1. Introduction

NRH Chemicals, also known as the Blaster Group, is committed to promoting the safe, responsible and lawful supply, storage, handling and transportation of chemical products.

As an Australian family-owned chemical supplier, we recognise the importance of protecting our employees, customers, contractors, freight providers, the community and the environment from risks associated with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods.

Our product range includes industrial chemicals, solvents, cleaning products, lubricants, automotive products and other substances that may present physical, health or environmental hazards.

Some products are classified as dangerous goods for transport, hazardous chemicals for workplace use, or both.

This policy outlines our approach to chemical safety, product information, storage, handling, distribution and customer responsibilities.

Safety is a shared responsibility, and the protection of people and the environment is a priority in our operations.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear principles for the safe management and supply of chemical products.

Our objectives are to:

• Promote safe chemical handling and storage.
• Reduce the risk of injury, illness, fire and environmental harm.
• Support compliance with applicable dangerous goods and workplace safety legislation.
• Provide customers with access to relevant chemical safety information.
• Encourage responsible purchasing and product use.
• Establish appropriate requirements for packaging, labelling and transportation.
• Promote safe management of chemical spills and incidents.
• Support product traceability and quality assurance.
• Clarify the responsibilities of NRH Chemicals, customers and freight providers.
• Encourage continuous improvement in chemical safety practices.

3. Scope

This policy applies to activities involving chemical products supplied or handled by NRH Chemicals.

These may include:

• Chemical purchasing and procurement.
• Receiving and inspecting chemical products.
• Warehouse storage.
• Chemical handling and stock movement.
• Filling, decanting or repackaging where undertaken.
• Product packaging and labelling.
• Order preparation.
• Dispatch and distribution.
• Dangerous goods transportation arrangements.
• Product safety documentation.
• Waste management.
• Spill and incident response.
• Customer safety communications.

The policy applies to relevant employees, management, contractors, suppliers, transport providers and customers, according to their respective responsibilities.

4. Relevant Legislation and Standards

NRH Chemicals aims to conduct its activities in accordance with applicable Australian legislation, regulations, codes and standards.

Relevant requirements may include:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW).
• Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW).
• Applicable NSW dangerous goods transport legislation and regulations.
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code).
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), as implemented under applicable Australian law.
• AS 1940 — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
• Other relevant Australian Standards according to chemical classification and storage requirements.

Applicable requirements may vary according to the product, quantity, activity, transport mode and jurisdiction.

Customers and businesses must identify and comply with the requirements relevant to their own operations.

5. Understanding Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Chemicals

Dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals are related but distinct regulatory concepts.

Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are substances or articles classified according to hazards relevant to transport.

These may include flammable liquids, corrosive substances, toxic substances and oxidising agents.

Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures or articles classified according to relevant health and physical hazards under workplace safety requirements.

A product may be classified as:

• Dangerous goods only.
• A hazardous chemical only.
• Both dangerous goods and a hazardous chemical.
• Neither classification.

Customers should not assume that a product is non-hazardous simply because it is not classified as dangerous goods for transport.

6. Dangerous Goods Classes

The Australian Dangerous Goods Code identifies nine principal classes of dangerous goods.

NRH Chemicals supplies products that may fall within particular dangerous goods classes.

The correct classification of an individual product must be determined from its current product-specific documentation and applicable transport requirements.

7. Product Classification and Identification

NRH Chemicals recognises the importance of accurate product identification and classification.

Relevant product information may include:

• Product name.
• Chemical composition.
• Concentration or grade.
• UN number.
• Dangerous goods class.
• Subsidiary hazard.
• Packing group.
• Proper shipping name.
• Applicable transport restrictions.
• Safety Data Sheet information.

Where products are classified as dangerous goods, appropriate transport documentation, packaging and labelling requirements must be determined.

Classification must not be based solely on a product's commercial name.

8. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets provide important information about chemical hazards and appropriate safety precautions.

Where required, NRH Chemicals aims to make current, applicable SDS information available to customers and relevant personnel.

An SDS may include information about:

• Product identification.
• Hazard classification.
• Chemical composition.
• First aid measures.
• Firefighting measures.
• Accidental release measures.
• Handling and storage.
• Exposure controls.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Physical and chemical properties.
• Stability and reactivity.
• Toxicological information.
• Ecological information.
• Disposal considerations.
• Transport classification.
• Regulatory information.

Customers should review the relevant SDS before handling, storing, transporting or using a chemical product.

An SDS is an essential safety resource, but it does not replace a site-specific risk assessment or professional safety advice.

Where required by applicable workplace legislation, hazardous chemical SDS documents must be readily accessible to workers who may be exposed.

9. Chemical Labelling

Chemical containers must be appropriately labelled in accordance with applicable requirements.

Depending on the product and intended use, relevant information may include:

• Product identification.
• Supplier information.
• Hazard pictograms.
• Signal words.
• Hazard statements.
• Precautionary statements.
• Dangerous goods markings.
• Batch or lot information.
• Other required safety information.

Customers must not remove, obscure or alter required safety labels.

If a label becomes damaged or unreadable, the product should not be used until its identity and relevant hazards have been reliably confirmed.

10. Chemical Storage

Chemical products must be stored in conditions appropriate to their hazards, quantities and packaging.

