Corrosive Acids, Alkalis and Chemical Processing SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the handling and processing of corrosive acids, alkalis and other chemicals, from receipt through to clean-down. It supports planning and risk management by addressing chemical reactions, exposure, storage, transfers, process equipment, residues, spills and decontamination.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review chemicals and planned processing activities
• Prepare and control the processing area
• Inspect processing plant and safety systems
• Receive, handle and store chemical containers
• Prepare for chemical exposure risks
• Prepare acid and alkali solutions
• Transfer corrosive chemicals
• Operate chemical baths and etching processes
• Manage reactive chemical processes and cyanide handling
• Neutralise process residues
• Respond to spills and exposure, then clean and decontaminate

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out corrosive chemical handling and processing activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Confined Spaces, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction, where vat, tank, pit or reactor entry is required.
• AS 3780: The storage and handling of corrosive substances.
• AS/NZS 4452: The storage and handling of toxic substances, including cyanide where applicable.
• AS 4326: The storage and handling of oxidising agents.
• AS 4775: Emergency eyewash and shower equipment.
• AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye-protection equipment.
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves.
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code, where chemicals are transported by road or rail.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections