Chemicals in Consumer Products The results of the ACCC and State and Territory consumer product safety regulators’ evaluation of chemicals in consumer products are now published on the Product Safety Australia website. It covers: − Investigating potential chemical hazards in consumer products − Development of bans and mandatory standards where evidence shows a consumer product has or could cause injury, illness or death. A copy can be downloaded from: www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/980990 Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): Fourth Revised Edition This fourth revised edition of the GHS contains various new or revised provisions including new hazard categories for chemically unstable gases and non-flammable aerosols. Now available for FREE as a single pdf to cover each chapter and annex to download from www.unece.org/trans/danger/ publi/ghs/ghs_rev04/04files_e.html SUMMER EDITION In this issue • Chlorine Gas Incident Fine of $100,000 • UN Experts Target Toxic Flame Retardant HBCD • What Happens for Workplace Health Safety in 2012? • Chemicals of Security Concern • Transport of Dangerous Goods Maintenance Group • Safety Alert: Switchloading to Combustible Liquids • Safety Alert: Fire & Explosion Risks at Wineries • Standards & Codes hazmat the leader in hazardous materials news HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Transcript
Chemicals in Consumer ProductsThe results of the ACCC and State and Territory consumer product safety regulators’ evaluation of chemicals in consumer products are now published on the Product Safety Australia website. It covers:
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): Fourth Revised EditionThis fourth revised edition of the GHS contains various new or revised provisions includingnewhazardcategoriesforchemicallyunstablegasesandnon-flammableaerosols.
Now available for FREE as a single pdf to cover each chapter and annex to download from www.unece.org/trans/danger/ publi/ghs/ghs_rev04/04files_e.html
summer edition
in this issue• ChlorineGasIncident
Fineof$100,000
• UNExpertsTargetToxicFlameRetardantHBCD
• WhatHappensforWorkplaceHealthSafetyin2012?
• ChemicalsofSecurityConcern
• TransportofDangerousGoodsMaintenanceGroup
• SafetyAlert:SwitchloadingtoCombustibleLiquids
• SafetyAlert:Fire&ExplosionRisksatWineries
• Standards&Codes
hazmatthe leader in hazardous materials news
Hazardous substances
pg 2
UN Experts Target Toxic Flame Retardant HBCDThe Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, a scientific body to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), took action on October 2011 to help eliminate POPs from the global marketplace to protect human health and the environment.
The Committee adopted morethanadozenseparatedecisions, including one recommending that the chemical HexaBromoCycloDodecane (HBCD)belistedundertheConvention.
HBCDisaflameretardantusedmainly in Polystyrene. It is also used in textile coatings and in high impact Polystyrene for electrical and electronic equipment.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants ReviewCommittee(POPRC) is composed of 31 highly placed scientist members. Its mandate is to review proposals to add new chemicals to the Stockholm Convention.
From www.unep.org/newscentre/ Default.aspx?DocumentID =2656&ArticleID=8906
The POPRC7 Report: Risk Management Evaluation onHexaBromoCycloDodecane (30pages)isavailableat http://chm.pops.int/Convention/POPsReviewCommittee/POPRCMeetings/POPRC7/
Chlorine Gas Incident Fine of $100,000Visy Paper Pty Ltd was ordered to pay $100,000 for a chemical incident in Dec 2008 at its Reservoir premises.
The incident occurred when a contractor for Omega Chemicals made an 18,000 litre delivery of Sodium Hypochlorite (Hypo)toVisy.Thedriverconnectedhis truck to the wrong tank, emptying Sodium Hypochlorite into the Poly Aluminum Chloride tank. The resulting chemical reaction released a yellow plume of Chlorine gas.
Since the accident, padlocks have been installed on each inlet valve and the keys are now secured in a locked box, which the mill chemist controls.
VisyPaperwasorderedtopayEPA’scourt costs of $8739.
The contractor delivering the chemicals, Mr Brett Beattie, was convicted in May2011andfinedmorethan $6,500 for his role in the incident.
From www.epa.vic.gov.au/publications/epanews/Visy-counts.asp
ICCA Guidance on Chemical Risk AssessmentThe Global Product Strategy (GPS) was developed by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) as part of its commitment to the United Nations Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management program.
