OH Consultant
Manufacturing›SWMS

Chemical Handling SWMS

Chemical handling in manufacturing encompasses receiving, storing, decanting, mixing, using, and disposing of hazardous chemicals across the full production lifecycle. The incoming WEL reductions for styrene, isocyanates, formaldehyde, and numerous other substances mean that chemical handling procedures must be reviewed against the new limits. Chemical incompatibility during storage, toxic gas generation during mixing, and skin sensitisation from contact with epoxies and isocyanates are hazards that require specific controls beyond general PPE provision. This template maps controls to the binding Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice effective 1 July 2026 under Section 26A.

$35 AUDOne-time purchase · Editable DOCX · delivered within 24 hours

SWMS variants reference your state's WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals

hrcw category

Work with hazardous chemicals

code of practice

Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — effective 1 July 2026. Non-compliance is admissible as evidence of breach.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Inhalation of chemical vapours and fumes above WELAcute poisoning, chronic respiratory disease, cancerLikely
Chemical burns from corrosive substances during decantingSevere skin and eye burns, permanent eye damagePossible
Chemical incompatibility reaction during storage or mixingFire, explosion, toxic gas releaseUnlikely
Skin sensitisation from isocyanate, epoxy, or formaldehyde contactOccupational dermatitis, respiratory sensitisationLikely
Fire or explosion from flammable chemical vapour accumulationFlash fire, explosion, severe burns, deathPossible
Environmental contamination from chemical spillRegulatory prosecution, cleanup costs, community harmPossible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Maintain a current chemical register with Safety Data Sheets for every chemical on site
Store chemicals according to the GHS segregation requirements with incompatible chemicals separated
Provide local exhaust ventilation at decanting stations and mixing areas
Fit-test appropriate RPE for workers handling chemicals with exposure above the applicable WEL
Provide chemical-resistant gloves matched to the specific chemicals being handled using SDS permeation data
Install emergency eyewash stations and safety showers within 10 seconds travel of chemical handling areas
Implement spill response procedures with appropriate spill kits for each chemical category
Conduct personal exposure monitoring for substances with incoming WEL changes to verify compliance

Recent Prosecutions

Orica Australia Pty Ltd$1,200,000

Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals without adequate ventilation, monitoring, or health surveillance programs.

2024 — SafeWork NSW v Orica Australia Pty Ltd [2024]

SafeWork SA prosecution$840,000

Manufacturing worker death from inadequate chemical and equipment safety controls.

2024 — SafeWork SA Manufacturing Prosecution [2024]

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Chemical register with current SDS for every chemical on site
✓Chemical storage segregation plan based on GHS compatibility
✓LEV specifications for decanting and mixing areas
✓PPE selection matrix matched to specific chemicals using SDS permeation data
✓Spill response procedures for each chemical category with kit locations

Need a compliant Chemical Handling SWMS?

Our WHS consultants build chemical-specific SWMS that address the incoming WEL changes and protect your workers from exposure, burns, and sensitisation.

Contact Us