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Chemicals - Handling and Use SWMS

Chemicals - Handling and Use SWMS

  • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Chemicals - Handling and Use SWMS

Product Overview

This Chemicals - Handling and Use SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with the safe use, storage, decanting, mixing, and disposal of hazardous chemicals on Australian worksites. It provides detailed, practical controls that support WHS compliance and effective management of hazardous chemicals across multiple tasks and environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

  • Selection of appropriate chemicals, including reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manufacturer instructions before use
  • Safe storage and segregation of incompatible chemicals to prevent reactions, spills, and fire risks
  • Decanting and transferring chemicals between containers using safe systems of work and appropriate equipment
  • Mixing and diluting chemicals, including adding chemicals to water in the correct order and concentration
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, respirators, and protective clothing based on chemical hazards
  • Ventilation and control of fumes, vapours, mists, and dusts in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
  • Safe handling of corrosive, flammable, toxic, and oxidising substances to prevent burns, fires, and exposure
  • Management of ignition sources and static electricity when using flammable or combustible liquids
  • Spill prevention, containment, and clean-up procedures, including use of spill kits and waste segregation
  • Emergency response for chemical exposure, including eye wash, safety shower use, and first aid measures
  • Labelling and identification of containers, decanted products, and temporary storage vessels
  • Disposal of chemical wastes, contaminated materials, and empty containers in line with environmental and regulatory requirements
  • Training, supervision, and competency requirements for workers handling hazardous chemicals

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for cleaners, maintenance personnel, manufacturing and processing workers, painters, laboratory and workshop staff, and site supervisors responsible for the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity Potential Hazards
1. Preparation
  • Chemical exposure, Fire hazard
2. Storage
  • Leakage, Poor ventilation
3. Transportation
  • Spillage, Reaction with other chemicals
4. Mixing
  • Formation of fumes, Splash risk
5. Application
  • Skin contact, Inhalation
6. Cleaning equipment
  • Chemical residue, Toxic waste generation
7. Waste disposal
  • Environmental contamination, Improper disposal
8. Employee training
  • Inadequate knowledge, Misuse of equipment
9. Emergency response
  • Insufficient response procedures, Panic reaction
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Incorrect PPE, Ineffective PPE usability
11. Ventilation system
  • Maintenance neglect, System malfunction
12. Chemical inventory management
  • Expired chemicals, Unauthorised access

Need to add specific site requirements?

Don't worry if a specific job step isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom job steps at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the hazards and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • 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: Requirements for correct labelling of chemical containers
  • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ventilation, amenities, and emergency facilities relevant to chemical use
  • First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: First aid arrangements for chemical exposure and related injuries
  • Safe Work Australia – Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): Framework for classification, pictograms, and hazard statements
  • AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids: Requirements for safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)
  • Operational guidelines, with a step-by-step approach to safe work
  • Possible hazards that may be encountered
  • Step-by-step safety procedures to follow
  • Before work starts – Guidelines and Checks
  • Safety measures and guides
  • Operational Safety Checks
  • Before and After Risk Ratings
  • Risk Assessment Matrix
  • High Risk Work Involved
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • Plant and Equipment
  • Qualifications and Permits
  • Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Company Personnel Sign-off form

$96.8

Safe Work Australia Aligned