. These products still need to be stored appropriately and managed to ensure they are not accessible to students.
The Statewide OHS Services Team and the OHS Advisory Service can provide free advice on managing risks related to chemicals in schools, including creating a chemical register and accessing Safety Data Sheets.
The Chemical Management Procedure (in the Procedure tab) must be followed, which sets out the practical step-by-step instructions for implementing this policy.

Details

Chemicals are widely used across schools. When working with chemicals, it is important that considerations are made and steps are taken to ensure safety and compliance. Some products and chemicals, such as PVA glue, playdough and 'education safe' paint, may be low risk. Other products and chemicals may be hazardous substances (dishwashing tablets, bleach), dangerous goods (hand sanitiser, fly spray), or both (methylated spirits), requiring specific management by schools.

Severe injury or damage to property can occur if dangerous goods and hazardous substances are procured and used without understanding and managing their risks. It is important to identify and understand these products so they can be stored, used and disposed of safely.

Common locations where dangerous goods and hazardous substances may be found in schools include:

art, technology, science classrooms and laboratories
kitchens and canteens
cleaners' cupboards and storage areas
facilities, maintenance, and garden sheds
photographic dark rooms
miscellaneous storage areas
swimming pool, plant, and storage rooms.

This policy does not cover fireworks. For more information, please refer to the Amusement Rides, Attractions and Fireworks policy.

Roles and responsibilities for managing chemicals

Under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 (Vic), Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and The Dangerous Goods Act 1985, managing the risks related to the use of chemicals is a shared responsibility between the department, the principal or their delegate, and school staff.

Department roles and responsibilities

The department must maintain, as much as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment for school staff to avoid injuries and prevent environmental harm associated with chemical use.

Principal or delegate roles and responsibilities

The principal or their delegate must identify, assess, control and monitor the risks and hazards associated with chemicals in schools. This includes the procurement, use, storage and disposal of chemicals, including dangerous goods and hazardous substances. This must be done in consultation with school staff who are or are likely to be affected, and the health and safety representative (HSR), where elected.

School staff roles and responsibilities

School staff must take reasonable care for their own health, safety and wellbeing, and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while at work. This includes safely procuring, storing, using and disposing of chemicals, including dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

Any school staff member who identifies or observes a hazard in the workplace must notify the principal or their delegate using the most appropriate method based on current risk and report it in eduSafe Plus (staff login required). Where an unacceptable risk is identified, cease the associated activity and isolate the hazard (where possible and safe to do so).

Key requirements for schools to manage chemicals

The principal or delegate must:

ensure that all new chemicals and materials introduced into the workplace are safe for use
assess any new dangerous goods and hazardous substances before they are purchased by completing the OHS pre-purchasing checklist available on the OHS Purchasing policy
not purchase, store or use any chemicals on the prohibited list found in Guidance sheet 3: Prohibited and restricted chemicals (DOCX)
follow the advice on restricted chemicals found in Guidance sheet 3
identify, assess and control the risks for all dangerous goods (see Guidance sheet 2: Dangerous goods classification system (DOCX)) and hazardous substances in consultation with school staff who are likely to be affected and health and safety representatives (HSR), where elected
maintain a chemical register listing all dangerous goods and hazardous substances present in the school, accessible by all school staff who may be exposed to those substances or goods
acquire and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for dangerous goods and hazardous substances (issued within 5 years) and provide access to staff and other relevant people such as contractors and volunteers
engage in a process of understanding and rating the risk of all dangerous goods and hazardous substances listed in the chemical register, or equivalent template
complete a risk assessment for any dangerous good or hazardous substance rated high (3) or above in Chemwatch GoldFFX or high or extreme using the Risk assessment template (DOCX)
develop safe work procedures (SWPs) which include use, storage and disposal using Safe work procedure templates, when a dangerous good or hazardous substance is assessed as being high or extreme risk (as identified in the chemical register)
ensure that school staff are not exposed to atmospheric concentrations of hazardous substances that are above the exposure standard. Refer to Chapter 8 – Health monitoring and exposure standards
correctly store and label all dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including any containers, mixtures of chemicals, decanted chemicals and chemical waste
provide appropriate storage areas and ventilation for chemicals, which may include flame-proof or corrosion-resistant dangerous goods storage cabinets, fume cupboards, exhaust fans or door relief grills. Refer to Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX) for additional information
review chemical stores annually and identify chemical waste, expired chemicals and chemicals no longer in use, for collection and disposal. These checks must be scheduled in the school’s OHS activities calendar (XLSX)
correctly dispose of chemical waste, expired chemicals and chemicals no longer in use. For additional guidance refer to Chapter 12 – Hazardous waste disposal and Guidance sheet 6: Hazardous waste disposal (DOCX)
ensure dangerous goods or hazardous substances are not disposed of in drains or storm water systems, refer to Guidance sheet 4: Chemical spill management
have appropriate emergency management equipment and plans in place to effectively manage and respond to chemical emergencies. Refer to Chapter 11: Emergency management on the Guidance tab and Guidance sheet 4, Guidance sheet 5 and Guidance sheet 1 for details on fire extinguisher requirements
develop and maintain a chemical manifest if dangerous goods on site exceed threshold quantities. Refer to Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage for additional information
include placard quantities of dangerous goods stored and used on site in the school’s emergency management procedures as per Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage
provide spill kits and containment equipment that is easily accessible. Refer to Chapter 11: Emergency management on the Guidance tab and Guidance sheets 4 and 5
provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for individuals who use hazardous substances and dangerous goods as required by the relevant safety data sheets
provide information and access to training for school staff who use hazardous substances and dangerous goods
include ‘dangerous goods and hazardous substances’ as a hazard in the OHS risk register and review the register annually. Refer to the OHS Risk Planning and Management policy for additional guidance
report incidents involving chemicals as required in the Managing and Reporting School Incidents (Including Emergencies) policy.

