Risk Assessment & Risk Control
Abstract
The potential impact of hazards can have devastating effects on the business, employees
and families. Effective control measures need to be implemented and monitored to prevent
hazards reaching their potential. This is achieved through the evaluation of risk ….......................
effective control measures require an equally effective assessment of risks. This chapter
provides a systematic approach to competently assess potential risks of workplace hazards
and determine effective strategies to control the risk.
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Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 0
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
Definition of Risk.............................................................................................................. 3
Basic Principles of Accident Causation and Injury ................................................... 4
Heinrich’s Domino Theory .......................................................................................... 4
Heinrich’s Five Factors ................................................................................................ 5
Assessment of Risk ......................................................................................................... 8
Consequence ............................................................................................................. 8
Likelihood ................................................................................................................... 10
The Evaluation of Risk .................................................................................................. 12
Risk Matrix ............................................................................................................... 12
Risk Control ................................................................................................................... 14
Hierarchy of Risk Control ............................................................................................. 14
Elements of the Hierarchy of Control ................................................................. 14
The Hierarchy of Control ...................................................................................... 18
Risk Control Action Plans ...................................................................................... 18
Monitor Controls (Follow up) ............................................................................... 19
Examples of Control Measures ................................................................................... 20
Job Safety Analysis – (JSA) ......................................................................................... 21
The Steps of a JSA are: ......................................................................................... 21
Example of a JSA template ................................................................................. 22
Lock-out/Isolation Procedures ................................................................................... 23
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheets (SDS) ........................... 25
Material Safety Data Sheet – MSDS ................................................................... 26
Safety Data Sheet – SDS ...................................................................................... 29
Dangerous Goods Classes .......................................................................................... 33
Global Harmonisation System (GHS) ......................................................................... 38
Physical Hazard Pictograms ................................................................................ 39
Health Hazard Pictograms ................................................................................... 41
Physical and Health Hazards ............................................................................... 43
Environmental Hazards ........................................................................................ 43
Placards ......................................................................................................................... 44
Safety signs .................................................................................................................... 45
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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ....................................................................... 48
Example SOP (static) ............................................................................................ 49
Example SOP (portable) ...................................................................................... 50
References................................................................................................................. 51
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Technology)
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Introduction
Definition of Risk
‘Is the ‘Probability’ or ’Frequency’ of a Hazard reaching its Potential’
(Commonly termed, ‘Likelihood’ or ‘chances’)
The risk assessment process is a tool used for effectively determining
whether the risk associated with the hazard is acceptable risk or whether
a risk needs to be controlled.
Associated Risk
The term ‘risk associated with a hazard’ or ‘associated risk’ is defined as
‘the injury, harm or damage that could occur if the hazard were to reach
its potential’, many hazards in a workplace can potentially have more
than one ‘associated risk’, it is important to ensure all risks are evaluated
and controlled.
When a hazard is identified such as, a condition, a situation, or a process,
(hazardous) a more quantitative (focus on numerical and frequency)
process needs to be applied to enable a decision, whether the risk
posed is above the threshold of which is decide as acceptable. This will
also enable prioritisation of hazards for action, depending on the level of
threat.
Employers have the duty to ensure systems are in place to manage
hazards in the workplace. Ensure current workplace documentation for
hazard/risk management is sourced and follow the procedures set out in
the documentation.
The risk assessment tables and matrix in this chapter are examples only
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Basic Principles of Accident Causation and
Injury
Heinrich’s Domino Theory
The first sequential accident model was the ‘Domino effect’ or ‘Domino
theory’ (Heinrich, 1931).
The model is based in the assumption that:
…. the occurrence of a preventable injury is the natural
culmination of a series of events or circumstances, which
invariably occur in a fixed or logical order … an accident is merely
a link in the chain
This model proposed that certain accident factors could be thought of
as being lined up sequentially like dominos. Heinrich proposed that an:
… accident is one of five factors in a sequence that results in an
injury … an injury is invariably caused by an accident and the
accident in turn is always the result of the factor that immediately
precedes it. In accident prevention the bull’s eye of the target is in
the middle of the sequence – an unsafe act of a person or a
mechanical or physical hazard
Heinrich's Domino Theory states that accidents result from a chain of
sequential events, metaphorically like a line of dominoes falling over.
When one of the dominoes falls, it triggers the next one, and the next... but removing a key factor (such as an unsafe condition or an unsafe act)
prevents the start of the chain reaction.
What are Unsafe Conditions and Acts?
According to Heinrich, all incidents directly relate to unsafe conditions
and acts, which he defines as ‘unsafe performance of persons, such as
standing under suspended loads ... horseplay, and removal of
safeguards’ and ‘mechanical or physical hazards such as unguarded
gears ... and insufficient light’.
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Heinrich’s Five Factors
Heinrich theory proposes the sequence of five factors labelled with
accident causes;





