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Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Departmental procedures and guidelines
Resources
Legislation and other Links

The management of products used in schools that are categorised as chemicals; hazardous substances and dangerous goods form an important component of managing health and safety. All products in the school environment should be assessed to determine risks associated with their use. If products fall into the category of a hazardous substance and/or dangerous goods then there are specific processes to be implemented to meet legislative requirements.

Departmental procedures and guidelines

Education Policy and Procedure Register (EPPR)
Teachers should refer to these procedures for various art, science and agriculture activities to ensure safe use of chemicals with students.

Resources

Chemicals Review - Schools Officers (new window) 87k
This fact sheet includes a checklist to assist schools officers review their chemical use and storage.
Cutting Fuel Drums and Empty Containers - Explosion Hazard (new window) 287k
ChemWatch Website for Education Queensland Schools
To access ChemWatch, first you need to register your school by following the Chemwatch Registration Instructions (new window) 190k
Hazardous Substances - OHS Tool Kit Module (see module 8) (new window) 263k
Hazardous Substances Register Template (new window) 13k
Aspects of Science Management: A Reference Manual for Schools (new window) 850k . This handbook contains information on aspects of the safe and efficient management of laboratories and practical science activities.
Handling Suspicious Mail (Anthrax) Fact Sheet (new window) 116k
Asbestos in Schools (new window) 177k
Flow Chart for Managing Asbestos Incidents (new window) 122k
Storage of Dangerous Goods Brochure (new window)

Legislation and other Links

WHSQ - Hazardous substances Code of Practice 2003
WHSQ - Dangerous goods information
WHSQ - Rural Chemicals Industry Code Of Practice
CHEM Unit - Department of Emergency Services
The CHEM Unit assists schools and other places in managing chemical emergencies. This site contains contacts, advice, FAQs, legislation and publications regarding chemicals.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Contains information about the EPA's responsibilities, policies, guidelines, directions and activities.
Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Includes a range of services and information, from fact sheets and guides, to maps and service centres.

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