TheGPSisacapacity-sharingexerciseworking towards:
• Reducingdifferencesinthesafehandling of chemical substances between developing, emerging and industrialised countries.
• Ensuringthecorrecthandlinganduseof chemicals across the value chain and across geographical boundaries by providing relevant and reliable information.
•Greatertransparency,byhelpingcompanies provide stakeholders with information about marketed chemicals in an easily understandable format: the GPS Safety Summary.
Companies with limited experience and resources will master basic principles, enabling them to implement appropriate risk assessment and risk management.
A copy can be downloaded from www.icca-chem.org/ICCADocs/ICCA_GPS%20July2011_LowResWEB.pdf
New Zealand Hazardous Substance Incidents Reported to NZ EPAThere are reasons why an incident may happen. An incident may occur, for example, from an accident, an equipment failure or because people are not following the controls that are set to safelymanagehazardoussubstances.
AsummaryofNewZealandhazardoussubstances incidents is included in the NZ EPA annual report to Parliament.
Available from www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/monitoring/Pages/Hazardous-substances-incidents.aspx
What Happens for Workplace Health & Safety in 2012?Australia has started a new Workplace Health & Safety system, though some states are delaying their dates by 12 months.
For details refer to the 9th Safe Work Australia communique at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Media/Pages/9th-Safe-Work-Australia-Meeting.aspx (8 Dec 2011)
Chemicals of Security ConcernThe Australian Government is currently consulting on the proposed measures for addressing security risks of 11 chemicals of security concern that are precursorstohome-madeexplosives.Thesearethefirstof96chemicalslistedas chemicals of security concern for which treatment measures are being developed.
• Draft proposed risk treatment measures for precursor chemicals to home-made explosives v2.0 [pdf] (45 pages).
It includes details requirements for:
• Employee&contractor checking&securityawareness
• Inventorycontrol
• Sales&distribution
• Transportingchemicals of security concern.
To view the full list of chemicals assessed as of potential security concern, visit www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au
The proposed measures apply to the 11chemicalprecursorstohome-madeexplosives:
• 11 Precursor chemicals assessed as a potential security concern [pdf] clarifiestheconcentrationscovered.
• Background information on the 11 precursor chemicals [pdf] provides details about each of the chemicals.
Consultation on the 11 chemical precursorsisatwo-stepprocess. Thefirststepwhichiscurrentlyunderway, involves targeted consultation with affected industry associations and organisations.
The second step will occur after industry feedback has been integrated into a Consultation RegulationImpactStatement(RIS),which will be released for public comment in early 2012.
The RIS is scheduled to be completed by end May 2012.
For more information please visit www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au
cHemical management
pg 4
dangerous goods
NTC ADG Code 7th Ed. Implementation ReviewThe National Transport Commission published its Implementation review of the ADG Code 7th Edition in October 2011. From a practical point of view, the implementation of ADG7 and its accompanying model legislation has been found to be relatively consistent, but it is clear that the ADG7 package as a whole has imposed significant regulatory burdens on some businesses.
Some Structural Issues found were:
1 Transparencyofdecision-makingbyCompetentAuthoritiesPanel(CAP)highlighted as an issue by industry in regards to timing and explanation to some decisions.
2 Revision cycles’ a key issue raised by stakeholders, with international examples where UN revisions are picked up automatically.
Operational Issues were also highlighted with inconsistency of enforcement, administration, differing interpretations, and exemptions between States and Territories in the transport of dangerous goods. Exemptions have been granted in some States and Territories but not others, creating national inconsistency.
12 Regulatory Policy Issues are covered in the Review:
• 3.4.1 Retail distribution loads
• 3.4.2 Environmentally hazardoussubstances
• 3.4.3 Inner package labelling
• 3.4.4 Classificationof dieselfuelunderADG7
• 3.4.5 Separation distances
• 3.4.6 Placards for IBCs in freight containers
• 3.4.7 Special packing provisions
• 3.4.8 Emergencies
• 3.4.9 Mutual recognition provision
• 3.4.10 IBC exemption from licensing
• 3.4.11 Personal protective equipment
• 3.4.12 Ventingobligations
For more information visit www.ntc.gov.au/viewpage.aspx?documentid=2219
Transport of Dangerous Goods Maintenance GroupThe Transport of Dangerous Goods Maintenance Group exists to assist the NTC to monitor the effectiveness of its transport of dangerous goods reforms and to maintain the reforms to ensure that they remain contemporary and fulfil the needs of all stakeholders.