Social environment/ancestry
Fault of the person
Unsafe acts, mechanical and physical hazards
Accident
Injury
Social Environment and Ancestry
This first domino in the sequence deals with worker personality.
Heinrich explains that undesirable personality traits, such as
stubbornness, greed, and recklessness can be ‘passed along
through inheritance’ or develop from a person's social environment,
and that both inheritance and environment (what we usually refer
to now as ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’) contribute to Faults of Person.
Fault of Person
The second domino also deals with worker personality traits. Heinrich
explains that inborn or obtained character flaws such as bad
temper, inconsiderateness, ignorance, and recklessness contribute
at one remove to accident causation. According to Heinrich,
natural or environmental flaws in the worker's family or life cause
these secondary personal defects, which are themselves
contributors to Unsafe Acts, or and the existence of Unsafe
Conditions.
Unsafe Act and/or Unsafe Condition
The third domino deals with Heinrich's direct cause of incidents. As
mentioned above, Heinrich defines these factors as things like
‘starting machinery without warning ... and absence of rail guards’.
Heinrich felt that unsafe acts and unsafe conditions were the
central factor in preventing incidents, and the easiest causation
factor to remedy, a process which he likened to lifting one of the
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dominoes out of the line. These combining factors (1, 2, and 3)
cause accidents.
Heinrich defines four reasons why people commit unsafe acts ‘improper
attitude, lack of knowledge or skill, physical unsuitability, [and] improper
mechanical or physical environment’. He later goes on to subdivide
these categories into ‘direct’ and ‘underlying’ causes. For example, he
says, a worker who commits an unsafe act may do so because he or she
is not convinced that the appropriate preventative measure is
necessary, and because of inadequate supervision. The former he
classifies as a direct cause, the latter as an underlying cause. This
combination of multiple causes, he says, create a systematic chain of
events leading to an accident.
Accident
Heinrich says, "The occurrence of a preventable injury is the natural
culmination of a series of events or circumstances which invariably
occur in a fixed and logical order’. He defines accidents as, ‘events
such as falls of persons, striking of persons by flying objects’ are
typical accidents that cause injury when one of the dominos or
accident factors falls and has an ongoing knock-down effect
ultimately resulting in an accident.
Injury
Injury results from accidents, and some types of injuries Heinrich
specifies in his "Explanation of Factors" are cuts and broken bones.
To be fair to Heinrich, he does insist that ‘the responsibility lies first of all
with the employer’. Heinrich specifies that a truly safety-conscious
manager will make sure his ‘foremen’ and ‘workers’ do as they are told,
and ‘exercise his prerogative and obtain compliance ... follow through
and see the unsafe conditions are eliminated’. Heinrich's remedy for
such non-compliance is strict supervision, remedial training, and
discipline.
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FIGURE 1: DOMINO THEORY (HEINRICH 1931)
Based on the domino model, accidents could be prevented by
removing one of the factors and so interrupting the knockdown effect.
Heinrich proposed that unsafe acts and mechanical hazards constituted
the central factor in the accident sequence and that removal of this
central factor made the preceding factors ineffective.
He focused on the human factor, which he termed “Man Failure”, as the
cause of most accidents.
Giving credence to this proposal, actuarial analysis of 75,000 insurance
claims attributed some 88% of preventable accidents to unsafe acts of
persons and 10% to unsafe mechanical or physical conditions, with the
last 2% being acknowledged as being unpreventable giving rise to
Heinrich’s chart of direct and proximate causes.
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FIGURE 2: PRINCIPLES OF CAUSATION ACCIDENT AND INJURY - FLOWCHART (HEINRICH)
Assessment of Risk
The risk assessment process requires the consideration of, and
quantification of, several factors, for example ‘consequence’ and
‘likelihood’.
Note: Depending on the hazard being assessed, will ultimately determine whether the
Likelihood of the event occurring, is determined first or the Consequence of the event
occurring is determined first.
Consequence
Consequence
The injury, ill-health or damage resulting from an event, or
sequence of events, which may be expressed quantitatively
or qualitatively. There may be a range of possible
consequences for a specific event or scenario.
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The consequence of a hazard is the ‘associated risk’ therefore more
than one consequence may be associated with the hazard.
The possibility of multiple consequences can be confusing. Applying a
best practice approach, would be to determine the consequence, in
terms of “Worse Credible Outcome” (WCO). Focus on the worst possible
injury, harm or damage if the event were to happen.
The values of consequences will vary depending on the nature and
scope of the industry, organisation and the hazard being assessed. The
following table is an example of some variances, focusing values on,
‘injury to person’, ‘environmental release’, ‘and financial loss’.
By applying the consequence, to the values on the table below, will
determine the level of the potential impact of the hazard, if the event
were to occur.
Example: if the, WCO is an ‘Extensive Injury’ the potential impact of the hazard is
‘Major’, if the event occurred.
Severe
Major
Moderate
Minor
Insignificant
Catastrophic, Death, massive environmental/community
release, huge financial loss (more than $5m)
Extensive injuries, harm or illness, large
environmental/community release, major financial loss
($1m - $5m)
Medical treatment required, on-site environmental
release, high financial loss ($500k - $1m)
First aid treatment, on-site environmental contained,
medium financial loss ($5k - $500k)
No injuries, minor localised environmental, low financial
loss (less than $5k)
FIGURE 3: CONSEQUENCE TABLE
Factors to Consider - Consequence
Financial Loss is often difficult to determine, considering it applies to a
financial value or cost to the company, in the event occurring. Factors to
consider when determining Financial Loss may include:



The loss of production
Down time
Investigation
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








Equipment replacement (inc. Plant)
Facility repairs (Building)
Under staffed (due to injury)
Replacement Staff
Medical expenses
Clean-up costs (environmental)
Prosecution (Breach)
Consolidation/Counselling (psychological)
Reputation of the organisation
Just imagine what the financial cost alone could do to a company if the
media were to exploit an incident or an accident, resulting from a
hazard that could have been, controlled or eliminated.
Likelihood
Likelihood
A colloquial term for ‘probability’. When related to risk it is the
probability of the stated consequence occurring, not the likelihood
of the hazard or the particular scenario.
The likelihood is determined by, ‘what are the chances’ the “Worse
Credible Outcome” would occur in an event or the ‘chances the hazard
would reach its potential’, for the event to occur. No matter the
perception the outcomes are the same.
Important Note: Ensure you determine the likelihood of the consequence and not the
likelihood of the hazard.
Almost Certain
Is expected to occur in most circumstances. A
common or repeating occurrence
Likely
Will probably occur in most circumstances, or ‘it has
happened’
Possible
May occur at some time, it could occur, or ‘I’ve heard
of it happening’
Could occur at some time, not likely to occur
Unlikely
Rare
May occur only in exceptional circumstances,
practically impossible
FIGURE 4: LIKELIHOOD TABLE
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Factors to Consider - Likelihood
One of the factors insurance companies decide their premiums on, is the
likelihood of you having an accident, in fact, it’s not so much you as an
individual, but rather, you as a member of a group of people meeting a
certain criterion, who are likely to have an accident. Similar should apply,
when assessing likelihood, avoid basing probability on your own
experiences, capabilities and circumstances and consider those of the
workgroup. The assessment of risk, best practice is in consultation with
others, they may have experiences to share that could improve the
controls.
When considering the likelihood of a hazard potential to occur, the
following items may need to be considered;







Physical capabilities of people exposed
(age/disabilities)
Training and experience of those people
(young/competent)
Environment (physical/psychological)
Design and construction of the plant/equipment
(quality/compliant)
Condition and serviceability of plant/equip (old/newmaintained)
Susceptibility of people exposed to the hazard
(health, allergy)
Number of times there is exposure (used/frequency –
UV/sun)
Factors that affect likelihood will change over time and a range of
circumstances and need to be regularly monitored to ensure
effectiveness.
Additional to the factors listed above the values of likelihood will vary
depending on the nature and scope of the industry, organisation,
people exposed and the hazard being assessed. The following table is
an example of some variances, focusing values on ‘probability’,
‘frequency’, ‘experiences’ to determine likelihood of the hazards
potential occurring.
Example: in a case of the event occurring, the WCO ‘could happen or may happen’
the likelihood of the hazard reaching its potential is ‘Possible’
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The Evaluation of Risk
The design and application of tools to evaluate risk, similar to the ‘Risk
Matrix’ below, vary across industries and workplaces, depending on a
wide range of factors impacting on an organisation, including scope
and nature of the business. Organisations will, in most cases, develop a
risk evaluation tool specific for the workplace and tailored to reflect
personal expectations and risk perception. Accompanied with access to
procedures and training employees in application are highly important,
for effectiveness and continuity of risk assessments. Regardless of a risk
evaluation tool’s design, the purpose and function are much the same.
The basic concept of a risk matrix is to evaluate the risk or rate the risk of
the identified hazard. Apply the determined levels of consequence and
likelihood to the table. The cross section is the ‘Risk Evaluation’ or ‘Risk
Rating’.
Risk Matrix
Example: Consequence is ‘Major’, Likelihood is ‘Possible’. ‘Risk Rating’ = High Riskexposure to hazard.
LIKELIHOOD
CONSEQUENCE
FIGURE 5: RISK MATRIX
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Workplace hazard management documentation, outline processes to
action or report findings. A sample of this is below:
Evaluation of each associated risk is essential to ensure the hazard will
be controlled and assist in identifying priorities to implement control
measures. Alternatively, an evaluation of risk may result in a risk rating
posing a minimum threat and is deemed an acceptable risk. Risks that
pose an unacceptable threat require the implementation of effective
control measures, designed to eliminate or reduce exposure to risks.
Ultimately an employer’s focus is to ‘eliminate’ all risks and remove the
threat, however the majority of the time this cannot be achieved without
impeding on production. If a risk is unable to be eliminated, the
legislation requires an employer to reduce the risk ‘as low as reasonably
practicable’ (ALARP). Following are, but not limited to, factors
considered in the process of reducing risks;






Urgency
Importance
Cost
Practicability
Effectiveness
Availability of Resources
Risk assessments may enable an informed and defendable decision to
do nothing (should this be appropriate), defined as ‘an acceptable risk’,
examples of this are:



Reducing the risk of paper cuts to fingers
Reducing radiation exposure from computer monitors
Reducing risk of meteorite impacts
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Risk Control
After the risk assessment process has been completed, control measures
need to be determined to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risks
involved with the hazard, whilst not creating new hazards in the process.
The hierarchy of risk control is used to determine appropriate control
measures.
Hierarchy of Risk Control





Elimination
Substitution
Engineering Control (Isolation/Separation)
Administrative Control
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In many cases, it may be necessary to use a combination of the above
control methods.
Note: it should be appreciated that the effectiveness of a control will
decrease proportionately for the control measures lower down this list,
due to ensuring the controls are still in place and functioning. Constant
monitoring of the controls is required to ensure effectiveness.
(example: elimination of a risk, removes the hazard, therefore no monitoring is
required, whereas, PPE is considered the least effective control measure and
must be constantly monitored to ensure effectiveness)
Elements of the Hierarchy of Control
The hierarchy of control is a ‘sequence’ of options to consider in
determining effective solutions to remove or reduce the threat risks may
pose. Re-assessing the risk applied to a control measure option will
indicate effectiveness. To assist in deciding the most appropriate and
effective control measure, consider;

Will the control measure option remove the risk completely?
(remove the hazard)- This is the most effective control, implement control
where possible

Will the control measure option reduce the risk ALARP? (Yes- an
effective control, No- assess/add another control)

