While much of the recent regulatory spotlight has centered on engineered stone, car wash operators must remain vigilant about chemical safety compliance.
Under Australian WHS laws, all businesses handling hazardous chemicals must:
- Maintain an up-to-date hazardous chemicals register
- Label and store chemicals correctly (e.g. bunding, separation of incompatibles)
- Provide and retain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on-site
- Train staff in proper handling procedures and emergency response
- Implement control measures like ventilation, containment and appropriate PPE
Inadequate labelling, missing SDS records, and unsafe storage are among the most commonly cited breaches in small business inspections.
Resources to Assist:
- ACWA’s WHS Template Suite includes a chemical register, risk assessment guides, and induction forms. It is freely available to ACWA Members – Log In via the ACWA Members’ Portal.
- Tailored support is also available via Safety First Professionals, ACWA’s WHS partner. Members can access discounted audit services.
Don’t wait for an inspection to uncover compliance gaps. Review your chemical safety systems now and ensure your team knows what’s expected.
