Ink, Solvent and Chemical Handling Procedure

Purpose. This procedure controls the receipt, storage, use and disposal of inks, solvents, blanket wash, adhesives and cleaning chemicals.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all chemicals used in the press room, prepress, finishing, signage and maintenance areas. It supports the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Victoria) requirements for hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids.

2.Receipt and register

No chemical may be brought on site until a current safety data sheet is held and the product is entered in the Hazardous Chemicals Register. The register must record the product, supplier, location, maximum quantity and the date of the safety data sheet. New products must be approved by the Operations and WHS Coordinator.

3.Storage

Flammable liquids must be stored in the flammable liquids cabinet with the door closed and the quantity on the floor limited to one shift's use. Containers must be labelled with the product name and hazard pictograms. Incompatible products must be segregated as stated on the safety data sheet.

• Flammable cabinet closed and within capacity
• All containers labelled
• Bunding in place under drums
• Spill kit within ten metres of storage

4.Use

Workers must read the safety data sheet before first use and wear the gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection it specifies. Solvent must be dispensed from safety cans and used with extraction running. Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in chemical use areas.

5.Disposal

Waste solvent, ink and contaminated rags must be placed in the labelled waste drums, never in general waste or down the drain. Rags must go into the self-closing rag bin. Waste contractor collections will be recorded with the manifest number.

6.Spills and exposure

Spills must be contained with the spill kit, cleaned up wearing the specified protective equipment and reported using the Incident and Hazard Report Form. Any worker exposed to a chemical must go to first aid, and the safety data sheet must be taken to any medical treatment.