Will the control measure option require constant monitoring to be
effective? (No- an effective control, Yes- assess/add another control)
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In most cases, to effectively control a risk ALARP, a combination of two or
more control measures will apply to reduce the risk to acceptable. The
Hierarchy of Control an effective process to identifying and determining
the correct risk controls to implement. The process to effectively use the
hierarchy of control begins with identifying options to remove the hazard
completely therefore the risk is non-existent or ‘mitigated’. Below are
element descriptions, process and examples of control measures.
Elimination
(Mitigate the risk) Elimination should always be the ‘first
consideration’ and is the most effective control measure because
if the hazard is removed, so is the risk and monitoring to ensure
effectiveness is not required.
Examples of elimination;
o
o
o
o
Removing hazardous electrical plant from service
Removing boxes stored on top of cabinets
Out-source hazardous operations (term- transfer risk)
Cease night shift rosters or overtime
Elimination is the first step, if this is not practical, then;
Substitution
(Replace the hazard) Substitution should always be the ‘second
consideration’ and is the next most effective control measure. The
principle of substitution is to replace the hazard or hazardous
situation with a less hazardous hazard or situation effectively
reducing the level of risk. Substitution may need to include other
controls to become more effective and will require monitoring to
some extent to ensure effectiveness.
Examples of substitution;
o Replacing a toxic substance with a non-toxic or less
hazardous substance
o Using a hand saw instead of a band saw to cut wood
o Changing poorly designed office furniture with
ergonomically designed
o Upgrading a safety step with a safety ladder with hand rails
o Using cordless power tools in place of mains powered tools
Substitution is the second step, if this is not practical, then;
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Engineering
(Distance the hazard) Often referred to as ‘Isolation’ and/or
‘Separation’ and in definition, means the same. Engineering should
always be the ‘third consideration’ and is the next most effective
control measure. The principles of engineering are to create a
barrier from the hazard effectively reducing the level of risk,
including separating the hazard or isolating the hazard, effectively
engineering a solution. Engineering controls will more than likely
require other controls to improve effectiveness in application and
require constant monitoring.
Examples of engineering;
o
o
o
o
Fabricating or fitting a guard on an item of plant
Installing a fence around an excavation
Creating a foot traffic detour around dangerous worksite
Attaching a ‘lock-out’ tag to faulty machinery
Engineering is the third step, if this is not practical, then:
Administrative Controls
(Manage Hazards) Administrative controls are considered the
‘fourth consideration’, however, it’s essential to consider
administrative controls for every element of the hierarchy of
control. The administration of, or the management of, hazards
require careful planning, consultation and application to ensure
they comply with legal responsibilities, standards and
effectiveness. Administrative controls are predominantly applied to
improve or enforce effectiveness of other controls and require
vigorous monitoring and review.
Examples of Administrative controls;
o
o
o
o
o
Policy and procedure for hot work permit
Competency training for high risk work
Workplace inductions
Scheduled inspections and maintenance
Warning signs/hazard lighting on excavation barriers
Administrative controls should apply to each step, if this is not
practical, then:
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
(Last Resort) Personal protective equipment is considered the ‘last
resort’ for protection against a hazards potential and should never
be considered as the only option. PPE is highly regarded and
viewed as the ‘last line of defence’, to offer protection, if other
more effective controls fail. Most organisations incorporate a
minimum standard of PPE workers are required to wear or use while
at work, including additional or specific personal protective
equipment when performing particular tasks. Other control
methods will involve or prescribe the use of PPE. Certain
requirements and constant monitoring are paramount to ensure
PPE is available, appropriate, correctly used, in good working order
and condition.
Examples of PPE;
o Steel toe capped safety boots in workshops
o Personal methane gas detector in an underground mine
o Eye protection in many applications, safety glasses, face
shield, goggles
o Respiratory mask when using or hazardous substances
Implementing control measures to reduce the risk as low as reasonably
practicable is a necessary process to ensure the safety and health of all
who may enter the workplace.
Company procedures should provide guidance to processes required for
selecting risk control options, consultation and implementation.
Using multiple controls will improve effectiveness and it is essential to
ensure other hazards are not created, stakeholders are aware of
changes, assessments documented, training provided and controls and
procedures are consistently monitored and reviewed.
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
The Hierarchy of Control
Risk control involves applying a hierarchy of control measures ranging
from the most effective (elimination) to the least effective (personal
protective equipment).
Elimination
Substitution
Engineering or Isolation
Administration
PPE
FIGURE 6: THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
Risk Control Action Plans
Risk control action plans are used in many aspects of a business structure
to document, record and action decisions made through consultation
for the reduction of risks, including financial risks, overall management of
risks, production risks and risks of hazards.
Risk control action plans can be and should be used as a live document
for the continuous improvement in the management of risks, an example
of this would be action plans developed from WHS Committee meetings,
where each item on the risk control plan remains in focus until such time
as it is actioned. These items can be discussed further and adjustments
made if required, however they will remain of the plan until the action is
completed satisfactory.
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
The basic process, structure and purpose of risk control action plans are
the same regardless of where they are used.
Once you have consulted with the parties in your practice environment
to identify the hazards, prioritise the risks and agree on control measures,
there needs to be an action plan documented. The risk control action
plan must clearly state,




What the identified hazard is
The agreed actions to eliminate or treat the risk
Who is responsible for implementing the action
And the date on which the action is to be completed.
Hazard
Items stored in
emergency exit
walkway
Action
By Who
By When
Remove items and relocate.
Supervisor
5/02/2016
Install ‘Keep Clear at all times’ signs
Supervisor
12/02/2016
WHS Advisor
12/02/2016
Lock-out forklift used until repaired
Supervisor
Immediate
Source repairer to rectify
Supervisor
5/02/2016
Toolbox topic on forklift pre-start check
WHS Advisor
12/02/2016
Refresher training
WHS Advisor
19/02/2016
Toolbox meeting topic
Forklift warning
beacon not
operating
FIGURE 7: SAMPLE - RISK CONTROL ACTION PLAN
Monitor Controls (Follow up)
After control procedures have been implemented the final step that
completes the process is called follow-up. This involves finding out
whether the changes made have eliminated or reduced the assessed
risks, and whether control strategies are continuing to be effective in
preventing or controlling exposure to hazards or hazardous work
practices.
**Risk control action plans must be reviewed to ensure controls are implemented. All
documentation from risk assessments, including Action Plans and Monitoring evidence
needs to retained and stored in the organisations record keeping system.
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Examples of Control Measures
The scope and nature of the organisation will generally govern what
particular WHS activities and procedures are used in the work practices.
Workers may be instructed to use/complete particular workplace
documentation or/and perform inspections, a strategy designed to
identify hazards, understand tasks, risk awareness, participation and
compliance for the management of risk. Examples are as follows;
Take – 5
The ‘Take 5’ is a pocket sized personal planning tool developed to
assist in the prevention of accidents. The ‘Take 5’ is a cost effective way
of promoting a safer working environment.
Workers use a Take 5 to risk assess the work task by stepping out
the task, identify hazards associated with each step, evaluating the risk
then implement the controls to eliminate or reduce the risk. Performed
prior to the worker commencing a task or new hazards arise during the
task. Effective hazard/risk management tools for awareness of job tasks,
identifying and controlling hazards immediately. The process is;





Think the task through
Spot the hazards in the task
Assess the risk
Make the changes
Do the job, if safe to do so
FIGURE 8: TAKE 5
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Job Safety Analysis – (JSA)
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as JHA or Safe Work Method
Statement, is useful for identifying hazards and assessing the risks in each
step of a job task. Same principles as a Take 5, but usually involves a work
group toolbox meeting, discussing the task together before they start the
job, often changes to identified hazards during the work task will be
adjusted using a Take 5.
The JSA process is suitable for different trades who do different tasks, and
need not require enormous amounts of time or use endless pieces of
paper.
Many tasks undertaken are done routinely and have probably been
done the same way for years - sometimes safely, sometimes not. Before
starting a task, it is essential to understand the task and safest way to do
it.
The Steps of a JSA are:
Document the Activity:
Assemble those involved in the work activity and through
consultation, complete the JSA worksheet by writing down the
tasks that make up the work activity, step by step.
Identify the Hazards
Next to each step, identify what part of the task (hazard) may
cause injury to those doing the work or to anyone else nearby.
Document the Control Measures
For each identified hazard, list the measures that need to be
put in place to eliminate or minimize any likely risk of injury to
those involved.
Identify the Responsible Person
Document the name of the person responsible for
implementing the control measure.
Monitor and Review
Make sure the activity is supervised to ensure the documented
process is being followed.
The JSA should be reviewed whenever a documented activity changes,
when there is a change of personnel or after an appropriate length of
time.
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Note These Points:

The JSA provides a written record of the process to be used to
proceed on a task. As it is a record that can be used in
proceedings, as evidence in an injury claim. JSA’s should be
signed off by the parties who have responsibility for the tasks.

