Chemical Safety in Car Wash Operations: Ensuring Best Practices to Protect Your Business
A recent issue raised by a valued and proactive member highlights the importance of safe handling and use of chemicals in car washes—particularly when it comes to some specific imported products. This is a crucial matter for all operators, and we are sharing key guidance on managing chemical safety effectively, as well as highlighting valuable resources to assist you.
While concerns have been expressed about some imported chemicals, our objective is not to single out specific products, but to encourage operators to stay informed and follow best practices to ensure safety.
Safe Chemical Management: A Shared Responsibility
Whether using locally manufactured or imported chemicals, operators must understand their responsibilities when it comes to workplace safety. Suppliers to the car wash industry, offer a wide range of effective products to meet operators’ needs. While most of these products carry appropriate warning labels and are accompanied by Safety Data Sheets (SDS), it is the business owner’s responsibility to ensure staff are trained in properly handling and using these chemicals.
One of the most critical steps for car wash operators is ensuring that SDSs are always available on-site. This is a non-negotiable requirement from WorkSafe and forms the foundation of safe chemical handling. Beyond having the proper documentation, operators should ensure that all staff receive comprehensive training on handling, storing, and using these products safely.
To foster a safer industry, ACWA encourages suppliers of hazardous chemicals take a proactive role by offering clear guidance and training to car wash operators. By working closely with their customers, suppliers can help ensure that safety measures are well understood and implemented, further protecting operators and their teams.
ACWA Membership Benefits: Updated WHS Templates and FREE Expert Support
To assist members, ACWA provides WHS templates to help structure your workplace safety plans, including specific sections on chemical management. If you do not yet have a WHS plan in place, we strongly encourage you to make use of the templates. They are designed to ensure compliance with Australian safety standards and offer peace of mind that you are meeting your obligations as a business owner.
For additional support, ACWA members have access to WHS experts via our dedicated ACWA Member WHS Helpline. Our expert consultants provide FREE personalised advice on chemical handling, safety protocols, and other compliance matters.
Furthermore, our Helpline Expert, Bill McIlrath from Safety First Professionals (formerly Eastman Lynch) is available to conduct a WHS audit at your site, offering this service to ACWA members at a special rate of $1,500.
This audit provides an in-depth review of your safety practices, ensuring full compliance and mitigating potential risks.
Key Action Points for Car Wash Operators
- Update or implement your car wash site’s WHS Plan:
- Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are on-site for all chemicals.
- Train all staff in the proper handling of chemicals and maintain documentation of this training.
- Make enquiries if unsure: If you are concerned about any aspect of a chemical you are using, contact your supplier for more information, or consider alternatives with a safer profile.
- Regularly review your chemical handling procedures: Ensure compliance with WorkSafe and other relevant regulations.
Key Action Points for Chemical Suppliers
- Warning labels: Should be clear, accurate, and highly visible.
- Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS): For every product to ensure compliance with Australian safety standards.
- Highlight significant dangers: Proactively bring elements of significant risk or potential hazards to the attention of your customers.
- Offer training and guidance: Provide car wash operators with clear guidance and training on the safe handling, storage, and usage of hazardous chemicals.
WHS Non-Compliance Penalties
Non-compliance exposes businesses to potential litigation, compensation claims, and reputational damage, especially if an employee or customer is harmed due to unsafe chemical handling.
It’s essential to understand that failing to comply with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations can result in significant penalties for businesses. These include:
- On-the-spot fines
- Instant workplace closure orders – could lead to loss of business and reputation
- Severe penalties – more serious breaches may result in up to 5 years in jail for individuals if the breach involves reckless or negligent conduct resulting in death or serious harm.
Working Together for a Safer Industry
We know that suppliers are committed to delivering high-quality, effective products, and we fully support their efforts to continually improve safety standards across the industry.
We urge car wash operators to regularly review their chemical safety procedures, ensure their staff are well-trained, and make use of the resources available to enhance workplace safety.
ACWA is here to provide you with the tools, advice, and services you need to keep your business safe and successful.
For more information on WHS templates, chemical handling, or to schedule a site audit, visit the Work Health and Safety pages in the Members Area of our website or contact the ACWA Office directly by email or mobile 0400 070 417.
