Dear ACWA Member,
A recent incident in the car wash industry is a timely reminder that chemical safety in our plant rooms must never be taken for granted.
An employee was seriously injured in their workplace and while the full circumstances of the incident are still being established, it highlights the very real risks associated with chemical storage, identification and handling.
ACWA encourages all members to take this opportunity to review their plant room and chemical management practices.
Key checks for your plant room
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Ensure a current SDS is available for every chemical stored or used on site.
- SDSs should be readily accessible to employees, not locked away where they cannot be accessed in an emergency.
- Make sure employees know where to find them and understand the key hazards and first-aid requirements.
Correct storage & segregation
- Store chemicals in their original, clearly labelled containers wherever possible.
- Never decant chemicals into unlabeled bottles or containers.
- Keep incompatible chemicals separated and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
- Do not store chemicals where they could be accidentally mixed through leaks, spills or incorrect connections.
Bunds & spill containment
- Chemicals should be stored with appropriate secondary containment/bunding to prevent spills from entering drains or the environment.
- Regularly inspect bunds for damage, deterioration or accumulated liquid.
- Ensure bunding is appropriate for the chemicals and volumes being stored.
PPE & emergency equipment
- Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing, based on the chemical’s SDS.
- Ensure PPE is readily available, maintained and actually used.
- Consider whether your plant room has appropriate eyewash, emergency shower or other emergency equipment where required.
Training & procedures
- Employees should be trained in the safe use, storage and handling of every chemical they are expected to work with.
- Make sure staff understand which chemicals must never be mixed.
- Clearly label chemical lines, pumps and connection points to minimise the risk of incorrect connections.
- Have a documented procedure for chemical spills, exposure and accidental mixing.
A simple question to ask your team
“If someone new walked into our plant room today, could they safely identify every chemical, understand its hazards and know what they can and cannot mix?”
If the answer is no, now is the time to address it.
Chemical safety is not just about compliance—it is about making sure everyone who works in our industry gets home safely at the end of the day.
ACWA strongly encourages all members to conduct a plant room chemical safety review and to involve their workers in identifying any hazards or areas for improvement.
If you have concerns about your chemical storage or handling practices, ACWA Members can access plenty of resources available online when logged into the Members Portal. Alternatively, members can reach out and seek advice from ACWA and our preferred supplier Safety First Professionals, and refer to the relevant SDS, manufacturer instructions and applicable workplace health and safety requirements in your state or territory.
Safety First Professionals: John McIlraith – 0419 244 909
Please take a few minutes today to check your plant room. It could prevent a serious injury tomorrow.
Kind regards,
Australian Carwash Association Team
