Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 have been enacted in Victoria taking effect on 1/06/2000. They are based on the model regulations prepared by National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC, formerly known as WorkSafe). These regulations are additional to existing legislation for the safe management of chemicals.
| Objective | To protect people at work against risks to their health associated with the use of hazardous substances. |
| Application | Identification, assessment and control of potential health risks associated with handling of chemicals classified as hazardous substances. |
| Chemical classification | A hazardous substance is defined as a substance which may be hazardous to health due to either its acute toxicity or the potential for chronic adverse health effects. |
There are four major new requirements:
| Requirement | Description | Implementation Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register | Development and maintenance of a register of hazardous substances. Minimum requirements are:
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Departments must compile and maintain a register. OH&S are developing a range of templates for the register. OH&S will develop a suitable process for 'substances synthesized in-house' for use by departments. |
| 2 | Risk management | Assessment is required for all hazardous substances and must take account of the method of use of the substance. Appropriate risk controls must be implemented based on the outcome of the risk assessment. | Departments must undertake risk assessments and implement appropriate risk control measures. OH&S has developed an integrated risk control package to cater for all of the main hazards encountered within the university environment including hazardous substances. |
| 3 | Training | Appropriate training must be provided to all staff and students who use hazardous substances. | Departments must ensure that staff and students are provided with adequate training in relation to use of hazardous substances. OH&S have developed a generic on-line training package, Chemsafe4u, to cater for training requirements. |
| 4 | Carcinogens management | Licensing and notification is required for use of a specified list of carcinogens - 'Scheduled Carcinogens'. The Victorian WorkSafe website has a full list of scheduled carcinogens | Departments must identify whether they use any of the prescribed list of carcinogens. If any of these substances are used a risk assessment must be performed and OH&S must be contacted. OH&S will provide assistance with the licensing and notification application process. |