USE AND STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS POLICY
POLICY STATEMENT
Annie Dennis Children’s Centre (ADCC) will ensure the safe use and storage of toxic and other dangerous
products so that children, educators and families are protected from the risks of these substances.
RATIONALE
To provide an environment that is safe with no risk to the health and well being of children, families,
educators and other staff or visitors and to ensure that hazardous materials are stored appropriately. To
ensure that, should a chemical be spilled in the service, that it is cleaned up immediately in a safe
manner.
STRATEGIES
Minimising the risk to children, educators and families
ADCC will:
 securely store all dangerous equipment and undiluted toxic products in their original labelled
containers in designated secure areas in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
 ensure potentially dangerous products are stored in a designated secured areas which are
inaccessible to the children
 ensure all educators and other staff (including casuals) will be made aware on initial orientation
at the centre, correct storage and usage procedures for potentially hazardous materials
 ensure that all under bench storage cupboards are fitted with child safety locks
 ensure hazardous chemicals, substances or equipment are disposed of in accordance to the
manufacturer’s instructions, OH&S regulations, local council regulation or Department of Health
advice
 properly discard empty bulk storage containers used for toxic products
 keep the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheets (providing information about the risks,
controls for prevention of exposure and first aid measures) in the designated secure areas,
kitchen, office and in all of the educational programs so that educators can have immediate
access to the information in an emergency seek medical advice immediately if poisoning or
potentially hazardous ingestion, inhaled, skin or eye exposure has occurred
 ensure the Poisons Information phone number is on display next to all phones within ADCC
 ensure the designated secure areas are clearly labelled to assist relief educators
 first aid action plans are developed and are on display for each hazardous product kept on the
premises
 ensure that no poisonous plants are planted at ADCC and undertake regular garden and grounds
maintenance to minimize the risk of toxic plants within the grounds and premises
 ensure the centre parent resource area has up to date information regarding maintaining safe
environments
 take appropriate action should any vermin or pests be identified within ADCC to rid it of the
problem. Initially using non-chemical methods such as physical removal, maintaining a clean
environment, and use of any non-toxic products
 maintain a register of all hazardous substances kept on the premises, and
 ensure flammable materials are stored separately from anything that constitutes or is likely to
constitute a fire hazard.
The educators will:
 choose the least hazardous product for the job
 ensure that all cleaning products are diluted in the laundry in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions
 ensure cleaning products and aids are be stored in above storage/shelves cupboards
 ensure that the laundry and outdoor storeroom are secure at all times and they do not
inadvertently provide access for children to the items stored there
 ensure all cleaning products in their educational programs are stored safely and made
inaccessible to children at all times
 ensure chemicals used to clean tables and equipment are in spray or squeeze bottles and must
be clearly labelled with contents
 ensure any cupboards/shelf with dangerous chemicals must have a sign stating chemicals stored
 always read the label before use of any cleaning material, sprays or chemicals and be aware of
appropriate first aid measures
 only administer children’s medications with family authorisation and in accordance with medical
directions. All medications will be stored in medication cabinets inaccessible to children. If any
medications or dangerous substances require refrigeration, they must be placed in a labelled
childproof container, preferably in a separate compartment of the fridge
 ensure cleaning and hazardous products are not be stored close to food products, and
 seek medical advice as needed by contacting the Poisons Information Line – 13 11 26 or by
calling 000.
The OH&S representative will ensure the following are up to date:
 Material Safety Data Sheets – with a review of the folder annually. No SDS is to be more than 5
years old
 dangerous chemical signs
 first aid action plans, and
 register of all hazardous substances kept on the premises.
The OH&S representative will conduct and record regular a bi annual audit of toxic or dangerous
products (appendix A).
Hazardous Cleaning Products
ADCC will purchase and use less toxic substances whenever possible, while maintain the highest level of
hygiene standards.
ADCC uses the following cleaning products:
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dishwashing detergent
laundry powder
creme cleanser
nappy soaking powder (soaking bibs and towels)
household bleach (during gastroenteritis outbreaks)
spray sanitiser ( food preparation areas).
LINKS TO OTHER POLICIES
Incident, Injury, Trauma, Illness and First Aid
Emergency and Evacuation
OH& and Wellbeing
Food Safety Building, Environment, Equipment and Safety Checks
Hygiene
Supervision of Children
Administration of Medication
LEGISLATION
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (National Law) - Part 6, Operating an education and
care service
Health Act 1958
Education and Care Services National regulations 2012 (National Regulations) 77, 85, 103, 120, 151
Health Records Act 2001
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
The Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999
Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000
LINK TO NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS
The Hazardous Products policy is linked to the National Quality Standards, National Law and National
Regulations
Quality Area 2: Children’s health and safety- This quality area of the National Quality Standard focuses
on safeguarding and promoting children’s health and safety.
Standard 2.1 Element 2.1.4
Standard 2.3 Element 2.3.2
Quality Area 7: Leadership and Service Management- This quality area of the National Quality Standard
focuses on effective leadership and management of the service that contributes to quality environments
for children’s learning and development. Well-documented policies and procedures, well-maintained
records, shared values, clear direction and reflective practices enable the service to function as a
learning community. An ongoing cycle of planning and review, including engagement with families,
creates the climate for continuous improvement.
Standard 7.3 Element 7.3.2, 7.3.5
SOURCES
A Step By Step Guide For Chemicals Management In The Workplace
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/60075/Managing_chemicals_in_Workplac
e.pdf
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Staying Healthy in Childcare 5th Edition 2012.
Date February 2013
Approval 16 September 2013
Next review date September 2015