Note - Food or drink containers, such as tomato sauce or milk bottles, must never be used to decant, mix, or store chemicals.

Supports for schools

All schools have free access to build and maintain a chemical register using the Chemwatch GoldFFX chemical management system (staff login required).

Chemwatch can be contacted by:

Phone: 03 8820 5110
Email: schoolsupport@Chemwatch.net
Chat: use the live chat on the Chemwatch website for 24/7 support from a real person
Emergency Response Hotline: available 24/7 for any staff member while on site in case of an emergency
- Toll free number: 1800 951 288
- Alternative number: 03 9573 3188

The Statewide OHS Services Team and the OHS Advisory Service provide a range of OHS supports and can assist with access and the use of Chemwatch GoldFFX, including the build of school chemical registers.

Definitions

Chemical manifest
A list of dangerous goods and quantities stored onsite. This document can be generated from a chemical register and can be used by emergency services in the event of an emergency. It provides emergency services information about the hazards posed by dangerous goods stored onsite. Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX) includes a table with dangerous goods amounts that, when reached, will require a chemical manifest to be generated.

Chemical register
A register that lists all hazardous substances and dangerous goods. It is a legislative requirement that all hazardous substances and dangerous goods are included. It is optional for schools to include non-hazardous chemicals in the register.

Note: ChemWatch training material refers to chemical registers as manifests. Manifest quantities and placarding quantity reports can be generated through the Chemwatch platform.

Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are substances that may present an immediate safety hazard through exposure to their corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidising or other hazardous properties. Dangerous goods can cause explosions or fires, serious injury, death and large-scale damage.

The Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic) defines which substances are dangerous goods.

Below are the 9 classifications with common dangerous examples listed:

explosives
flammable gases (LP Gas, aerosol cans) and non-flammable, non-toxic gases (CO2)
flammable liquids (hand sanitiser, petrol, kerosene, turpentine, flammable paints and so on)
flammable and self-reactive solids (sodium, potassium)
oxidising substances (bromine, hydrogen peroxide)
toxic and infectious substance (bacterial cultures)
radioactive material
corrosives (hydrochloric acid, citric acid, sodium carbonate)
miscellaneous dangerous substance (asbestos, lithium-ion batteries).

For further information, refer to Guidance sheet 2: Dangerous goods classification system (DOCX). The Chemwatch GoldFFX chemical management system (staff login required) hosts videos on how to use filters and run reports for hazardous substances, dangerous goods storage incompatibilities and manifest quantities.

Dangerous goods cabinets (chemical storage cabinets)
Dangerous goods cabinets are manufactured and installed in accordance with Australian Standards. They are specialised, durable storage units designed to securely house hazardous substances, such as flammable liquids and corrosives (acids, alkalis). These cabinets prevent spills, contain fumes, and prevent dangerous chemical reactions.

Emergency management plan (EMP)
A school's documented plan to effectively respond to emergencies and incidents. Schools must have a current EMP, signed off by the principal, reviewed by 1 September each year or following an emergency or critical incident. More information can be found in the Emergency and Critical Incident Management Planning policy.

Essential safety measures (ESM)
Essential safety measures are building safety features such as fire detection and alarm systems, fire doors, emergency lighting and fire hydrants. When maintained correctly, ESMs protect students, staff and visitors in the event of a fire or other emergency. More information can be found in the Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance – Essential Safety Measures topic on PAL.

Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances are substances that affect a person’s health. This can occur in the moment, such as a burn to the skin or eye, or result from cumulative, long-term exposure, such as skin sensitivity, endocrine disruption, or even cancer.

Hazardous substances are classified based on their health effects, both immediate and long term. They can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or contact through the skin and mucous membranes, such as the eyes. The level of risk depends on the substance, its concentration, toxicity, health effects, and how it is used and handled.

Examples of types of hazardous substances (depending on their concentration) include:

acute toxins, such as cyanide
substances harmful after repeated or prolonged exposure, such as mercury and silica
corrosives, such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda
irritants, such as ammonia
sensitising agents, such as isocyanates
cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as benzene and vinyl chloride.

Hazardous substance under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, Part 4.1—Hazardous substance, do not included the following if the use of the substance is not related to a work activity:

food (any substance that is intended for human consumption included beverages, ingredients
medications
cosmetics
tobacco or products made of tobacco
toiletries and toilet products.

Hazardous waste
The by-product or result of using chemicals. Hazardous waste has the potential to harm humans or the environment, either now or in the future. The requirements for waste chemicals are identical to the chemicals that create them.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Items and clothing that are intended to provide individuals with some protection from hazards. Examples of PPE include protective clothing and footwear, eyewear, gloves, masks, or respirators.

Placard
Visual warning (signage) of the hazards associated with the dangerous goods stored on site.

Placarding quantity
Once a certain threshold of a dangerous good is reached, schools will need to display signage (placards). The amount of dangerous goods stored on site must not exceed the limits set out in Schedule 2 of the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022 (Vic). Schools can also refer to Table 2 (Statutory Quantities) in Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX) for a list of these limits.

