DGD13-008
Policy
Dangerous Substance Management
Policy Statement
The ACT Government Health Directorate is committed to providing a healthy and safe
workplace and environment.
To safely manage dangerous substances all Health Directorate staff, contractors, volunteers
and anyone engaged in Health Directorate activities must follow the directions outlined in
this Policy as well as any supporting documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs).
Purpose
The dangerous substances (dangerous goods and hazardous substances) legislation requires
the Health Directorate to eliminate or minimise as far as reasonably practicable, the hazards
and risks associated with the importation, handling, storage and disposal of dangerous
substances. This Policy and related documentation outline how dangerous substances are to
be managed across the Health Directorate.
Effective dangerous substances management is achieved through:
 An organisational wide integrated approach
 Compliance with current legislative requirements
 Communication and consultation with staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone
engaged in Health Directorate activities through Health and Safety Committees, the
Dangerous Substance Management Committee, Hospital Infrastructure Program
meetings, staff meetings, clear policies, procedures and guidelines
 Training – provided externally and internally through a range of media and providers
 Procurement of licensed and appropriately qualified services through suitable
procurement processes
 Implementing appropriate risk management strategies including hazard
identification, risk assessment, control implementation and evaluation, identification
of preventative actions, communication and consultation
 Annual internal auditing and regular external auditing of processes and systems for
compliance
Scope
This Policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone engaged in Health
Directorate activities. High risk dangerous substances such as asbestos, carcinogens and lead
are also covered by this Policy.
Doc Number
DGD13-008
Issued
Feb 2013
Review Date
Feb 2016
Area Responsible
QSU
Page
1 of 3
DGD13-008
Roles & Responsibilities
All Staff
All staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone engaged in Health Directorate activities are
required to:
 Adhere to this Policy in addition to any support documentation
 Follow appropriate direction
 Conduct safe importation, handling, storage and disposal of dangerous substances in
the workplace
 Actively participate in dangerous substance induction and training activities
Executive Directors
Executive Directors are responsible for:
 Communicating requirement for dangerous substances management with staff,
volunteers and anyone engaged in Health Directorate activities through meetings,
instructions and guidance, clear policy, procedures and guidelines
 Making access to dangerous substances training available for appropriate staff
 Procuring and engaging licensed and appropriately qualified services to manage
dangerous substances
 Enabling affected areas to participate in auditing of processes and systems for
compliance
Dangerous Substances Management Committee
The Dangerous Substances Management Committee is a Tier 2 Health and Safety Committee
reporting to the Tier 1 Work Health and Safety Committee.
The Dangerous Substances Management Committee, through its membership,
communicates and consults Health Directorate workers, managers, contractors and others
on issues pertaining to dangerous substances.
Persons in Control
Designated persons in control within Divisions and work areas are responsible for
implementing and maintaining dangerous substance policies and procedures within their
designated Divisions, Branch or Work Area
Workplace Safety
Workplace Safety - Quality and Safety Unit is responsible for:
 Providing advice on the legislative requirements for the effective management of
dangerous substances applicable to their area
 Coordinating external auditing of processes and systems of compliance
Evaluation
Outcome Measures
 100% compliance by staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone engaged in Health
Directorate activities regarding the management of dangerous substance
Doc Number
DGD13-008
Issued
Feb 2013
Review Date
Feb 2016
Area Responsible
QSU
Page
2 of 3
DGD13-008
Method
 Internal and external audits coordinated by Workplace Safety
Related Legislation, Policies and Standards
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Dangerous Substances Act 2004
Definition of Terms
Persons in Control
In accordance with section 17 of the ACT Dangerous Substances Act 2004, a person in
control is:
(a) for the handling of a dangerous substance—anyone who has control of the handling of
the substance (including anyone with authority to make decisions about the handling
of the substance); or
(b) for premises—anyone who has control of the premises (including anyone with
authority to make decisions about the management of the premises); or
(c) for plant or a system for handling a dangerous substance — anyone who has control of
the plant or system or the operation of the plant or system (including anyone with
authority to make decisions about the plant or system or the operation of the plant or
system); or
(d) for the design, manufacture, import or supply of plant or a system for handling a
dangerous substance—anyone who has control of the design, manufacture, import or
supply of the plant or system (including anyone with authority to make decisions about
the design, manufacture, import or supply); or
(e) anyone else prescribed by regulation.
Handling
In accordance with section 17 of the ACT Dangerous Substances Act 2004 to handle a
dangerous substance includes the following:
(a) import or export the substance;
(b) manufacture, process or treat the substance;
(c) supply, receive or dispense the substance;
(d) mark or label an article, container or package of the substance, or placard or put up
signs in relation to the substance;
(e) pack, consign or carry the substance;
(f) store the substance;
(g) possess, or otherwise have custody or control of, the substance;
(h) use the substance;
(i) dispose of the substance or render it harmless.
Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Health Directorate, specifically for its own use. Use of this
document and any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and
Health Directorate assumes no responsibility whatsoever.
Doc Number
DGD13-008
Issued
Feb 2013
Review Date
Feb 2016
Area Responsible
QSU
Page
3 of 3