Chemical Management

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.

Chemical management tools and templates

Risk assessment

• Risk assessment template (DOCX)
  • a template to assist schools in identifying the hazards, risk controls, and level of risk associated with a task or activity
  • to be completed by school staff who, as part of their role, are required to prepare chemical mixtures containing dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances. This could include, for example, a school gardener preparing a dilution of herbicides for weed spraying
• Risk assessment (example) – science experiment (DOCX)
  • a partially filled assessment for schools to complete on risks related to science experiments
• Risk assessment (example) – flammable and combustible liquids (DOCX)
  • a partially filled assessment for schools to complete on risks related to flammable and combustible liquids

Safe work procedures

• Safe work procedure template – science and laboratory chemicals (DOCX)
  • a template for Safe Work Procedures on science and lab chemicals
• Safe work procedure (example) – fuel storage and handling (DOCX)
  • a prefilled example of a Safe Work Procedure on fuel storage and handling

Guidance sheets

• Guidance sheet 1: Chemical storage (DOCX)
  • Outlines the requirements for safely storing laboratory chemicals, including:
    • segregation of incompatible substances
    • correct labelling
    • appropriate storage conditions
  • Provides detailed guidance on:
    • storage quantities
    • cabinet use
    • spill containment
    • ventilation
    • safety controls
  • to minimise risks such as fire, toxic exposure, and chemical reactions.
• Guidance sheet 2: Dangerous goods classification system (DOCX)
  • Outlines the nine classes and relevant divisions used in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
  • Explains how dangerous goods are defined and classified according to their hazardous properties
  • Uses descriptions and pictograms to help schools identify dangerous goods
• Guidance sheet 3: Prohibited and restricted chemicals (DOCX)
  • Identifies chemicals that are prohibited or restricted in department workplaces, including hazardous substances and carcinogens that must not be used or require permits or licences
• Guidance sheet 4: Chemical spill management (DOCX)
  • Outlines how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to chemical spills to minimise risk, including
    • safe storage practices
    • use of spill kits
    • staff training
• Guidance sheet 5: Major chemical spill management (DOCX)
  • Explains how to respond to and manage a major chemical spill or release
• Guidance sheet 6: Hazardous waste disposal (DOCX)
  • Outlines safe procedures for managing and disposing of hazardous chemical waste in schools
  • Includes the requirements for proper packaging, labelling, segregation and storage to minimise risks
  • Explains regular disposal practices and the use of licensed EPA contractors

Other useful resources

• OHS purchasing checklist template (DOCX)
  • must be completed when new dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances are introduced into the school
• 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

Websites

• AIMS Knowledge Centre (staff login required) – a central repository of practical information to help schools use the Asset Information Management System (AIMS)
• Chemtalk – a non-profit forum for Australian and New Zealand lab technicians
• Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture Victoria) – lists restricted non-schedule 7 agricultural chemicals
• Department managed categories – State Purchase Contracts (SPC) have been set up to combine demand for commonly used goods and services, which enables the Victorian Government to make the most of economies of scale when buying from the marketplace
• Exposure standards and atmospheric monitoring – WorkSafe Victoria guidance and resources
• Laboratory Technicians' Association of Victoria – a professional association for all laboratory technicians in schools and tertiary institutions in Victoria
• Science Assist – national advisory service dedicated to supporting school science educators and technicians. An annual subscription fee for this service applies
• Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (2025) – the SafeWork Australia website lists all hazardous substances that have an exposure standard applicable in Victoria. Other Workplace Health and Safety laws referenced in this document do not apply in Victoria
• WorkSafe – dangerous goods calculator – an interactive online calculator to assist in managing, reporting, and understanding responsibilities regarding dangerous goods

Legislation, codes of practice, standards and guidance

• Compliance code: Hazardous substances (WorkSafe Victoria)
• Code of practice for the storage and handling of dangerous goods 2013 (WorkSafe Victoria)
• Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic)
• Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022 (Vic)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic)
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code
• Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) Safe Work Australia