Product Overview

Summary: This Chemical Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for safely storing, handling, using and disposing of hazardous chemicals in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control chemical risks, meet WHS obligations, and protect workers, contractors and the environment from exposure and incidents.

Hazardous chemicals are present in almost every industry in Australia, from laboratories and manufacturing plants to workshops, schools and commercial facilities. Without a robust, standardised approach, everyday tasks such as decanting, mixing, transporting or disposing of chemicals can quickly escalate into serious incidents involving burns, respiratory illness, fire, explosion or environmental harm. This Chemical Safety Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step method for managing chemicals throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that workers understand the risks and follow consistent, defensible practices.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and guidance in mind, this SOP helps businesses translate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information, risk assessments and supplier instructions into practical on‑the‑floor controls. It covers key areas such as segregation and storage, labelling and decanting, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), spill management, waste disposal and emergency response. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the likelihood of exposures, leaks and non‑compliance, support effective training and induction, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and clients alike.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe handling, storage and use of hazardous chemicals across all work areas.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, burns, poisoning, fire and environmental contamination.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation, Codes of Practice and relevant Australian Standards.
• Streamline induction and refresher training by providing clear, step‑by‑step guidance for workers.
• Improve incident preparedness with defined procedures for spills, exposures and emergency response.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Laboratory Managers
• Production Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Warehouse and Stores Coordinators
• Laboratory Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Site Managers
• Chemical Handling Operators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to toxic, corrosive, irritant or sensitising chemicals via inhalation, skin contact or ingestion
• Chemical burns to skin and eyes from acids, alkalis and oxidising agents
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable liquids, gases and combustible dusts
• Reactive and incompatible chemical mixing leading to heat, gas release or violent reactions
• Asphyxiation risks from gases and vapours in confined or poorly ventilated spaces
• Environmental contamination from chemical spills, leaks and incorrect disposal
• Manual handling injuries associated with moving drums, cylinders and chemical containers
• Fume and vapour exposure from volatile solvents and cleaning agents

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Hazard Identification and Chemical Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Chemical Inventory, SDS Management and Labelling Requirements
• 6.0 Chemical Storage, Segregation and Housekeeping
• 7.0 Safe Handling, Decanting, Mixing and Transfer Procedures
• 8.0 Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Engineering Controls
• 9.0 Ventilation, Fume Cupboards and Local Exhaust Systems
• 10.0 Spill Prevention, Spill Kits and Spill Response Procedures
• 11.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Chemical Residues
• 12.0 Transport of Chemicals Within the Workplace
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures for Exposure, Fire and Explosion
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Review of Chemical Safety Controls
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Hazardous Chemicals
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), as adopted in Australia
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 2243 series: Safety in laboratories (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves