Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, controls and step-by-step procedures for working with corrosive acids, alkalis and related chemical processing activities to protect workers, the public and the environment. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that brings multiple hazardous chemical tasks into one integrated SWMS to support strong WHS compliance and consistent risk management on site.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe preparation, dilution and application of caustic soda solutions in production and cleaning processes
• Operation, loading and unloading of chemical baths and vats, including agitation, circulation and temperature control
• Storage, segregation and handling of corrosive substances to prevent contact, splashes, spills and incompatible mixing
• Interaction with dehydrating substances and desiccants, including controls for skin, eye and respiratory exposure
• Management of endothermic and exothermic process reactions, including gradual dosing, temperature monitoring and emergency quench procedures
• Etching of metal, glass and other material surfaces using corrosive chemicals, including ventilation and fume control
• Handling and use of strong cleaning chemicals in industrial, workshop and maintenance environments
• Charging, operating and maintaining acid baths for pickling, cleaning and surface treatment operations
• Handling acid-based chemicals, including transfer between containers, drum pumping, decanting and labelling
• Handling aggressive fluids such as high-strength alkalis, oxidisers and corrosive slurries under pressure or flow
• Safe operation and maintenance of caustic baths, including concentration checks, PPE requirements and emergency response
• Handling and dosing of reactive chemicals that may polymerise, decompose or react violently if mismanaged
• Neutralisation of harmful elements and process streams prior to discharge, cleaning or waste disposal
• Operation of hazardous process reactors, including start-up, shutdown, venting and pressure/temperature control
• Working with cyanide-containing compounds, including segregation, emergency showers/eyewash and antidote access procedures
• Selection and use of chemical-resistant PPE, eye and face protection, respiratory protection and emergency wash facilities
• Spill response, containment, decontamination and reporting for corrosive and toxic chemical releases

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for chemical processing plants, metal finishing and etching operations, water and wastewater treatment facilities, industrial cleaning contractors, laboratories, and site supervisors managing corrosive and hazardous chemical work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks from hazardous chemicals
• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice: Requirements for SDS content and accessibility
• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice: Labelling standards for decanted and transferred chemicals
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Code of Practice: Controls for process reactors, pumps, mixers and associated plant
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Code of Practice: Requirements for ventilation, emergency showers, eyewash and amenities
• First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid facilities and response for chemical exposure
• AS 3780: The storage and handling of corrosive substances: Requirements for storage, segregation and spill control for corrosives
• AS/NZS 2243.1: Safety in laboratories – Planning and operational aspects: Relevant controls for laboratory-scale corrosive and reactive chemical work