The JSA is only a written record of the job task and not a statement
of a workers’ competency. Management processes must be in
place to ensure workers have the skills to complete the job and
that there is a required level of supervision to ensure the tasks are
completed as documented.

The JHA should be completed by all employees involved in the
activity, not just the principal contractor or supervisor.
Example of a JSA template
FIGURE 9: JOB SAFETY ANALYSES TEMPLATE
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Lock-out/Isolation Procedures
Lockout is the term applied to a system or procedure designed to control
all situations where the unexpected start-up or release of stored energy
of the machinery, equipment or process (energising) would be likely to
endanger or injure personnel. It may also be used to refer to the actual
task of applying proper locks.
The accidental operation of machinery, plant and equipment
undergoing installation, commissioning, repair, maintenance or cleaning
could represent a severe hazard. In order to prevent or at least minimise
the risk, an OUT OF SERVICE tag and a DANGER tag should be
implemented as part of a lock-out system.
Out of Service & Danger Tags
“CAUTION – DO NOT OPERATE” or “OUT OF
SERVICE”
Tags are normally yellow and black. They
must be fixed to the isolating control
(power) and should include the reason
for being out of service. These tags must
be in place BEFORE any danger tags are
attached and they should be the last
notice or tag removed before the plant
and equipment is restarted. The person who repairs or authorised person
who deems the item serviceable is able to remove an out-of-service tag.
“DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE”
Tags are normally red and black. They are
designed and used to warn people about
hazards associated with a particular item
of machinery, plant or equipment. After
isolating the machine (disconnect power),
the danger tag must be printed with all
appropriate information detailing any
identified hazards and securely attached
to the isolating control. Once the safety of all personnel is ensured, the
person who attached the danger tag must be responsible for the
removal of that tag.
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Padlock & Hasps
Padlock/Multi-padlock safety lockout
hasps;
often used when several individuals
might apply their own padlock to the
one isolating control device. Each lock
must be identified and personally
tagged to fully explain each individual’s
safety concerns and circumstances. For
example, if a number of different
maintenance personnel, such as private
contractors, are to be working on a particular item of machine, plant or
equipment, they could apply their own individual lock to the lockout
hasp (besides the danger tag) and then remove their lock separately
only when they are satisfied the safety of all personnel is assured.
Isolated Machinery
Except electrical circuits required for
safety systems, all machinery should
have a means of isolation from all
energy sources. Isolators should be
clearly identified and be capable of
being locked. The isolating control
must have clearly marked on and off
positions and a means of locking the
control in the “off” position.
Where fixed equipment is hard wired, it
must be provided with an isolation
switch. For corded machines, simply
turning off the wall socket switch and
removing the 3 pin plug is an
inadequate means of isolation. This is because another person may
reconnect the machine. A plug lockout system (examples pictured
below) can be used in conjunction with a padlock for corded bench top
machines and portable electrical tools.
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) / Safety
Data Sheets (SDS)
The employer is obligated by legislation to provide relevant information
and training to employees who may be exposed to hazardous
substances. This includes the safe use, handeling and storage
requirements. Consideration must be given to exposure levels,
frequency, quantities and properties of each hazardous substance in the
workplace. The MSDS/SDS is a valuable tool in providing the necessary
information and guidance for controlling the adverse effects of
hazardous substances.
Manufacturers and suppliers of a Hazardous Substance have the duty to
provide an MSDS/SDS when a substance is supplied to a workplace or at
anytime when requested (often available on their website) or through
agencies such as ChemAlert. The important information contained on a
MSDS/SDS includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Properties of the substance
Safe storage
Uses of the substance
Health hazard information
Precautions for use
Safe handling information
Procedures for emergencies
Disposal
MSDS/SDS are required to be stored in a central location of the
workplace, where all stakeholders can have access to the information.
In some cases it is advisable to keep a copies in a folder close to or
where the hazardous substances are stored, for ease of access.
When reviewing the MSDS/SDS folder, consideration must be taken for
legislative requirements and company policy, such as;

MSDS/SDS is to kept for all Hazardous Substances used in the
workplace, by the name of the Hazardous Substance (for example,
RE55 and Shellite are the same solvent made by different companies, therefore
it would be unacceptable to keep an MSDS for Shellite if you are using RE55 in
your workplace)