Note: Chemwatch training material refers to chemical registers as manifests. Manifest quantities and placarding quantity reports can be generated through the Chemwatch platform.

Safety data sheet (SDS)
A document prepared by the manufacturer, importer or supplier of a dangerous good, hazardous substance or other chemical. A SDS describes the properties and uses of a particular substance, including details about substance identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information and precautions for storage, use and safe handling.

Safe work procedure (SWP)
A step-by-step documented procedure on how to safely conduct a task or operation on an item or piece of equipment. See the Resources tab for department templates available.

Risk assessment
The process used to identify hazards, assess the level of risk and put in place effective controls associated with a task or activity.

Procedure

This Chemical Management procedure outlines the practical step-by-step instructions that all principals, delegates and school staff must follow to implement the Chemical Management policy. This procedure must be implemented in consultation with staff who are likely to be affected, the health and safety representative/s (HSR), where elected, and the health and safety committee or OHS working group (if established).

It contains the following chapters:

Building and maintaining a chemical register
Identifying dangerous goods and hazardous substances
Assessing the risk
- Risk assessment for science experiments
Controlling the risk
- Training and qualifications
- Developing safe work procedures
Control considerations when developing safe work procedures
- Labelling of decanted or mixed chemicals
- Storage and signage (applicable to dangerous goods)
- Segregation (applicable to dangerous goods)
- Personal protective equipment (applicable to hazardous substances)
Personal protective equipment in science and chemistry labs
Controls for using pesticides and herbicides
- Safe application of pesticides
- Safe application of herbicides
Health monitoring and exposure standards (applicable to hazardous substances)
Procuring new products and chemicals
- Prohibited and restricted chemicals
Maintaining safety data sheets
Emergency management
Hazardous waste disposal
- Labelling

1. Building and maintaining a chemical register

The principal or their delegate must:

prepare and maintain a chemical register to document effective management of all dangerous goods and hazardous substances
list all identified dangerous goods or hazardous substances in the school in the register and have their risk assessed by the principal or their delegate
update the school’s chemical register when new dangerous goods or hazardous substances are obtained
ensure that the school’s chemical register is readily accessible by school staff who may be exposed to a hazardous substance at the workplace.

Schools can decide if products that are not dangerous goods or hazardous substances are included in the register but there is no legislated or departmental requirement to do so.

Refer to Chapter 2 for more details on identifying dangerous goods and hazardous substances and Chapter 3 for more details on assessing risk.

Schools have free access to Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) to build and maintain their electronic chemical register and assess the risk of products or chemicals in the register. Refer to the Resources tab for links to training resources for the platform.

When adding dangerous goods or hazardous substances to the school’s chemical register in Chemwatch, it is recommended that only the vendor or Chemwatch entry is used. These are identified by an orange or blue dot next to the product name. Selecting these products ensures data from the safety data sheet (SDS) is available to populate a mini SDS, generate a label, and provide risk and hazard information.

Schools can use an equivalent chemical register, such as the department’s previous Excel template, but are strongly recommended to use Chemwatch GoldFFX. Hands-on support with the transfer of school chemical registers on to the Chemwatch GoldFFX system can be accessed through the Statewide OHS Services Team and the OHS Advisory Service.

Note: Chemwatch training material refers to chemical registers as a manifest. This policy refers to a chemical register throughout, unless it is relating to manifest quantities. Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX) includes a table with dangerous goods amounts, that when reached, will require a chemical manifest to be generated.

2. Identifying dangerous goods and hazardous substances

The principal or their delegate must:

identify dangerous goods and hazardous substances present in the school and record these on the school’s chemical register
include dangerous goods and hazardous substances as a high-risk item in their OHS risk register.

The department has identified dangerous goods and hazardous substances as high risk in schools. Schools must identify all dangerous goods and hazardous substances present in the school, and record these on the school’s chemical register. Refer to Chapter 1 for additional guidance. Schools must also include this hazard in the OHS risk register.

Consultation with relevant school staff and health and safety representative (HSRs) (where elected) is key to ensuring identification of all chemicals. An effective approach to identifying these items may include allocating a coordinator or a team to find and audit the products and chemicals present in the school. Refer to the OHS Consultation and Communication policy for additional information.

Dangerous goods and hazardous substances can be identified by the diamond shaped warning symbol or pictogram on the label. Detailed information about these warnings can be found in the product's safety data sheet (SDS). Examples of pictograms are available in Guidance sheet 2: Dangerous goods classification system (DOCX).

Note that there are several prohibited substances that must not be purchased, stored or handled by any school. Refer to Guidance sheet 3: Prohibited and restricted chemicals (DOCX).

When identifying chemicals that may be dangerous goods or hazardous substances in the school, consider the following locations and common products:

classrooms, including art rooms
- paint
- adhesives
- aerosols and spray cans
- hand sanitiser
kitchens and canteens
- dishwashing tablets
- disinfectants/multi-purpose sprays
- fly spray
cleaner’s cupboards and storage areas
- degreasers
- disinfectant
- cleaning fluids
facilities, maintenance, and garden sheds
- lubricants
- sealants
- pesticides and herbicides
- fertilisers
- paint
materials and technology areas
- polymers
- acrylics
- solders
photographic dark rooms
- developing fluids and fixers
science laboratories
- acids
- alkaline
- reagents
swimming pool plant rooms and chemical storage areas
- chlorine
- algaecides
- stabilisers.

