Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals (2 December 2024)

A 64-year-old cellar hand was performing routine duties at a winery. While preparing a batch of ‘brewer water’, a reaction occurred when Ammonium Bisulphite (ABS) and Tartaric Acid combined. This released hazardous sulphur dioxide and ammonia gas into the atmosphere. The fumes affected the cellar hand immediately. It also affected six other workers who experienced respiratory issues.

A mixing tank in the center with larger tanks on either side, a metal ladder for access, and connected hoses.
Mobile mixing tank
A row of tanks with several trucks parked on the ground. Yellow tape is stretched around the area, held in place by the trucks, to keep people away.
Distance between incident location and location of other exposed workers to the far right of the shed.
                                          

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals.

Assess and eliminate or control risks

Ensure:

  • you are familiar with the ‘Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the Workplace - Code of Practice’ which provides guidance on how to manage the risks associated with hazardous chemicals
  • the manufacturer/importer’s information provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available
  • the SDS contains relevant information for guidance on managing risks of the hazardous chemical, such as:
    • hazards of the hazardous chemical
    • control measures for first aid, firefighting, accidental release and safe handling and storage
    • control measures to minimise exposure to workers
    • conditions to avoid in storage handling
    • potential incompatible products
  • you maintain and monitor chemical storage containers and systems to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Develop and implement safe systems of work

When the risks of hazardous chemicals cannot be eliminated, you should:

  • substitute hazardous chemicals for safer options where possible and consider their physical form, properties and concentration
  • design systems to eliminate the risk of inadvertent mixing or interactions of incompatible chemicals
  • ensure suitable storage facilities are provided and maintained e.g. isolation/segregates chemicals, extraction/ventilation, temperature management, bunded and protected from impact
  • manage exposure standards of each hazardous chemical
  • develop and implement documented procedures and make them available to workers (these should be developed with reference to the product’s safety data sheet)
  • train workers in the proper handling and storage of chemicals, make them aware of the risks, and explain what to do if a leak, chemical reaction or exposure happens
  • supervise workers when they are handling or storing hazardous chemicals
  • regularly review and revise (as necessary) control measures to ensure they remain effective.

Ensure information is available for the storage and handling of chemicals by:

  • clearly labelling all hazardous chemicals
  • keeping a register that lists all the hazardous chemicals used, stored and handled in the workplace. This register must include the current safety data sheet for each chemical listed and must be available to everyone who may be affected by the hazardous chemicals
  • displaying placards with information about the hazardous chemical to assist emergency services if stored hazardous chemicals exceed the ‘placard quantity’
  • displaying safety signs near chemical handling and storage areas where required
  • ensuring chemical storage containers and systems are maintained and monitored so they are fit for purpose
  • ensuring fire extinguishers, suitable fire protection and firefighting equipment are available in areas where chemicals are used and stored.

Plan for emergencies

You should:

  • have an emergency plan and first aid plan in place
  • train staff in the emergency plan and first aid plan
  • consult workers about the emergency plan and safety management system
  • provide and clearly identity spill kits to manage any spills and leaks
  • monitor workers’ health through a registered medical practitioner if they are likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals
  • immediately notify SafeWork NSW if a notifiable incident occurs
  • immediately notify emergency services if a spill, leak or exposure occurs.

Related guidance material

Further information

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