Working with hazardous materials

Workers in the construction industry can be exposed to many hazardous substances on site, so it’s important you know how and where to access the best information in case something goes wrong

What do you do when a workmate splashes something into their eyes or a chemical is accidentally spilled? When using hazardous materials, there is a good chance you will find instructions or warnings on a product label or wrapper.

However, that might not give you enough information, which is why every building site should have safety data sheets on hand.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) give specific details on the hazards of different materials and how they can be safely handled – from when they are initially transported and stored on site, through to when they are used or disposed of.

They give first aid information and indicate what risks to the environment a material poses. They also outline what to do if there is a fire or other emergency.

There are SDSs for a very wide range of hazardous or potentially hazardous materials, from paints and solvents to treated timbers.

Under the law, the person in charge of the workplace must ensure that SDSs are available to workers where materials are on site above specified minimum quantities. However, it’s easier and more practical to have safety data sheets available for all hazardous materials regardless of quantity. Information on safety data sheets includes:

• Product and company identification.
• Hazard identification.
• Composition and information on ingredients.
• First-aid measures.
• Fire-fighting measures.
• Spillage / accidental release measures.
• Handling and storage.
• Exposure controls and personal protection.
• Physical and chemical properties.
• Stability and reactivity.
• Toxicological information.
• Ecological information.
• Disposal considerations.
• Transport information.
• Regulatory information.
• Other information.

The seller or supplier of a hazardous substance must supply an SDS if:

• Requested to do so.
• The substance being sold or supplied to a workplace is above the relevant threshold quantity.
• They had not previously supplied an SDS for that substance.

If you don’t have a sheet, request one from your supplier. Many are also available online. The seller or supplier is also responsible for ensuring the SDS is compliant.

The person in charge of the workplace must ensure that SDSs are present and available to workers, where threshold quantities are exceeded. The information on the safety data sheet must be available to a person handling the substance within 10 minutes of the information being required.

Although it is not a legislative requirement, it is best practice for an SDS to be revised every five years. An SDS must be updated if there is new information available on the substance, including its hazardous properties and any relevant health and safety information.

Foreign sheets

Safety data sheets prepared by manufacturers overseas can be used in New Zealand if they carry the right information, including local supplier details and emergency contact information.

The legal requirements are set out in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and regulations such as the Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations 2001. The Hazardous Substances (Emergency Management) Regulations 2001 and Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Regulations 2001 also apply. There is a code of practice that covers the preparation of safety data sheets.

You can find more details on the WorkSafe website – www.worksafe.govt.nz