It is important to consider any personal protective equipment (PPE) that might be required while identifying and recording chemicals, particularly in a laboratory or facilities storage area. If possible, this activity should be undertaken in pairs so one person can look at the products and the other can record what has been found to minimise donning and doffing (putting on and taking off PPE).

Contractors, such as external facilities companies and cleaners, are responsible for preparing and maintaining their own chemical register and obtaining safety data sheets. These documents must be readily accessible to the principal or their delegate. It is important that schools and contractors work together to ensure chemicals are used, stored and disposed of safely.

Schools can contact the Statewide OHS Services Team for hands-on support with identifying and stocktaking chemicals in the school.

3. Assessing the risk

The principal or their delegate must:

complete a risk assessment for any dangerous good or hazardous substance that is found to have a rating of high (3) or above in Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) or
complete a risk assessment using the Risk assessment template (DOCX) for dangerous goods and hazardous substances that are likely to be rated as high or extreme.

The principal or their delegate must understand and assess the level of risk posed by all dangerous goods and hazardous substances at the school. The principal or delegate must make the chemical register readily available to school staff who may be exposed to a hazardous substance in workplace.

Risks associated with chemical use include but are not limited to:

injury to eyes or skin from contact with chemicals
exposure to hazardous fumes, which can lead to loss of consciousness or chronic illness
damage to flooring, furniture, or school buildings from chemical spills
fire caused by chemicals interacting and combusting
damage to the environment, especially waterways, from incorrect chemical disposal.

The Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) chemical management system has many functions built into the platform to help schools assess the risks.

Once a product or chemical is added to the Chemwatch chemical register, there are columns that will identify if it is a dangerous good or hazardous substance. All dangerous goods and hazardous substances in a school’s chemical register (called ‘manifest’ by Chemwatch) are automatically assigned a hazard rating. The system uses a colour code and numbering system from 0, being no risk, to 4+, being extreme.

If a dangerous good or hazardous substance listed is found to have a rating of high (3) or above, a risk assessment must be completed. This can be done within the platform or by completing the department’s Risk assessment template (DOCX) or equivalent and uploading it to eduSafe Plus.

Specific settings, such as specialist schools, chemistry labs, and facilities maintenance sheds, will require close attention due to the higher level of risk.

If a dangerous good or hazardous substance listed is found to have a rating of high (3) or above, a safe work procedure must also be completed (refer to Chapter 4 – Controlling the risk).

Risk assessments for science experiments

Science rooms and school laboratories contain a range of risks in addition to the use of chemicals. All hazards must be identified and the risks of those hazards controlled. It is good practice to document and formalise risk assessments for experiments and demonstrations.

Documenting risk assessments clarifies the task, helps uncover hidden or unexpected hazards and ensures the right controls are in place. Documenting a risk assessment also makes it easier to collaborate and seek feedback on experiments and demonstration. Risk assessments can be documented using Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required), the available department risk assessment templates or equivalent.

This can help teachers and lab technicians identify risks for assessment, including:

individual chemicals and their mixtures
hazardous products that might be produced, including fumes and vapours
equipment being used, such as glassware or sharps
the use of naked flame or other heat sources
electrical hazards
lifting and manual handling tasks
the skill and experience of the cohort.

Laboratory technicians preparing chemicals for experiments must ensure all hazards are identified and risks controlled. For risks that are complex or that are likely to be rated as high or extreme, school staff are encouraged to document their assessment process using the available risk assessment templates. If a risk assessment identifies a demonstration or experiment as high or above, then a safe work procedure (SWP) must be completed using the department’s safe work procedure templates or equivalent.

Science teachers conducting classroom experiments and demonstrations must ensure all hazards are identified and the risks controlled. For risks that are complex or that are likely to be rated as high or extreme, school staff are encouraged to document their assessment process using the department’s risk assessment templates available in the Resources Tab. When undertaking risk assessments consider the students’ level of experience, their skills and behaviours. If a risk assessment identifies a demonstration or experiment as high or above, then a SWP must be completed using the available templates or equivalent.

4. Controlling the risk

The principal or their delegate must:

put controls in place to mitigate the risks of dangerous goods and hazardous substances
develop and circulate safe work procedures (SWPs) for any products with a risk rating of 3 or above
ensure staff have the knowledge, training or qualifications to use and manage dangerous goods and hazardous substances safely
ensure that staff are not exposed to atmospheric concentrations of hazardous substances that are above the exposure standard.

Once the level of risk associated with the use, storage and disposal is understood by following Chapter 3, the principal or their delegate must make decisions about the product and what steps are to be taken next.

If the product is rated 0-2 (low or medium risk), and the instruction label provides adequate instructions for use, storage and disposal, then follow label directions for use. A SWP is not required but can be developed if it’s helpful.
If the product has a risk rating of 3 or above (high or extreme), but the school wishes to continue using it, then a SWP must be developed with suitable and effective controls.
If the product is too unsafe regardless of the available controls, then it must be correctly disposed of and not ordered again (see Chapter 12).

Training and qualifications

The principal or their delegate must ensure staff have the relevant knowledge, training or qualifications to use and manage dangerous goods and hazardous substances safely. The training required for staff depends on the complexity and risk of products and chemicals being used and stored at the school. Training could include but is not limited to:

eLearn modules and webinars in chemical management
introductory courses in chemical management
certificates in laboratory skills or techniques
diploma in laboratory technology or applied science
advanced diploma of laboratory management
Chemwatch offers an accredited course in chemicals management. For more information on training available, refer to the Resources page.

