Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:reg:15:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 12/22)
Character Range: 217750–220609

reactions. Some reactions of acids and alkaline chemicals can be highly exothermic and rapidly generate large amounts of gas, causing an explosion risk.
Risks associated with storage and handling of corrosive substances and mixtures can be eliminated or minimised by observing the guidance in the following Australian Standards:
    * AS 3780: The storage and handling of corrosive substances
    * AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (where the corrosive substance or mixture is also a flammable liquid or has a dangerous goods Subsidiary Risk of Class 3 (flammable liquid)
    * AS/NZS 3833: The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods,
       in packages and intermediate bulk containers.
Eyewash and safety showers should be readily accessible where corrosives are handled
or transferred.

APPENDIX K – CASE STUDIES

A number of examples illustrating the process of risk assessment and control are presented
in this section. They do not cover all the possible hazards, risks and control options for the particular situations described. Their purpose is to demonstrate the different ways in which the process can be carried out, and the steps involved in making decisions – particularly about the
risk and the controls to be put in place. As these case studies show, the complexity of the process depends on the substance(s) used and the nature of the work.

Case study 1: Motor vehicle finishing workshop
A spray-painting shop uses isocyanate spray paints and organic solvents for equipment cleaning and paint thinning.
One of the spray-painters reported symptoms of skin rash and light-headedness, which often occur at the end of his shift. The reported symptoms are consistent with exposure to isocyanates. It was decided to assess the processes undertaken at the shop to see if any measures could be taken
to reduce exposure to the chemicals being used.
The team at the spray-painting shop were not experienced in carrying out risk assessments
so engaged the services of a professional occupational hygienist.
The team assessed the working environment and found significant risk of exposure to isocyanates and organic solvents in the four main tasks carried out at the premises.
    * Mixing: This manual operation is performed in a segregated area with no mechanical ventilation. According to the SDS, most of the isocyanate present in the paint hardener (HDI) was present in a relatively non-volatile pre-reacted form (a "pre-polymer") and the concentration of the more volatile non-polymerised form was less than 0.4 %. Given the nature of the task, inhalation exposure to HDI vapour or aerosol during mixing was low. However, there remained a significant risk to health due to potential skin exposure because gloves are not generally worn. The mixing takes around 15 minutes to complete and is