NewsBrief
Issue No.54 September 2006		TM

Every few days, yet another incident involving chemicals features in the media.

Admittedly, these events are seldom front page news any more, but each workplace chemical spill, vehicle rollover, or toxic release into a formerly pristine waterway, already under siege by changing weather patterns and agricultural expansion, serves to remind us that chemical management is meant to dramatically improve under the Hazardous Substances legislation.

The disappointing official response to the evidence a startling 70% of obsolete Dangerous Goods Licences have not been replaced with the more relevant Location Test Certificates by 30 June 2006, appears symptomatic of the attitude of many officials and employers towards compliance with sensible (and long-overdue) workplace health and safety regulations.

Chemical suppliers are disappointed many customers, despite several years warning to obtain the relevant staff qualifications and “Licence to Operate” in the form of Location Test Certificates, are further delaying their compliance obligations by citing difficulties in obtaining the required Test Certifier. These HSNO experts are ind eed in short supply (well, the good ones are), but they are not yet extinct!

It is true the national infrastructure needed to help industry's smooth transition to the new chemical management regime is deficient – and in some areas virtually non-existent. Employers wanting to “do the right thing” by meeting their compliance obligations must take a gamble by inadvertently choosing inadequate advisors and consultants. Poorly constructed and delivered training courses which are not value for money are largely due to the absence of fundamental compliance tools such as HSNO national performance standards (a.k.a Approved Codes of Practice) and a robust accreditation scheme for Test Certifiers and training providers.

There are some glaring inequities evident in the modest government support that is available. For example, rewards are offered to poor performers in specified industries which are failing to meet the required basic workplace health and safety performance standards, yet those meeting and exceeding health and safety expectations are not eligible.

Government studies estimate more than 400 people each year are adversely affected by the misuse of chemicals in the workplace. Similar numbers are allegedly dying from exposure to the exhaust fumes from motor vehicles. Both figures resemble the annual road toll which attracts funding of $275m per year and a vigo rous (if sometimes controversial) enforcement campaign. A modest vehicle exhaust assessment has been added to Warrant of Fitness inspections.

There is not yet a comparable commitment to enabling and ensuring widespread compliance with HSNO.

Chemical suppliers do their best to inform and encourage their customers to understand their regulatory obligations, and do what is required. Our leading Responsible Care ® practitioners are implementing product stewardship initiatives to help their customers handle chemical products safely by complying with the law, and demonstrating best practice.