MSDS/SDS are to be less that 5 years old
To understand the importance and relevance of information MSDS contain and
how this can be used, the following figure explains the sections of an MSDS and
and SDS.
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Material Safety Data Sheet – MSDS
Important to ensure the MSDS
is from an Australian
Manufacturer or Supplier.
International MSDS’s may
contain information that is not
compliant to Australian OHS
Laws; such as Symbols and
Codes
OHS Regulation 5.12 –
If a hazardous substance is
decanted at a workplace
from its original container to
another container and not all
of the substance is consumed
immediately then ensure
…the container into which the
hazardous substance has
been decanted is labelled
with:
the brand name, trade name,
code name or code number
specified by the supplier of
the hazardous substance;
and.……….
…….…the container into
which the hazardous
substance has been
decanted is labelled with:
Risk Phrases and Safety
Phrases
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Important Information to be
communicated to all workers
regarding environmental
release of the Hazardous
Substance.
Including Containment and
Emergency Procedures
Essential Information for safe
Handling and Storage.
Important information
contained here regarding other
materials this product can react
with if used and stored
incorrectly
Requirements for personal
protection to eliminate or
reduce adverse effects from
exposure
Essential Information for training
workers and ensuring safe use,
including health monitoring
requirements
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Important Information in
regards to stability and reaction
with other materials
Critical Information which
identifies symptoms of exposure
and long tern adverse effects
Particularly useful to recognise
over-exposure or may be
required by emergency service
personnel attendance
Important Information for
disposal of waste products and
packaging.
Essential safety requirements for
transporting the substance,
including information to be
contained on Dangerous
Goods Placards
FIGURE 10: SAMPLE MSDS
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Safety Data Sheet – SDS
Important to ensure the MSDS
is from an Australian
Manufacturer or Supplier.
International MSDS’s may
contain information that is not
compliant to Australian OHS
Laws; such as Symbols and
Codes
OHS Regulation 5.12 –
If a hazardous substance is
decanted at a workplace
from its original container to
another container and not all
of the substance is consumed
immediately then ensure
…the container into which the
hazardous substance has
been decanted is labelled
with:
the brand name, trade name,
code name or code number
specified by the supplier of
the hazardous substance;
and.……….
…….…the container into
which the hazardous
substance has been
decanted is labelled with:
Risk Phrases and Safety
Phrases
Critical Information which
identifies symptoms of exposure
and precautions to take for
prevention
May be required by
emergency service personnel
attendance
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Critical Information which
identifies First Aid Measures
Particularly useful to recognise
over-exposure or may be
required by emergency service
personnel attendance
Important Information to be
communicated to all workers
regarding environmental
release of the Hazardous
Substance.
Including Containment and
Emergency Procedures
Essential Information for safe
Handling and Storage.
Important information
contained here regarding other
materials this product can react
with if used and stored
incorrectly
Requirements for personal
protection to eliminate or
reduce adverse effects from
exposure
Essential Information for training
workers and ensuring safe use,
including health monitoring
requirements
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Important Information in
regards to stability and reaction
with other materials
Critical Information which
identifies symptoms of exposure
and long term adverse effects
Particularly useful to recognise
over-exposure or may be
required by emergency service
personnel attendance
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Important Information for
disposal of waste products and
packaging.
Essential safety requirements for
transporting the substance,
including information to be
contained on Dangerous
Goods Placards
FIGURE 11: SAMPLE SDS
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Dangerous Goods Classes
Dangerous goods classification is different from hazardous substance
classification as it does not consider adverse effects from long term
exposure.
Dangerous goods classification is based on the immediate, short term
hazard associated with the chemical – largely based on hazards
associated with transport & storage of the chemical.
Substances may be both a hazardous substance and dangerous goods.
Look for the dangerous goods “diamond”. ‘Dangerous goods’ are
materials or items with hazardous properties which, if not properly
controlled, present a potential hazard to human health and safety,
infrastructure and/ or their means of transport.
The transportation of dangerous goods is controlled and governed by a
variety of different regulatory regimes, operating at both the national
and international levels. Prominent regulatory frameworks for the
transportation of dangerous goods include the United Nations
Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, ICAO’s
Technical Instructions, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations and the
IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Collectively, these
regulatory regimes mandate the means by which dangerous goods are
to be handled, packaged, labelled and transported.
Regulatory frameworks incorporate comprehensive classification systems
of hazards to provide taxonomy of dangerous goods. Classification of
dangerous goods is broken down into nine classes according to the type
of danger materials or items present, which are;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Explosives
Gases
Flammable Liquids
Flammable Solids
Oxidizing Substances
Toxic & Infectious Substances
Radioactive Material
Corrosives
Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Note: A new system for the classification and labelling of chemicals has been
introduced globally, known as the Globally Harmonised System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), developed by the United Nations. The GHS
will be integrated into chemical manufacturing and trade processes since
January 2012. Current information is available on the WorkSafe WA website.
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CLASS 1 – Explosives
Explosives are materials or items which have the
ability to rapidly conflagrate or detonate as a
consequence of chemical reaction.
Sub-Divisions
Division 1.1: Substances and articles which have
a mass explosion hazard
Division 1.2: Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but
not a mass explosion hazard
Division 1.3: Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either
a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both
Division 1.4: Substances and articles which present no significant hazard;
only a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport
with any effects largely confined to the package
Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion
hazard
Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass
explosion hazard
CLASS 2 – Gases
Gases are defined by dangerous goods
regulations as substances which have a vapour
pressure of 300 kPa or greater at 50°c or which
are completely gaseous at 20°c at standard
atmospheric pressure, and items containing
these substances. The class encompasses
compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved
gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of
one or more gases with one or more vapours of
substances of other classes, articles charged with a gas and aerosols.
Sub-Divisions
Division 2.1: Flammable gases
Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Division 2.3: Toxic gases
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CLASS 3 – Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids are defined by dangerous
goods regulations as liquids, mixtures of liquids or
liquids containing solids in solution or suspension
which give off a flammable vapour (have a flash
point) at temperatures of not more than 60-65°C,
liquids offered for transport at temperatures at or
above their flash point or substances transported
at elevated temperatures in a liquid state and
which give off a flammable vapour at a temperature at or below the
maximum transport temperature.
Sub-Divisions
There are no subdivisions within Class 3, Flammable Liquids
CLASS 4 – Flammable Solids
SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO SPONTANEOUS
COMBUSTION; SUBSTANCES WHICH EMIT
FLAMMABLE GASES WHEN IN CONTACT WITH
WATER
Flammable solids are materials which, under
conditions encountered in transport, are readily
combustible or may cause or contribute to fire
through friction, self-reactive substances which
are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic
reaction or solid desensitized explosives. Also included are substances
which are liable to spontaneous heating under normal transport
conditions, or to heating up in contact with air, and are consequently
liable to catch fire and substances which emit flammable gases or
become spontaneously flammable when in contact with water.
Sub-Divisions
Division 4.1: Flammable solids
Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable
gases
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
CLASS 5 – Oxidizing Substances
ORGANIC PEROXIDES
Oxidizers are defined by dangerous goods
regulations as substances which may cause or
contribute to combustion, generally by yielding
oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction.
Organic peroxides are substances which may be
considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide
where one or both hydrogen atoms of the
chemical structure have been replaced by organic radicals.
Sub-Divisions
Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances
Division 5.1: Organic peroxides
CLASS 6 – Toxic Substances
INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES
Toxic substances are those which are liable
either to cause death or serious injury or to harm
human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin
contact. Infectious substances are those which
are known or can be reasonably expected to
contain pathogens. Dangerous goods
regulations define pathogens as microorganisms,
such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, parasites and
fungi, or other agents which can cause disease in humans or animals.
Sub-Divisions
Division 6.1: Toxic substances
Division 6.2: Infectious substances
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CLASS 7 – Radioactive Material
Dangerous goods regulations define radioactive
material as any material containing
radionuclides where both the activity
concentration and the total activity exceed
certain pre-defined values. A radionuclide is an
atom with an unstable nucleus and which
consequently is subject to radioactive decay.
Sub-Divisions
There are no subdivisions within Class 7, Radioactive Material
CLASS 8 – Corrosives
Corrosives are substances which by chemical
action degrade or disintegrate other materials
upon contact.
Sub-Divisions
There are no subdivisions within Class 8,
Corrosives
CLASS 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Miscellaneous dangerous goods are substances
and articles which during transport present a
danger or hazard not covered by other classes.
This class encompasses, but is not limited to,
environmentally hazardous substances,
substances that are transported at elevated
temperatures, miscellaneous articles and
substances, genetically modified organisms and
micro-organisms and (depending on the
method of transport) magnetized materials and aviation regulated
substances.
Sub-Divisions
There are no subdivisions within Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
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Global Harmonisation System (GHS)
The GHS is an internationally agreed system of classification and labelling
of chemicals, which was developed under the auspices of the United
Nations (UN).
The GHS is intended to cover all hazardous chemical substances, dilute
solutions and mixtures, address how labels and SDS should be used to
convey information about their hazards, and how to protect people
from adverse effects.
The GHS includes harmonised criteria for the classification of:



physical hazards (e.g. flammable liquids);
health hazards (e.g. carcinogens); and
environmental hazards (e.g. aquatic toxicity).
The Commonwealth, several states, and territories in Australia have
adopted the GHS with the introduction of the Work Health and Safety
Act on 1 January 2012, with a five-year transition period for full
implementation by 1 January 2017.
Safe Work Australia provide detailed information regarding the transition
to the Global Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals on their website.
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
Note: “From 1 January 2017, end-users should not accept new hazardous
chemical products that are not GHS labelled, e.g. labelled in
accordance with previous labelling codes.”
Introduction of the GHS and transition periods may differ between states and
territories. For information and confirmation, contact the WHS Regulator in your
state or territory
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GHS Classification Criteria
The Pictograms and descriptions of the GHS Classification Criteria, are as
follows;
Physical Hazard Pictograms
Explosive
These products may react on their own to
cause a fire or explosion, or may cause a fire
or explosion if heated. The exploding
bomb pictogram is used for the following
classes and categories:
Self-reactive substances and mixtures
(Types A and B*)

Organic peroxides (Types A and B*)

Unstable explosives - nitro-glycerine/grain
dust

Flammable
Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, solids
These four classes cover products that have
the ability to ignite (catch fire) such as
exposure to air or water, easily and the main
hazards are fire or explosion.
The flame pictogram is used for the following
classes and categories:
Flammable gases (Category 1)
Flammable aerosols (Category 1 and 2)
Flammable liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
Flammable solids (Category 1 and 2)
Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1)
Pyrophoric solids (Category 1)
Pyrophoric gases (Category 1)
Self-heating substances and mixtures (Category 1 and 2)
Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit
flammable gases (Category 1, 2 and 3)
Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types B*, C, D, E and F)
Organic peroxides (Types B*, C, D, E and F)











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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Oxidizing
Classes of oxidizers, which may cause or
intensify a fire or cause a fire or explosion.
The flame over circle pictogram is used for the
following classes and categories:



Oxidizing gases (Category 1)
Oxidizing liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
Oxidizing solids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
Compressed Gas
Includes compressed gases, liquefied gases,
dissolved gases and refrigerated liquefied
gases.
Compressed gases, liquefied gases and
dissolved gases are hazardous because of the
high pressure inside the cylinder or container.
The cylinder or container may explode if
heated. Refrigerated liquefied gases are very
cold and can cause severe cold (cryogenic) burns or injury. The gas
cylinder pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

Gases under pressure (Compressed gas, Liquefied gas,
Refrigerated liquefied gas, and Dissolved gas)
Corrosive
These products may be corrosive (chemically
damage or destroy) to metals.
The corrosion pictogram is used for the
following classes and categories:
Corrosive to metals (Category 1)
Skin corrosion/irritation - Skin corrosion
(Category 1, 1A, 1B and 1C)

Serious eye damage/eye irritation Serious eye damage (Category 1)


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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Health Hazard Pictograms
Toxic
These products are fatal, toxic or harmful if
inhaled, following skin contact, or if
swallowed.
Acute toxicity refers to effects occurring
following skin contact or ingestion exposure to
a single dose, or multiple doses given within 24
hours, or an inhalation exposure of 4
hours. Acute toxicity could result from exposure
to the product itself, or to a product that, upon
contact with water, releases a gaseous substance that is able to cause
acute toxicity. The skull and crossbones pictogram is used for the
following classes and categories:

Acute toxicity –
o Oral (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Dermal (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Inhalation (Category 1, 2 and 3)
Harmful
This hazard class covers products that cause or
may cause damage to organs (e.g., liver,
kidneys, or blood) following a single exposure,
products that cause respiratory irritation or
drowsiness or dizziness, including a product
that may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or
breathing difficulties if inhaled and skin
sensitizer is a product that may cause an
allergic skin reaction. The exclamation
mark pictogram is used for the following
classes and categories:





Acute toxicity – Oral, Dermal, Inhalation (Cat-4)
Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin irritation (Cat-2)
Serious eye damage/eye irritation – (Cat 2 & 2A)
Respiratory or skin sensitization – Skin sensitizer (Category 1,
1A-B)
Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure (Category 3)
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Risk Assessment and Risk Control
Health Hazard
This hazard class is for products that may be
fatal if they are swallowed and enter the
airways, products that cause or may cause
damage to organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, or
blood) following a single, prolonged or
repeated exposure. Includes products that
may cause or are suspected of causing
cancer and products that cause respiratory
irritation or drowsiness or dizziness. The health
hazard pictogram is used for the following
classes and categories:







Respiratory or skin sensitization - Respiratory sensitizer
(Category 1, 1A and 1B)
Germ cell mutagenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B & 2)
Carcinogenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B, and 2)
Reproductive toxicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single exposure (Category 1
and 2)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Repeated exposure
(Category 1 and 2)
Aspiration hazard (Category 1)
Biohazard
These materials are microorganisms, nucleic acids
or proteins that cause or is a probable cause of
infection, with or without toxicity, in humans or
animals. The biohazardous infectious
materials pictogram is used for the following
classes and categories:

Biohazardous Infectious Materials (Category 1)
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Physical and Health Hazards
Corrosive
This class of hazard covers products that cause
severe skin burns (i.e., corrosion) and products
that cause skin irritation, including products
that cause serious eye damage (i.e., corrosion)
and products that eye irritation.
The corrosion pictogram is used for the
following classes and categories:






Explosives, divisions 1.5, 1.6
Flammable gases, category 2
Self-reactive substances and mixtures, type G (see HAZMAT
Class 4 Flammable solids)
Organic peroxides, type G
Skin corrosion, categories 1A, 1B, 1C
Serious eye damage, category 1
Environmental Hazards
Environment
This class of hazard covers products that can
cause effects on the environment, including
water ways and marine life:
Acute hazards to the aquatic
environment, category 1

Chronic hazards to the aquatic
environment, categories 1, 2

* Both the Flame and Explosive pictogram are used for Self-reactive
substances and mixtures (Type B) and Organic peroxides (Type B)
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NOTE: Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified and Health Hazards Not
Otherwise Classified classes are required to have a GHS pictogram that is
appropriate to the hazard identified.
Further information on GHS classifications is contained in the Safe Work
Australia publication
Guidance on the Classification of Hazardous Chemicals under the WHS
Regulations
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pag
es/guidance-classification-whs-regulations
Placards
Placards are signs that indicate the hazards associated with chemicals,
gasses and substances. Placards are generally used in storage and
transport of the substance. Valuable information can be passed onto
others in the workplace from placards, therefore it is important for safety
leaders to know the meaning and understand placards.
Product Name
UN Number
Dangerous Goods Code
Hazchem Code
Manufacturer and Advice
Emergency Contact Details
FIGURE 12: DANGEROUS GOODS PLACARD
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An example of a bulk storage placard for Ammonia, Anhydrous showing
the Class 2 Toxic Gas label with a sub-risk Class 8 Corrosive label.
The UN (United Nations) number (1005) as outlined by the ADG Code
(Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and
Rail) is included and the Hazchem Code 2RE indicates that the type of
fire extinguishing media to be used is a fine water spray, there is no risk of
violent reaction or explosion and the appropriate measure of control is to
dilute the substance (2). It also indicates that liquid-tight chemical
protective clothing and breathing apparatus is required (R). Finally, the
code also indicates that there may be a public safety hazard outside the
immediate are of the incident and that risk controls as outlined by the
ADG Code must be considered (E).
Other information contained on placards, contact information for the
emergency services and manufacturer.
Further information on placards, including Compatibility Tables, can be
sourced from various websites associated with dangerous goods and
Worksafe WA
Safety signs
Standard signage and symbols must conform to the Australian Standard
AS1319 – 1994: Safety signs for the occupational environment, and any
other applicable Australian Standards workplace specific signage.
Typical classes of relevant signs and symbols are:
Mandatory, prohibition, danger, caution, emergency information, first
aid and fire safety equipment.
Mandatory
Mandatory signs have blue
pictograms with black printed
messages on a white
background. Wherever you see
a mandatory sign, the Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) to be
worn or message conveyed by
the sign MUST be complied with.
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Prohibition
Prohibition signs can be
identified by a red circle with a
diagonal line through it over a
black pictogram
on a white background. Any
writing is in black block style. The
operation identified by the
pictogram is prohibited, for
example no smoking.
Danger
Danger signs have a black
rectangle at top with DANGER
written in white on a red ellipse.
Message under Danger will be
in block letters in black type.
Danger signs are posted to
indicate a particular hazard that
exists in the immediate area.
Caution
Warning/caution signs - These
signs can be identified by a
yellow background with a black
pictogram inside of a black
triangle. Any writing is in black
block style. These signs are
intended to warn people of a
possible hazard that may be
present.
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First Aid
Emergency information signs are
usually green in colour with a
white pictogram and writing.
These signs are posted to inform
of the location of First Aid
Facilities and Equipment throughout the workplace
Fire Safety
Fire Safety Equipment signs are
red with white block type and
pictograms. Their function is to
indicate the locations for Fire
Detection, Communication,
Control and Safety Equipment
at a workplace
Emergency
Emergency and Evacuation
Information signs are green in
colour with a white pictogram
and writing. Placed in strategic
locations through-out a
workplace. The primary function is
to communicate instructions and
guidance to evacuate the
workplace to designated Safety
Zones in the event of an
emergency situation.
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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Standard operating procedures (SOP’s) are signs which are displayed in
the work environment and relate to the steps involved in the safe use of
tools, plant or equipment.
SOP’s are documented operational control procedures or instructions
designed to control the risks associated with routine activities. They are
administrative controls that reduce the risk of a hazard.
SOP’s are defined by analyzing operational activities, processes or
procedures, reducing them to their component parts or tasks, and then
defining the most efficient way to carry out the activity, by incorporating
generally recognized best practices and taking into account
appropriate health and safety measures along the way. SOP’S enable
potentially hazardous activities to be conducted under controlled
conditions.
Examples of standard operating procedures for Forklift Operations (plant)
and Belt Sander (portable equipment).
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Example SOP (static)
Equipment Name
Special
Instructions
Personal
Protective
Equipment
Required
To Identify any
Hazards Prior to
Commencing
Work or Faults
Awareness to the
Risks of Operating
Provides
Guidance to
Operate Safely
Remain in Good
Order and Safe
for Others
Awareness to
Unsafe Practices
FIGURE 13: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) - STATIC
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Example SOP (portable)
FIGURE 14: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) - PORTABLE
Note: this type of SOP is designed to be laminated and securely attached to
the power cord of the portable equipment
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WHS.Training@smtafe.wa.edu.au
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References
Hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures for Major Hazard
Facilities Comcare – www.comcare.gov.au
Inspections, checklists & procedure audits – SafetyLine Institute Department of
Commerce WA – Worksafe WA
institute.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Enhancing Safety: a workplace guide 4th Edition – Taylor / Easter / Hegney
Enhancing Safety
http://www.enhancingsafety.com/
Principles of Incident Prevention - SafetyLine Institute Department of Commerce
WA – Worksafe WA
institute.safetyline.wa.gov.au
General Duty of Care- SafetyLine Institute Department of Commerce WA
Worksafe WA
institute.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Risk Management Process - SafetyLine Institute Department of Commerce WA –
Worksafe WA
institute.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control –
Safe Work Resources Vic
http://www.safework.com.au/
Managing OHS Risk in your workplace – Australian Business Solutions
http://www.australianbusiness.com.au
Types of Hazards and Identifying Hazards- A health and safety Topic – a guide
to small business
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe
General duty of care in Western Australian workplaces - Commission for
Occupational Safety and Health – Guidance note
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe
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