How to Stay Safe Around Class 6 Toxic Substances in the Workplace

Class 6 dangerous goods are toxic and infectious substances hazardous to human health. These substances can enter the body through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, making them a significant workplace hazard.

Understanding Toxic and Infectious Substances

• Infectious Substances
  Infectious substances contain pathogens—microorganisms capable of causing illness. Commonly used in controlled environments like laboratories and hospitals, these substances require strict containment to prevent contamination and disease spread.
• Toxic Substances
  Toxic substances can cause harm, injury, or even death upon contact. Frequently used in workplaces, they demand adherence to safety procedures for handling and storage. Exposure can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects, endangering everyone on site.

Symptoms of Overexposure to Common Toxic Substances

Below are symptoms linked to some commonly used workplace toxic substances:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Fatal if swallowed.
• Acetaldehyde: Vapors may cause lung injury, delayed effects, and severe eye irritation.
• I-Limonene: Can trigger skin irritation, hives, or rashes.
• Acetone: High concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion; also irritates eyes and lungs.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: High vapor concentrations may lead to eye irritation, breathlessness, and severe symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness. Fatal in extreme cases.
• Methylene Chloride: Can result in headache, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.

11 Steps to Stay Safe Around Toxic Substances

Workplace safety begins with proper training. If you haven’t received safety training for handling toxic substances, consult your OH&S officer to ensure compliance with Australian Standard (AS) 4452-1997. Follow these 11 steps to maintain a safe workspace:

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respiratory protection, goggles, face shields, chemical-resistant clothing, aprons, safety boots, and gloves.
2. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust, mist, or vapors.
3. Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.
4. Immediately report any spills or leaks.
5. Recognize symptoms of overexposure by reading substance labels.
6. Limit toxic substances in the work area to a single day’s supply.
7. Keep containers sealed when not in use.
8. Be prepared for emergencies with fire extinguishers, spill containment kits, eyewash stations, and first aid.
9. Maintain equipment using boot cleaners and decontamination showers.
10. Practice good personal hygiene, including thorough hand washing and proper disposal of contaminated items (e.g., disposable overalls).
11. Store toxic substances in compliant safety storage cabinets to prevent spills.

Where to Store Toxic Substances

According to Australian Standard (AS) 4452-1997, toxic substances must be stored in approved Toxic Substances Storage Cabinets with appropriate signage. Explore our range of storage solutions and protective gear by clicking the links below. Stay safe and protect your workplace with proper handling, storage, and safety practices for toxic substances.