Its membership consists of the NTC, the Competent Authority in each State and Territory for the transport of dangerous goods, and the Commonwealth DepartmentofInfrastructure and Transport.
The Group will consider any requests that are made for changes to the Australian Code fortheTransportofDangerousGoods by Road and Rail, or the model laws that provide the basis for the framework that supports that Code.
The 4 page Terms of Reference (Sept2011)coverthesepoints and procedures in more detail.
For more information visit www.ntc.gov.au/viewpage.aspx?documentid=2227
Revised ADG7 October 2011In October 2011 the National Transport Commission (NTC) published a revised version of the ADG Code that corrects various printing errors that occurred in the initial production of the Code.
In conjunction with the publication of that revised version of the Code the NTC also published a document entitled Corrigendum 1, which sets out the corrections that need to be made to the printed version of the Code.
The NTC has also published a document entitled “How the 2011 Electronic Versiondiffersfromthe2007PrintedVersion”.Bothdocumentsareavailable fromwww.ntc.gov.au(Safety&Compliance).
The documents contain almost the same information, but the presentation of the information in them differs depending on which version of the Code (printedor2011)isbeingused.Corrigendum1isforusewiththeprinted versionoftheCode,andtheDifferencesdocumentisforusewiththe revised electronic version of the Code.
It should be noted that no printed version of the revised version of the Code is available.
For more information please visit www.ntc.gov.au/ underSafety&Compliance.
Safety Alert: Switchloading to Combustible LiquidsThe Safety Alert was recently published following a recent NSW coroners finding into an incident in Peak Hill, NSW in 2008, which highlighted the dangers of switch loading and static electricity.
AS1940-2004:TheStorageand Handling of Flammable and CombustibleLiquids:definesswitchloading as “when a flammableorcombustibleliquidistobefilledintoavehicletankcompartment which had previously contained a liquid having a lower flashpoint”.Thissituationismostlikely to arise, but not limited to, when a Combustible Liquid such asDieselispumpedintoatankthat has previously contained Petrol. While the tank may have been emptied of its liquid contents, itislikelytostillcontainflammablevapours that could ignite.
Five control measures that should be considered to reduce the risks from the discharge of static electricity are outlined in the Safety Alert.
For more information please visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/switchloading_transferring_flammable_liquids_3350.pdf
pg 6
High Risk Maintenance Activity in Chemical Plants - Controlling risks in chemical plants during a first line breakIn the last 12 months (to October 2011) there has been a fatality and four separate near-miss incidents at chemical plants in Victoria, when inadequately isolated or decontaminated piping or equipment has been opened up for maintenance and cleaning.
In all of these incidents a work permit had been issued but failed to prevent thecreationofasignificanthazard.
Variouscontrolmeasures,starting with“priortothefirstlinebreak, a risk assessment is done that involves both maintenance and operations workers to ensure they are thoroughly aware of the potential worst case physicalandchemicalhazards involved”arethengiven.
For more information please visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/29cb8d0048934ad394e5d56c3f70e6d4/Alert_high+risk+maintenance+activity.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Safety Alert: Fire & Explosion Risks at WineriesAn explosion and subsequent fires occurred at a winery in the Hunter Valley on 17 January 2008 resulted in the tragic death of two persons and serious burns to another person.
While the cause of the incident are still being investigated, initial investigations indicate that welding work was being done at the time in the vicinity of a building where ethanol (commonly knownasSVR,WineSpiritorGrapeSpirit)andotherflammableliquidswerestored.Ethanolisahighlyflammableliquid and is a Class 3 Packing Group II DangerousGoods.
A range of 11 risk control measures to minimisetheriskoffireandexplosionas part of the risk management plan are outlined in the Alert.
For more information visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/safety_alert_fire_explosion_risks_at_wineries_5433.pdf
Victoria: Storage & Handling of Dangerous GoodsAdvice for occupiers of sites storing andhandlingDangerousGoodsneedto be aware of the requirement to notify WorkSafeVictoriawhenquantitiesexceed manifest levels.