No formal training is needed if a school's dangerous goods or hazardous substances are:

common consumer products
in quantities expected for household use.

Information from a product’s safety data sheet (SDS) is sufficient to use, store, and safely dispose of these products.

More information about identifying and scheduling OHS related training is outlined in the OHS Induction and Training policy and procedure.

Developing safe work procedures

To develop a safe work procedure (SWP), operating instructions can be added to the chemical or product’s risk assessment in Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required). These can be saved and printed for display. SWPs generated from Chemwatch include:

a hazard and risk rating
hazard statement(s)
first aid response requirements
identification of persons most at risk
a pictogram of required personal protective equipment.

Alternatively, the available SWP templates, including the Safe work procedure – science and laboratory chemicals (DOCX) can be used. The SWP uses the information from the completed risk assessment and the product SDS as a reference. Section 2 (Hazard identification) of a product’s SDS provides information about recommended risk controls and how the product is used, stored, and disposed of safely. These directions, as well as details from other sections of the document provide relevant information for developing a SWP.

For information to develop SWPs, refer to Control considerations when developing safe work procedures.

It is important to consult with staff and any elected health and safety representatives when writing and developing SWPs. Hands-on support with the development of SWPs can also be accessed through the Statewide OHS Services Team and the OHS Advisory Service.

SWPs must be circulated and communicated to all relevant staff once completed or when updated. This will ensure that relevant school staff are aware of key safety information. New or updated SWPs can be circulated informally or tabled during health and safety committee meetings or other staff forums.

5. Control considerations when developing a safe work procedure

Labelling of decanted or mixed chemicals

All dangerous good and hazardous substance containers must be clearly labelled. The label must remain intact, legible and unaltered. Mixed or decanted chemical labels must include the product name, dangerous goods class and division. Compliant labels can be generated and printed using Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required). There is a How to generate a label video available demonstrating the process.

If a small amount of a chemical is required for use, it must be decanted into a suitable container as described in the SDS or one that is recommended by the manufacturer or supplier.

Containers that were once used for food or drink, such as tomato sauce or milk bottles are not suitable. They must never be used to decant, mix, or store chemicals.

Storage and signage (applicable to dangerous goods)

Where possible, the principal or their delegate must ensure that only minor storage quantities of dangerous goods are maintained in the school in accordance with Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX).

If the school is storing dangerous goods exceeding minor storage quantities, placards must be displayed to indicate their presence. Dangerous goods placards are available to purchase online or from retail safety stores.

Wherever there is a risk from a leak or spill of a dangerous good, schools must obtain a spill containment system. This can include bunding or spill trays. Bunding is designed to sit under containers of chemicals to capture spills and leaks of liquids.

Bunding assists with clean up and prevents pollution from leaking chemical containers accidentally entering drains. Refer to Guidance sheet 4: Minor chemical spill management (DOCX) and Chapter 11 – Emergency procedures in this procedure for additional advice on spills.

All cupboards, cabinets and refrigerators storing chemicals must labelled to indicate the type and class of chemicals being stored in them. Additional warning signs may also be required, such as ‘DO NOT USE TO STORE FOOD.’

For further advice on chemical storage contact the Statewide OHS Services Team or the OHS Advisory Service as there may be specific safety and legislative requirements that apply to some product and quantities.

Segregation (applicable to dangerous goods)

It is unsafe for some dangerous goods to be stored close together. They may react violently with each other and are therefore incompatible. For example, acid and alkaline agents that are corrosive need to be stored separately and cannot be placed in the same corrosive (dangerous goods) cabinet. They must be segregated by at least 3 meters or stored in separate cabinets.

Reports can be run in Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) that will notify if incompatible dangerous goods are going to be stored together, when locations are set up correctly. Follow the instructions in the Generate a compatibility report video to assess storage compatibility based on dangerous goods classification. This report will highlight potential chemical interactions and give segregation guidance.

More information can also be found in Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX).

Personal protective equipment (applicable to hazardous substances)

The personal protective equipment (PPE) required to safely use a hazardous substance will be listed in the product’s safety data sheet (SDS). It is important to note that PPE is personal and not one size fits all. School staff who need to wear PPE to handle hazardous substances should be consulted regarding the PPE that is most appropriate. Things to consider before purchasing PPE are:

the requirements stated in the SDS
cost and if there are minimum purchasing requirements
available sizes or the ability to customise fit
shelf life
whether it is single use or has a maximum number of hours it can be worn.

PPE is generally less expensive if purchased in bulk however consideration needs to be given to the availability of storage space and product expiry dates. It is important to note that gloves and coveralls also have expiry dates that need to be adhered to. If PPE is required to undertake the task safely, it must be provided to the staff member by the school.

6. Personal protective equipment in science rooms and laboratories

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be appropriate to the experiment or task being done. It must be informed by the product SDS of the chemicals and materials being used. Typical PPE in science and chemistry labs includes, but is not limited to the following.

Eye protection

Safety glasses meeting AS/NZS 1337.1
Goggles for splash-risk experiments (acids, bases, heating liquids)

Protective clothing

Nylon and other synthetic fibres are discouraged due to poor heat and chemical resistance. They can also hold static which may be a hazard when working with flammable materials. Quick-release fastenings are preferred to enable quick removal in case of emergency. Protective clothing should allow free movement and not be oversized as excess fabric can catch on equipment. Protective clothing can include but is not limited to:

Lab coats
- Poly–cotton blend (65/35)
  - Good for chemistry and biology
  - Protects clothing, light splash protection
- Flame-retardant cotton
  - Preferred when using Bunsen burners regularly
  - Safer around heat sources
Chemical resistant aprons
- Frontal protection only
  - Available in various materials (including PVC, neoprene)
  - Consult manufacturers for specific protective properties
Gowns
- Rear-fastening – used in microbiological settings
Long sleeves and long pants
Enclosed, flat footwear (no sandals or mesh shoes)

Hand protection

Gloves should be provided in various sizes to assist the wearer with dexterity.

