Hazardous Substances - Safety Talk

Hazardous Substances
Page 1 of 9
© PA Services Group - SMARTsafe 2013 Document Number: ST103
Revision 2013 1.0
SAFETY AWARENESS KEPT SIMPLE
SMARTsafe Safety Talks – ST103
This pack contains:
• 6 - Page Talk Text
• 7 - OHP Presentation Slide Pack
Using the talks (Extract “How to Present Safety Talks”):
Plan which topic you want to discuss with your team.
Read through the script before you hold the meeting to
familiarise yourself with the material.
Start the talk with a comment that makes the topic relevant to
the team. For example, if you have seen a number of people
using ladders incorrectly, use this as your opening comment.
Follow the script but don’t read straight from the page. The
script is only a prompt and it will sound better if you use your
own words.
Ask the questions as they appear in the script. It is important
you do this because they are a lead in to the next section of
your talk.
Give the team enough time to answer the questions. Safety
talks can be boring for the team if you are the only one talking.
Hand out the information sheets as they appear in the script.
Don’t hand out all the information sheets at the start of the talk
otherwise there is a temptation for the team to read ahead and
not listen to the points you are making.
Collect the information sheets at the end of the talk so they
can be used again.
Safety Talk Mini - Delivery Pack
To obtain your full Safety Talk Delivery Pack go to: www.smartsafe.com.au
The full Safety Talk pack contains MS Office
Editable documents :
• 6 - Page Talk Text
• 7 - OHP Presentation Slide Pack
• 14 - A5 talk Handout Sheets
• Assessment and Assessment Answers Sheet
• Employee Attendance Register
• A “How to Present Safety Talks Guide”

Page 4 of 9
Revision 2013 1.0
TYPES OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Hazardous substances can be in the form of gases, liquids and solids. There are several categories or
types of hazardous substances.
“What are some examples of the different types of hazardous
substances?”
Hand out sheet 1 – Types of hazardous substances
Asphyxiants - substances, which lower the oxygen, level in the air or substances, such as Cyanide,
which prevent the body from absorbing oxygen.
Toxic substances - substances, such as pesticides, that can cause serious illness, major organ
damage or death through poisoning.
Flammable substances - liquids and gases which form a combustible mixture with air.
Explosives - mixtures and compounds that cause explosions.
Corrosives - substances, such as acids and caustic soda, that break down human tissue and other
substances.
EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to short-term and long-term health problems.
Some substances will create symptoms soon after exposure but others do not show immediate effects.
“What are some of the health problems caused by long-term,
frequent exposure to hazardous substances?”
Hand out sheet 2 – Health problems
Long term and frequent exposure to certain types of hazardous substances can lead to:
various cancers;
heart disease;
cirrhosis of the liver;
kidney failure;
nervous system diseases;
skin diseases; and
reduced fertility.
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Page 7 of 9
Revision 2013 1.0
“What type of Personal Protective Equipment should be worn
when using or handling a hazardous substance?”
Hand out sheet 6 – Personal Protective Equipment
Eye protection should be worn when there is a risk of accidental splashing and possible eye injury. You
should either wear:
chemical mono-goggles; or
safety glasses and a face shield.
Gloves should be worn to prevent burns or skin absorption. You must check what type of glove to wear
because some glove materials breakdown when contacted by certain substances.
Waterproof clothing and rubber boots should be worn when handling liquid substances or substances
that react with body moisture.
Respiratory protection should be worn to avoid inhaling dangerous vapours, dust, fumes and gases.
You must:
wear the correct type of respirator; and
wear the respirator correctly.
STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
A major cause of hazardous substance accidents and injuries is the incorrect storage of hazardous
substances.
“How should you store hazardous substances?”
Hand out sheet 7 – Safe storage
Containers of hazardous substances should be stored in a designated storeroom or storage area which
is:
well ventilated;
fitted with firefighting equipment; and
signposted to warn people that hazardous substances are contained inside.
You should store small containers of flammable substances in:
metal, flameproof cabinets with self closing doors.

Hazardous Substances – ST103 © PA Services Group - SMARTsafe 2013
SMARTsafe Safety Talks – ST103
SAFETY AWARENESS KEPT SIMPLE

Inhalation –
the substance is breathed into the lungs and
absorbed into the blood stream.
Ingestion –
the substance is swallowed and absorbed into the
body via the stomach.
Absorption –
the substance is absorbed into the bloodstream via
the skin.
Sheet 3 – Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Waterproof clothing and rubber boots.
Impervious Gloves which will not
react with the substance.
Suitable Respirator
Eye protection – Chemical Mono
Goggles or Safety Glasses and a Face
Shield.
Sheet 6 – Personal Protective Equipment

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