Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to the safe storage, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals on Australian worksites, helping businesses control risks to workers, contractors and the public. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of hazardous chemical management to support strong WHS compliance and due diligence obligations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Identification and segregation of hazardous chemicals in compliant storage areas, including incompatible substance separation
• Safe handling of chemicals and toxins during decanting, mixing, transferring and day-to-day use
• Control measures for accidental ingestion, inhalation or skin/eye contact with hazardous substances
• Mitigation of chemical hazards through engineering controls, ventilation, substitution and administrative procedures
• Management of hazardous substances on properties, including assessment of existing contamination risks
• Procedures for dealing with unexpected contaminants, unknown chemicals or unidentified residues
• Decontamination of hazardous substances from equipment, surfaces, PPE and affected work areas
• Safe disposal of chemicals, chemical containers and other hazardous wastes in line with regulatory requirements
• Dry ice handling, storage and transportation, including controls for asphyxiation, burns and pressure build-up
• Risk controls for exposure to harmful substances and chemical vapours, including monitoring and health surveillance where required
• Elimination of practices involving handling potentially hazardous materials without appropriate PPE or controls
• Hazardous area certified works involving flammable or explosive atmospheres and ignition source control
• Hazardous material removal activities, including bunded work areas, spill trays and containment methods
• Emergency response to chemical spills, leaks and releases, including spill kit use and incident escalation
• Training, induction and supervision requirements for workers who store, handle, transport or dispose of hazardous chemicals

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for facilities managers, maintenance teams, cleaners, laboratories, manufacturing plants, warehouses, pest controllers, hazardous waste contractors and site supervisors responsible for hazardous chemical storage, handling and disposal.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with hazardous chemicals
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Requirements for correct labelling of hazardous chemical containers
• Safe Work Australia – Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Information requirements for SDS used in workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: General risk management framework applied to chemical hazards
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: First aid facilities and response for chemical exposures
• AS 1940: The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Requirements for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 2243 Safety in Laboratories (relevant parts): Controls for chemical safety in laboratory environments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017