Disposable nitrile gloves are chemical resistant and are latex free. Ensure nitrile gloves are chemical-appropriate (refer to safety data sheet (SDS)). They can be used for:
- handling corrosive substances
- Working with dyes, indicators, biological specimens.
Heat-resistant gloves used for handling hot glassware or equipment.

Laundering and care of lab coats

Handle contaminated garments with gloves
Avoid domestic laundering for chemically exposed garments
To avoid cross contamination, do not wash with other types of laundry
Use hot water decontamination by washing at 65°C for 10 minutes or 71°C for 3 minutes (recommended). Domestic machines are generally inadequate, or
Chemical disinfection using quaternary ammonium compounds
Dry completely before storage or next use
Inspect after each wash for damage such as holes, tears, missing snaps, fraying cuffs
Replace coats that are thinning, damaged, are excessively stained with chemicals or cannot be cleaned safely
Follow supplier’s care instructions

The life cycle of lab coats and replacement schedule will depend on:

the type and quality of the material used to make the coat
frequency of use
what chemicals they are exposed to
how and where they are stored
the method and frequency of laundering.

Schools are recommended to retain procurement records and supplier’s instructions for use and laundering. These records along with regular inspections of the coats can assist schools to determine when new lab coats may need to be purchased.

7. Controls for using pesticides and herbicides

When needed retail and domestic grade pesticides and herbicides can be used in schools under the following conditions:

there is a current safety data sheet (SDS) available for school staff using the product to review and reference
all recommended PPE is worn in accordance with the SDS
all instructions on the label and in the SDS are followed for use and disposal
products are clearly and correctly labelled especially if they are if they are diluted or decanted from the original container (refer to the advice on labelling in this procedure)
they are applied on days with little or no wind to reduce the risk of the product drifting
students and other staff are not exposed.

Application is best scheduled for weekends or outside school hours. The ideal time is after school on Fridays, to prevent exposure to students and staff.

Commercial herbicides and pesticides used by professionals or farmers differ from retail products in concentration, pack size, and regulation. Commercial products are highly concentrated and designed for large-scale application. Commercial grade products often require licences to use. Schools are strongly encouraged to use contractors for any high-risk work instead of volunteers or school staff. For more information refer to Contractor OHS Management.

Safe application of pesticides

The target pest should be clearly identified to ensure the correct product is being used.

Types of pesticides

When selecting pesticides, it is recommended to consider the risks, effectiveness and purpose of the product to be used. This applies to retail (domestic) grade products, commercial (industrial) grade products and homemade remedies. Appropriate PPE should be worn when using homemade pesticides.

At times it may be necessary to use commercial pesticides when other measures have failed. Commercial pesticides should only be used in accordance with the label and product SDS. Schools are strongly encouraged to use contractors for the application of commercial grade pesticides.

Pesticides commonly used in school settings include the following.

Pyrethroids

Obtained from the dried flowers of some chrysanthemum species and effective against a wide range of insects, including:

aphids
caterpillars
bugs.

Important: Pyrethroids are plant derivatives or synthetic analogous that may cause allergic reactions. All registered pyrethroids are safe if used according to the label and product SDS.

Garlic spray

A natural and effective way to deter many common garden pests. It is made by infusing garlic with water, often with additions like dish soap and oil to improve its effectiveness and longevity. The garlic's sulphur compounds are repellent to pests, while the oil helps the spray stick to leaves.

Effective against aphids, slugs and snails and can help deter other pests such as thrips, some beetles, and some fungal diseases.

White oil

Useful against scale, mealy bugs and aphids. Can sometimes be mixed with pyrethroids increase its effectiveness against a wide range of pests. Check the label and product SDS to determine whether this can be done.

Derris (Rotenone)

For controlling caterpillars, aphids and thrips on vegetables, vines, flowers and ornamentals. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and the product SDS.

Soap flakes spray

Occasionally useful in the control of some caterpillars and other larvae.

Note: Any pesticides registered for use in domestic premises can be safely used in schools. Some pesticides are best left to licensed pest control technicians, for example, termiticides. For information on termiticides, refer to the Protocol for use of termiticides in schools (in the Resources tab).

Where necessary, application of pesticides may occur during school hours to mitigate risks to human health, such as in response to mosquito activity where increased risk of mosquito-borne disease is evident.

Safe application of herbicides

The target weed should be clearly identified to ensure the correct product is being used.

Types of herbicides

When selecting herbicides, it is recommended to consider the risks, effectiveness and purpose of the product to be used. This applies to retail (domestic) grade products, commercial (industrial) grade products and homemade remedies. Appropriate PPE should be worn when using homemade herbicides.

At times it may be necessary to use commercial herbicides when other measures have failed. Commercial herbicides should only be used in accordance with the label and product SDS. Schools are strongly encouraged to use contractors for the application of commercial grade herbicides.

The following products use less toxic active ingredients and are often approved for organic use.

Acetic acid (horticultural vinegar, ~20%)

Much stronger than kitchen vinegar
Non-selective, burns down green growth quickly
Most effective on young, annual weeds
May need reapplication for deep-rooted perennials
Can cause skin and eye irritation (PPE required for use)

Boiling water

Great for cracks in pavement or between pavers
Cheap and effective for small-scale use
Poses risk of burns and scalds

Salt, vinegar and dish soap mixture

Mix: 1L vinegar, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp dish soap
Spray liberally on target plant
Works on top growth but may damage soil if overused (salt can be persistent)

Iron-based herbicides

Retail product (follow label instructions and SDS)
Targets broadleaf weeds in lawns, safe for turf
Low toxicity and pet-safe once dry
Can cause skin and eye irritation (PPE required for use)

Mulching or solarisation

Mulch such as wood chips, newspaper and cardboard blocks light and suppresses weeds naturally
Solarisation involves covering soil with black plastic sheeting to kill weeds using sun heat. This is a good method for pre-treating garden beds

Manual weeding

Still the safest and most selective method, especially when combined with mulching
Use tools like weed pullers, pitch forks etc to reduce manual handling risk

Large scale spraying

For large scale agricultural spraying the principal and or their delegate must ensure that licensed operators are engaged for application of herbicides such as 2,4-D, Paraquat and Diquat. These herbicides are highly toxic, with paraquat being one of the most toxic herbicides in agriculture.

For information including registered herbicides for weeds requiring control and restricted non-schedule 7 agricultural chemicals, refer to Agriculture Victoria and Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Association.

8. Health monitoring and exposure standards (applicable to hazardous substances)

The use of some hazardous substances, and processes such as welding and sanding, can produce airborne contaminants that can negatively affect a person’s health. Airborne contaminants can include fumes, dusts, mists and vapours.

Some of these contaminants have exposure standards that cannot be exceeded. There is a higher likelihood that airborne contaminants will be produced in schools that have a trade or agricultural focus and provide automotive, metal work or horticulture as part of the curriculum. Facilities managers may also be at risk of exposure.

The principal or their delegate must ensure that school staff are not exposed to atmospheric concentrations of hazardous substances that are above the exposure standard. The use of mechanical ventilation alongside PPE can reduce the likelihood of exposure, for example:

extraction fans
fume hoods
dangerous goods storage cabinets
air filtration systems.

Eliminating the process or use of the product or finding safer alternatives should always be the goal. If there is uncertainty as to whether the exposure standard is or may be exceeded, atmospheric monitoring is required to determine whether there is a health risk.

Further information on exposure standards is available from WorkSafe Victoria. The SafeWork Australia Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (2025) page has a complete list of all the hazardous substances that have an exposure standard, which applies in Victoria. Other Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws referenced in this document do not apply in Victoria.

For further advice contact the department’s Statewide OHS Services Team or the OHS Advisory Service.

9. Procuring new products and chemicals

The principal or their delegate, in consultation with the health and safety representative (HSR) and relevant school staff, must ensure that no new dangerous goods or hazardous substances are introduced into the school without first obtaining the manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS) and completing the OHS purchasing checklist template (DOCX).

It is important to communicate to school staff the correct process for procuring new products and chemicals. This will help to ensure that no new products are brought into the school without them first being assessed for risk and then placed on the chemical register if required.

Information from the SDS can be used to determine if the chemical can be safely introduced into the school. Schools can drastically reduce exposure to dangerous goods or hazardous substances by eliminating their use or substituting for safer products where possible.

Prohibited and restricted chemicals

School staff must not purchase, store or use any chemicals on the prohibited list found in Guidance sheet 3: Prohibited and restricted chemicals (DOCX).

School staff must follow the advice on restricted chemicals found in Guidance sheet 3: Prohibited and restricted chemicals.

10. Maintaining safety data sheets

The principal or their delegate must ensure current (issued or reviewed within the last 5 years) safety data sheets (SDS) from the manufacturer or supplier are maintained and accessible. SDS must be prepared by the manufacturer or importing supplier within Australia. It is a breach of the OHS Act 2004, to not have SDS for dangerous goods or hazardous substances used in a workplace.

Product and chemical SDS can be easily searched for, accessed and stored using the Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required) chemical management system. The Chemwatch database of SDS is updated daily, ensuring that all information is accurate and as up to date as possible.

When using the Chemwatch GoldFFX system, most, if not all, SDS are updated automatically by the system. The Chemwatch GoldFFX system is supported by an instructional video to help find the correct SDS for the product and add them to register folders. It is recommended that only the vendor or Chemwatch entry is used. They are identified by an orange or blue dot next to the product name. Selecting these products ensures data from the SDS is available to populate mini SDS, generate labels and provide risk and hazard information.

Schools do not need to provide printed or hard copy SDS to school staff if digital access is available (for example, if staff have been given access to Chemwatch GoldFFX). Hard copy SDS are not recommended as they can become out of date quickly. If SDS are being printed for access purposes they must be the full version. Mini SDS and SDS extracts do not contain enough information and are not suitable substitutes for full SDS. Mini SDS and extracts can be used to support other documents such as safe work procedures (SWPs).

The Statewide OHS Services Team and the OHS Advisory Service can provide support to schools with accessing and interpreting safety data sheets.

11. Emergency management

The principal or their delegate must:

ensure that appropriate emergency management equipment and plans are in place as per the Emergency and Critical Incident Management Planning policy
develop and maintain a chemical manifest if the dangerous goods on site exceed threshold quantities
ensure emergency management information is included in relevant safe work procedures (SWPs)
manage and respond to emergencies as per the Managing and Reporting School Incidents (Including Emergencies) policy.

