Hazardous Chemicals and Environmental Policy

Purpose. Sets the rules for purchasing, storing, using and disposing of hazardous chemicals, and for controlling emissions and waste from the paint shop and fabrication areas.

1.Policy statement

Nexus will control hazardous chemicals from purchase to disposal so that workers are not exposed above the exposure standards and the environment is not harmed. The business will meet the conditions of its environmental approval for the paint shop and will report any breach to the regulator as required.

2.Purchasing and register

A hazardous chemical must not be purchased without the current safety data sheet being obtained and the chemical being added to the hazardous chemicals register with a risk assessment. Stores must not receive a chemical that is not on the register.

3.Storage and handling

Flammable liquids must be stored in the flammable liquids store within the quantity limits and away from ignition sources. Isocyanate hardeners must be stored in the paint mixing room with the extraction running. Gas cylinders must be secured upright, segregated by type and stored away from the welding bays when not in use.

• Safety data sheets at the point of use
• Containers labelled with contents and hazard
• Spill kits at each store and booth
• Bunding for liquids above the threshold

4.Paint shop emissions and waste

Spray painting must only take place in a booth with the filters and extraction operating and the airflow check recorded. Solvent waste, paint sludge and used filters must be collected by the licensed waste contractor and the waste tracking records retained. Washing of equipment into stormwater drains is prohibited.

5.Welding fume and dust

Local exhaust ventilation must be used at every welding bay and positioned to capture fume at the source. Grinding and cutting of galvanised or coated steel must only take place with extraction running. Metal dust and swarf must be collected in the designated bins for recycling.

6.Incidents and spills

Any spill, release or exposure must be reported on the Incident and Hazard Report Form and, where it leaves the site or reaches a drain, reported immediately to the Production Planning and Support Manager for regulator notification.