356Keeping hazardous chemicals stable

356 Keeping hazardous chemicals stable

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that a hazardous chemical used, handled or stored at the workplace does not become unstable, decompose or change so as to –

(a) create a hazard that is different from the hazard originally created by the hazardous chemical; or

(b) significantly increase the risk associated with any hazard in relation to the hazardous chemical.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that –

(a) if the stability of a hazardous chemical used, handled or stored at the workplace is dependent on the maintenance of the proportions of the ingredients of the hazardous chemical, the proportions are maintained as stated in the safety data sheet for the chemical or by the manufacturer of the hazardous chemical; and

(b) if a hazardous chemical used, handled or stored at the workplace is known to be unstable above a particular temperature, the hazardous chemical is used, handled or stored at or below that temperature.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(3)  This regulation does not apply if –

(a) the hazardous chemical is changed or allowed to become unstable, without risk to health or safety, as part of a deliberate process or activity at the workplace; or

(b) the hazardous chemical undergoes a chemical reaction in a manufacturing process or as part of a deliberate process or activity at the workplace.