Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Use of Chemicals and Solvents SOP sets out clear, practical steps for storing, handling, decanting and using hazardous chemicals and solvents in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps your business control exposure risks, prevent fires, spills and environmental releases, and provide a defensible framework for chemical safety across all work areas.

Chemicals and solvents are used in almost every Australian workplace, from workshops and laboratories to schools, hospitals, construction sites and manufacturing plants. Without a clear, standardised procedure, workers can be exposed to vapours, splashes, incompatible substances and ignition sources, leading to serious injury, property damage or environmental harm. This Safe Use of Chemicals and Solvents Safe Operating Procedure provides a practical, step-by-step framework for identifying hazardous chemicals, reading and applying Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information, selecting appropriate PPE, and safely handling, transferring, mixing and disposing of chemical products.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and guidance in mind, this SOP helps you turn legal duties into day‑to‑day actions that frontline workers can actually follow. It addresses common problem areas such as unlabelled containers, decanting into spray bottles, storage of flammables, ventilation for solvent use, and emergency response to spills, splashes and inhalation incidents. By implementing this procedure, you support a consistent approach across your sites, reduce the likelihood of regulatory non‑compliance, and give supervisors and workers a clear reference that underpins training, inductions and audits.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, legally defensible practices for handling, storing and using hazardous chemicals and solvents across all work areas.
• Reduce the risk of chemical burns, inhalation injuries, fires, explosions and environmental releases through clearly defined controls.
• Standardise how Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information is interpreted and applied, improving worker understanding and confidence.
• Streamline training, inductions and toolbox talks by providing a single, structured procedure for chemical and solvent safety.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and chemical management codes of practice, reducing the risk of notices and fines.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Laboratory Managers
• Production Supervisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Warehouse and Stores Coordinators
• Facilities Managers
• Auto Workshop Managers
• Painters and Spray Booth Operators
• Cleaning Contractors and Team Leaders
• Laboratory Technicians
• Process Operators
• School Science Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous vapours, mists and fumes from solvents and volatile chemicals
• Skin and eye contact causing irritation, burns or sensitisation
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable and combustible liquids
• Incompatible chemical reactions leading to heat, gas release or toxic by‑products
• Spills and leaks causing slip hazards and environmental contamination
• Manual handling risks associated with moving drums, containers and gas cylinders
• Inhalation of aerosols during spraying, cleaning or decanting activities
• Chronic health effects from repeated low‑level exposure (e.g. respiratory or neurological impacts)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including SDS, GHS, hazardous chemicals)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Chemicals and Solvents
• 5.0 Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Access, Review and Application
• 6.0 Labelling and Decanting of Chemicals and Solvents
• 7.0 Storage Requirements (including segregation and flammable cabinets)
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection, Use and Maintenance
• 9.0 Safe Handling, Mixing and Use of Chemicals and Solvents
• 10.0 Ventilation and Engineering Controls for Vapours and Fumes
• 11.0 Spill Management and Environmental Protection
• 12.0 Fire and Explosion Prevention Measures
• 13.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Chemicals and Containers
• 14.0 Health Monitoring and Exposure Controls (where applicable)
• 15.0 Emergency Response Procedures (exposure, fire, large spills)
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 17.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Audit Requirements
• 18.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Regulations) – 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
• AS/NZS 2243.10: Safety in laboratories – Storage of chemicals
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection