Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as compliance, safety in the curriculum and workplace bullying.

Dangerous goods

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes - if your school has any dangerous goods on its premises.

Conditions of compliance

A workplace must comply with the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic.) and the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000 (Vic.). These regulations are designed to ensure that dangerous goods are stored and handled appropriately.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

To comply with the requirements of the Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations 2000 (Vic.), your school must undertake the following actions:

• Identify all Dangerous Goods stored at the school, including domestic cleaning products and insect sprays
• Create a Register of Dangerous Goods
• Obtain MSDS for all Dangerous Goods and keep in an accessible location with the register
• Ensure appropriate labels (correct diamond/s for Class/Division and any Subsidiary Risk), together with the product or chemical name are on all Dangerous Goods containers, including all decanted products
• Determine quantities of each Class/Division and Packing Group of the Dangerous Goods in each location and the total amounts on site, to evaluate if placarding (Hazchem signage) is required (unlikely in most schools)
• . Identify hazards associated with storage and handling processes, having regard to the hazards of the Dangerous Goods
• Conduct and document risk assessments on these processes
• Determine, document and implement risk control methods required for the safe handling and storage of the Dangerous Goods, applying the hierarchy of controls
• Train staff in the hazards of the Dangerous Goods, the control measures implemented, emergency plans and procedures and use/maintenance of their personal protective equipment
• Evaluate competency of staff and keep records of training and demonstrated competency
• Provide information, instruction and training to visitors, including contractors, to the premises
• Keep written records of any incidents associated with the storage and handling of the Dangerous Goods
• Monitor and review effectiveness of risk control procedures.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You could be penalised under breaches of the OHS and Dangerous Goods Acts

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD Resources - Dangerous Goods (contains links to Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and other support material)

DEECD: Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 6.9 Employee health

DEECD: Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 4.4 Student safety and risk management

DEECD: Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 7.27.3 Hazardous materials

Submitted 5/12/2006, edited 8/30/2007.