The principal or their delegate in consultation with HSRs and relevant school staff, must ensure that appropriate emergency management equipment and plans are in place. Safety data sheets (SDS) will provide information on what equipment is required in the event of an emergency, exposure or spillage. It could include:

spill kits/containment equipment such as bunding
fire blankets/extinguishers
first aid kits
eye wash stations/eye wash kits/emergency showers
emergency shutdown procedures for equipment
appropriate numbers of trained emergency wardens and first aiders
appropriately displayed emergency contact details
personal protective equipment (PPE).

For locations where laboratory chemicals are stored, at least one fire extinguisher must be provided. Each extinguisher must be located so that it is immediately accessible in an emergency, along an exit route. The minimum rating is 3A 60 B (E) Dry Chemical.

Schools may also be required to develop and maintain a chemical manifest. A chemical manifest:

is a summary document
is only required when dangerous goods exceed their threshold quantities
provides emergency services with crucial information like the type, quantity, and location of dangerous goods
details site plans and emergency contacts.

Refer to Guidance sheet 1 for more information about manifest quantities.

Refer to Guidance sheet 4: Minor chemical spill management (DOCX) and Guidance sheet 5: Major chemical spill management (DOCX) for additional information. The principal or their delegate must ensure emergency management information is included in relevant SWPs.

The principal or their delegate must ensure all relevant emergency contact telephone numbers are displayed on the OHS noticeboard as required in the OHS Consultation and Communication policy, and other locations such as where chemicals are stored. The First aid summary sheet template (DOCX) allows schools to identify and display who their first aid officers and emergency wardens are, where first aid kits are located and the poisons information hotline number, 13 11 26.

12. Hazardous waste disposal

The principal or their delegate must:

schedule, in the OHS activities calendar, and review chemical stores annually
check for expired chemicals and chemical waste
if required, arrange a chemical waste collection
ensure hazardous substances and their chemical waste are disposed of correctly, as outlined in the SDS and with reference to Guidance sheet 6: Hazardous waste disposal (DOCX)
ensure certain chemicals are not disposed of in drains or storm water systems, refer to Guidance sheet 4: Chemical spill management
retain records of disposal certificates from an EPA-approved waste contractor.

It is illegal to pour hazardous substances and their waste down sinks, gutters or drains. Waste from hazardous substances must be stored in labelled, sturdy, leak-proof containers ready for collection. Chemical waste must not be mixed with other chemical waste. Chemical waste must be stored in suitable designated areas whilst awaiting collection.

Collection and disposal of waste from hazardous substances must be carried out by an EPA licensed disposal company. For more information phone 1300 372 842 for accredited waste disposal services in various areas or visit the EPA website.

To make collection and disposal more cost-effective, schools may wish to work together and coordinate collections, especially in rural and remote areas.

Refer to the product SDS for specific information on:

the type of PPE that must be used when handing the chemical waste
disposal considerations.

Labelling

Schools must ensure that any containers of waste produced or generated from hazardous substances are identified and labelled. Labelling must include, at a minimum, the product name, school details, and a hazard pictogram consistent with the correct classification of the chemical (if relevant).

The label needs to reflect the nature of the waste as closely as possible. For example, the label may identify the substance as ‘chlorinated solvent waste,’ ‘acid waste,’ or ‘caustic waste’.

Compliant labels can be generated and printed using Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login required). See the How to generate a label for a video demonstrating the process.

Containers with unknown substances in them should be labelled ‘CAUTION DO NOT USE: UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE’ and then disposed of by an EPA licenced disposal company. For more information, refer to Guidance sheet 6: Hazardous waste disposal (DOCX).

Resources

Chemwatch chemical management resources

Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff loginrequired) – Chemical management platform where schools can build a chemical register (manifest) and access Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Chemwatch training resources

GoldFFX training presentation – an overview video to guide the user through navigating the system, including how to:
- search for products
- create a register (manifest)
- undertake risk assessments
  This training is available in multiple languages.
Folder tree panel – an eLearn on how to set up and move products and chemicals into folders
Materials search – an eLearn which includes searching for materials (products and chemicals) and how to select and download SDS
Generate an incompatibility report – this report assesses storage compatibility based on dangerous goods classification, highlighting chemical interactions and segregation guidance
How to generate a label - search for a material (product or chemical), print and download a single label or multiple labels from a selected folder
- E-Learning
- Manuals

Accredited chemicals management course

Chemwatch offers an accredited Course in Chemicals Management, which covers the following 3 modules:

Chemicals management process and the assessment of risks
Managing chemical risks and control measures
Management of hazardous Chemical waste

Units of competency

The course units of competency are contextualised within the chemicals management framework:

BSBWHS431 – Develop processes and procedures for controlling hazardous chemicals in the workplace
BSBWHS531 – Implement and evaluate system of work for managing hazardous chemicals
BSBWHS308 – Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
NAT10895001 – Manage hazardous chemical waste within a workplace

The course is available online within the Chemwatch Learning Management System (LMS) and is self-paced. Enrolled learners have 6 months to complete the online course and assessment tasks.

Learners are guided through the entire course before and after sign-up. The Chemwatch Training Team is also available for any questions and continued support to learners.

A Statement of Attainment is issued upon successful completion of the course, with details of assessments.

Accredited Chemicals Management Course Charge: Unlimited enrolment – $75/school.