For more information visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/worksafe/home/forms+and+publications/publications/more+information+about+-+storage+and+handling+of+dangerous+goods
WA Dangerous Goods Reforms and CostsProposed Fee increases were confirmed by the WA Cabinet on 19 Sept 2011. It is Government policy to recover the cost of services provided from the recipients of those services.
In the case of dangerous goods safety, there is a component of services and activities that cannot be attributed to licence holders and other fee payers, and this will continue to be funded by Government.
Overall,DangerousGoodsfeerevenue will increase from about $2m per annum to about $5m per annum, representing about 60 per cent cost recovery overall.
Thesechangesreflectthetransitiontofull-costrecovery.DMPisalsoin the process of reforming the dangerous goods licensing and feesstructuretoensureefficienciesand minimise red tape for affected businesses.
For more information please visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/Misc/RSD_SafetyReform_DGS_FAQs.pdf
Proposed basis for future dangerous goods safety licence fees www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/Misc/RADARS_DGS_IS_LicenceFees.pdf
standards & codes
For more information or to purchase a copy of Australian Standards, please contact the FPA Australia Sales centre team at [email protected]
• AS/NZS 60079.10.2:2011: ExplosiveAtmospheres- ClassificationofAreas- CombustibleDustAtmospheres. Published 15 September 2011.
• BS EN ISO 14006:2011: Environmental Management Systems. Guidelines for Incorporating Ecodesign. Published 31 August 2011.
• ASTM D1929-11: Standard Test Method forDeterminingIgnition Temperature of Plastics. Published 15 September 2011.
• BS EN 60695-7-2:2011: Firehazardtesting. Toxicityoffireeffluent. Summary&relevance of test methods. Published 30 Nov 2011.
• BS EN 60695-7-3:2011: Firehazardtesting. Toxicityoffireeffluent. Use&interpretation of test results. Published 30 Nov 2011.
• BS EN 60695-7-2:2011: Firehazardtesting. Toxicityoffireeffluent. Summary&relevance of test methods. Published 30 Nov 2011.
• AS 5239-2011: Examination of ignitable liquidsinfiredebris. Published5Dec2011.
AS/NZS 5026: The Storage & Handling of Class 4 Dangerous GoodsNow expected to be published February 2012
This Standard will follow a risk assessment protocol in order to manage the large range of different reactive hazardDangerousGoods,coveredunder •Division4.1FlammableSolids •Division4.2SpontaneouslyCombustibleandSelfHeatingSolids •Division4.3DangerousWhenWet.
HazMatispublishedbyFPAAustraliawiththematerialsuppliedbyJeffSimpson,HaztechEnvironmental.FPAAustraliadoesnottakeanyresponsibilityforthe views expressed here and the information provided should not be relied upon as professional advice. Recipients are advised to seek independent professional advice as appropriate. Material in this newsletter is provided for use of the recipient only and is not to be forwarded to any third partiers without the specificapprovalofJeffSimpson.T:(03)98851269
ChemCon – Europe 2012: 5-9 March, SpainA key chemical regulations and trade conference.
For more information please visit www.chemcon.net
HazMat 2012, Melbourne, 9-10 May, 2012HazMat2012willbeheldinMelbourne(attheDarebinArtsCentre), on9&10thMay2012.
HazMat2012ConferenceExhibitionBooth&Sponsorshipbrochure is available at: www.fpaa.com.au/events/?events=hazmat
PACIA Conference 2012, 12-14 June, SydneyThePACIANationalConference,12-14June2012attheAmoraJamisonHotelSydney, will be the highlight industry event of the year for the chemistry industry in Australia
The conference will be attended by Chief Executives, Senior Managers and other representatives from Australian and multinational chemicals and plastics companies. Participantsfromgovernment,mediaandnon-governmentgroupswillalsobeinvolved as both speakers and guests.
Session themes will include: the business of chemistry, the economy, regulatory reform, sustainability leadership, innovation, consumer, cultural and demographic trends, connecting to markets and sustainability.
For more information please visit www.pacia.org.au
