Dangerous Goods Vs Hazardous Substances

Workplace safety - dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are objects or substances that are potentially harmful to people or the environment, such as explosives or chemicals. Dangerous goods can blow up, burn, corrode or poison people. They should be handled, stored and transported with great care.

Dangerous goods are classified in various ways, including United Nations identification numbers, Hazchem codes and Packing Group Numbers. Some dangerous goods, such as certain chemicals, are also classified as hazardous substances. Employers using these products in the workplace must abide by the regulations for both dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods include:

·         Compressed oxygen or other gases

·         Explosives

·         Flammable liquids including alcohol and flammable solids, such as nitrocellulose

·         Infectious substances

·         Oxidising substances, such as ammonium dichromate or pool chlorine

·         Radioactive materials.

Classifications for dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are classified according to their properties, for example ‘compressed toxic gas’, ‘flammable solid’, ‘toxic liquid’. Some dangerous goods attract subsidiary risk classifications, such as chlorine gas that is classed as toxic first and corrosive second. 

Dangerous goods have their own United Nations identification number. Packing Group numbers classify dangerous goods according to risk. ‘Packing Group I’ classification indicates a high risk substance and ‘Packing Group III’, a lower risk substance. Hazchem codes give emergency services personnel information on the properties of the substance.

Storage and handling regulations for business premises

Regulations on storing and handling dangerous goods are designed to prevent accidents. Business premises such as chemical plants, service stations, laboratories and hospitals must comply with the regulations. 

The regulations cover a range of safety issues, including:

·         Storage design, construction and location.

·         Storage specifications for dangerous goods.

·         Separating dangerous goods that may react when stored together.

·         Fire prevention requirements.

·         Protection equipment installation.

·         The need to keep a full record, or manifest, of dangerous goods to inform emergency services in case of an accident.

·         Some premises need licensing if they store more than a certain amount of dangerous goods.

Proper signposting is required

Some businesses, such as factories, warehouses, hospitals and farms, are required to post appropriate warning notices about the dangerous goods they store. These warning notices must be posted at various key locations throughout the business premises, including:

·         At the vehicle entrance

·         At all storage access points

·         Hazchem signs at entrances, if the premises exceed the prescribed storage limit of some dangerous goods.

Hazchem signs

The Hazchem sign offers information to emergency services personnel about the dangerous goods, including:

·         The type of fire extinguishing agent required, such as water or foam

·         Details of violent reactions

·         Suggested personal protective equipment

·         Information on whether to dilute the effluent

·         Whether evacuation is necessary.

Accident prevention

In the event of an accident, emergency services personnel need to know about the type and amounts of dangerous goods stored on your premises. A Register or detailed list should be available to emergency services personnel. 

Some businesses need to prepare plans for emergencies in consultation with the relevant fire protection authority. An emergency management plan may include:

·         Evacuation procedure for the workers

·         Standard procedures for contacting emergency services

·         Emergency contact lists, including after hours telephone numbers

·         Emergency equipment details

·         Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) location

·         Site-containment measures.

High-consequence dangerous goods

High-consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) are those dangerous goods and other substances, in particular ammonium nitrate, that are of security concern. This is because they have the potential for misuse that may result in mass casualties and/or mass destruction.

Workplace safety - hazardous substances

Exposure to chemicals commonly used in workplaces can lead to a variety of short and long term health effects such as poisoning, skin rashes and disorders of the lung, kidney and liver. 

A hazardous substance can take many forms – gas, powder, liquid, solid or dust. The product may be pure or diluted.

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances are legally obliged to include warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with their products. This information offers advice on safe handling practices.

Common hazardous substances

Many industrial, agricultural and medical organisations use hazardous substances. The degree of hazard depends on the concentration of the chemical. 

Common hazardous substances in the workplace include:

·         Acids

·         Caustic substances

·         Disinfectants

·         Glues

·         Heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium

·         Paint

·         Pesticides

·         Petroleum products

·         Solvents.

Possible side effects

Health effects depend on the type of hazardous substance and the level of exposure (concentration and duration). A hazardous substance can be inhaled, splashed onto the skin or eyes, or swallowed. Some of the possible health effects can include:

·         Poisoning

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Headache

·         Skin rashes, such as dermatitis

·         Chemical burns

·         Birth defects

·         Disorders of the lung, kidney or liver

·         Nervous system disorders.

Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances are required by law to provide warning labels and MSDS with their products. 

Employers must ensure that the MSDS for each hazardous substance used in the workplace is available to workers, and that a central register of hazardous substances is established. The warning label on a product might feature cautionary words such as ‘corrosive’, ‘poison’ or ‘hazardous’. 

The MSDS lists important information on handling the product safely, including:

·         Potential health effects

·         Precautions for use

·         Safe storage suggestions

·         Emergency first aid instructions

·         Contact numbers for further information.

Reducing exposure

Suggestions on reducing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace include:

·         Where possible, perform the task without using hazardous substances.

·         Where possible, substitute hazardous substances with less toxic alternatives.

·         Hazardous substances should be isolated from workers in separate storage areas.

·         Storage areas should be separately ventilated from the rest of the workplace.

·         Workers should be thoroughly trained in handling and safety procedures.

·         Personal protection equipment such as respirators, gloves and goggles should be worn.

·         The workplace should be regularly monitored with appropriate equipment to track the degree of hazardous substance in the air or environment.

·         Workers should be consulted regularly to maintain and improve existing safety and handling practices.

Written records

Certain records have to be maintained if hazardous substances are used in the workplace, including:

·         Details of risk assessments

·         Results of air and environment tests, if required

·         Details of health monitoring of workers, if required.

·          

Medical help

If you suspect you have been exposed to hazardous substances, see your doctor immediately for treatment, information and referral. Notify your employer. Try not to handle the hazardous substance again.

In an emergency dial (XXX) Local Department for an ambulance. 

Post by Department of Safety & Health Training Institute
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