Chemicals 

Why do you need to know about chemicals and hazardous substances?

When undertaking work on our sites, you MUST be aware of the hazardous substances in your work area and the dangers that they pose.

You MUST have the appropriate knowledge and experience to operate and work safely. Where you do not have the appropriate knowledge and experience, you MUST have access to someone who does or can provide supervision.

When working with hazardous substances you MUST know what to do in an emergency involving these substances. Some roles will require a person to work with hazardous substances in the performance of their duties. 

The main hazardous substances that you may come at Contact are:

• Flammable gas or aerosol (class 2), liquid (class 3) 

• Corrosive (class 8): (e.g., acids, caustic, bleach) 

• Ecotoxic (class 9): (e.g., cooling water biocides)

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What is a hazardous substance?

A hazardous substance is any substance that has one or more of the following hazardous properties:

• Explosive (Class 1) – not normally present at Contact sites

• Flammable (Class 2 for Gas/Aerosol, Class 3 for liquid, Class 4 for solid)

• Oxidising, i.e., accelerate a fire (Class 5)

• Toxic to humans (Class 6)

• Corrosive to human tissue or metal (Class 8)

• Ecotoxic, i.e., toxic to the environment (Class 9)

Exposure to a hazardous substance may also be created through our operations. e.g., from geothermal fluid.

The operations that we undertake at Contact may also require the purchase of hazardous substance e.g., chemicals. 

Many of the commonly used hazardous substance can be found in our mechanical workshops or out on our plant. These items are often purchased from a local hardware store but you must still treat them like any other hazardous substance and read the warning labels so you can control their use accordingly, e.g., Loctite LB 771 anti-seize is carcinogenic and a skin sensitiser (“allergic” or overly sensitive after repeated exposure).  

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What do you need to know? 

Anyone who is about to undertake work that involves the use of, or potential exposure to, a hazardous substance MUST:

• be aware of the potential harm that the hazardous substance used at work can cause

• know which substances are incompatible and need to be stored separately

• know how to undertake the job safely when using hazardous substances

• understand the control measures that need to be used to reduce potential exposure

• have correct PPE for the hazardous substance being used and know how to use it

• be aware of the safety data sheets, know how to access them and understand how to use them

• know what to do in emergencies involving the hazardous substances

• be aware of any special first aid equipment needed to deal with incidents involving hazardous substances

• have practical experience using hazardous substances or are working under the supervision of someone who does

• know where to obtain help to safely use, store or dispose of hazardous substances

• have written records of worker training, instruction, and supervision.