Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p36
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 96181–99306

atmosphere exists.
In relation to hazardous chemicals, a hazardous atmosphere is one in which a flammable or combustible substance, such as fuel, is present in combination with air or other sources of oxygen and which would ignite to cause a fire or explosion if an ignition source was introduced.
It also includes an atmosphere in which the concentration of oxygen increases the fire risk.
Hazardous areas generally exist around flammable or combustible materials, for example those present in tanks, drums or containers.
Further information on hazardous areas can be obtained from the following Australian Standards:
    * AS/NZS 60079.10.1: Explosive atmospheres - Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1, Ed.1.0 MOD)
    * AS/NZS 60079.10.2: Explosive atmospheres - Classification of areas - Combustible dust atmospheres

Reducing vapour emissions
Accumulation of vapours creates the potential for a hazardous area to exist. Vapour emissions resulting from transfer can be minimised by:
    * the use of enclosed transfer systems and vapour recovery connections
    * keeping lids open only for the minimum period required for transfer
    * minimising exposed surface areas
    * avoidance of splash filling
    * minimising the temperature of liquids being transferred
       * providing extraction ventilation for all sources of vapour.
When heated, the vapour pressure of flammable and combustible materials may increase resulting in higher vapour emissions. Containers of hazardous chemicals should therefore be stored away from sources of heat (for example heaters or other heating appliances). Heat may also deteriorate packaging and increase the risk of failure of the container.

Keeping hazardous chemicals stable
Regulation 356: A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable that hazardous chemicals do not become unstable, decompose or change so as to create a hazard different to the hazard originally created by the hazardous chemical or significantly increase the risk associated with any hazard in relation to the hazardous chemical.
Some hazardous chemicals are inherently unstable or highly reactive, or they can become unstable under certain conditions during use, often in a deliberate process. This is mainly for hazardous chemicals that are dangerous goods, however other hazardous chemicals may also present a risk if stability is not maintained.
To keep hazardous chemicals stable, you should:
    * follow manufacturer's instructions or instructions on the SDS
    * maintain specified proportions of ingredients, goods and other components that constitute the hazardous chemicals, for example phlegmatizers, diluents, solvents, wetting agents, desensitisers, inhibitors and/or other adulterants
    * include a stabilising ingredient where appropriate
    * keep the hazardous chemicals within any control temperature range where necessary
    * keep the hazardous chemical and the packaging dry, unless the packages themselves are impervious to moisture.
This does not apply where the hazardous chemicals are about to