Suitable storage arrangements may include:

• Designated chemical storage areas.
• Appropriate ventilation.
• Suitable temperature conditions.
• Protection from ignition sources.
• Appropriate segregation of incompatible substances.
• Secondary containment where required.
• Protection from physical damage.
• Appropriate access restrictions.
• Suitable fire protection.
• Emergency access and signage.

Storage requirements must be assessed according to the specific chemical and applicable legislation.

Customers should refer to the SDS and relevant Australian Standards when determining suitable storage arrangements.

11. Storage of Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids require particular care because they may generate ignitable vapours.

Examples of products that may be classified as flammable liquids include certain grades of:

• Isopropyl alcohol.
• Ethanol.
• Acetone.
• Methanol.
• Methyl ethyl ketone.
• Hydrocarbon solvents.
• Other solvent-based products.

Classification and storage requirements depend on the actual formulation and product characteristics.

Flammable liquids should be stored in suitable areas designed and managed for the relevant hazards.

Storage arrangements must consider:

• Fire and explosion risks.
• Ignition sources.
• Ventilation.
• Chemical quantities.
• Container compatibility.
• Spill containment.
• Emergency access.
• Applicable fire safety requirements.

AS 1940 may provide relevant guidance and requirements for applicable flammable and combustible liquid storage activities.

12. Chemical Compatibility and Segregation

Some chemicals can react dangerously when brought into contact with incompatible substances.

Potential consequences include:

• Heat generation.
• Fire.
• Toxic gas release.
• Pressure generation.
• Container failure.
• Violent chemical reactions.

Examples of substances requiring careful compatibility assessment include:

• Acids.
• Alkalis.
• Oxidising agents.
• Flammable liquids.
• Reactive chemicals.
• Certain cleaning chemicals.

Chemical segregation must be based on the specific substances, their SDS information and an appropriate compatibility assessment.

Chemicals must not be mixed unless the activity has been properly assessed and authorised for the intended application.

13. Chemical Handling

Chemical handling activities must be conducted using procedures appropriate to the substances involved.

Relevant precautions may include:

• Reviewing the SDS.
• Assessing hazards before starting work.
• Using suitable equipment.
• Wearing appropriate protective equipment.
• Maintaining suitable ventilation.
• Preventing spills and splashes.
• Avoiding incompatible materials.
• Maintaining clear access to emergency facilities.
• Ensuring personnel are trained and supervised.

Only appropriately trained and authorised personnel should undertake specialised chemical handling activities.

14. Filling, Decanting and Repackaging

Where NRH Chemicals undertakes filling, decanting or repackaging, the activity must be assessed for relevant chemical, fire, exposure and environmental risks.

Suitable arrangements must consider:

• Product identification.
• Equipment and container compatibility.
• Vapour and ignition hazards.
• Exposure controls.
• Spill prevention.
• Container integrity.
• Appropriate labelling.
• Product traceability.
• Personnel training.
• Applicable legal requirements.

Customers should not transfer chemicals into food or beverage containers or other unsuitable packaging.

Repackaged chemicals must be correctly identified and labelled in accordance with applicable requirements.

15. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required when handling chemical products.

Depending on the substance and activity, PPE may include:

• Chemical-resistant gloves.
• Safety glasses or goggles.
• Face protection.
• Protective clothing.
• Suitable footwear.
• Respiratory protection where required.

PPE must be selected based on the chemical hazards, exposure assessment and relevant SDS information.

PPE is not a substitute for appropriate engineering controls, safe procedures or adequate ventilation.

16. Ventilation and Exposure Controls

Some chemical products may release vapours, gases, mists or airborne contaminants.

Workplaces must assess potential exposure and implement appropriate controls.

Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

• Enclosed systems.
• Local exhaust ventilation.
• General ventilation.
• Suitable equipment.
• Exposure monitoring.
• Restricted access.
• Safe work procedures.
• Appropriate respiratory protection where necessary.

Workplace exposure standards and other applicable requirements must be considered.

Customers should not assume that ordinary room ventilation is sufficient for all chemical activities.

17. Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods must be packaged appropriately for their classification, quantity and intended transport arrangements.

Relevant requirements may include:

• Suitable packaging materials.
• Compatible containers.
• Approved packaging designs where required.
• Secure closures.
• Appropriate labels and markings.
• Protection against leakage.
• Appropriate handling and transport preparation.

NRH Chemicals aims to use packaging suitable for the relevant products and transport arrangements.

Customers must not modify dangerous goods packaging in a way that compromises safety or legal compliance.

18. Dangerous Goods Transport

Certain chemical products require specialised transport arrangements under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and applicable transport legislation.

Transport requirements may depend on:

• Dangerous goods classification.
• UN number.
• Packing group.
• Quantity transported.
• Packaging type.
• Vehicle type.
• Transport route.
• Carrier capability.
• Applicable exemptions or quantity thresholds.

NRH Chemicals may use freight providers capable of transporting the relevant dangerous goods.

Transport documentation, placarding, vehicle equipment, training and licensing requirements must be assessed according to the particular consignment and applicable law.

19. Delivery Restrictions

Dangerous goods cannot be transported through services that are not suitable or authorised for the relevant products.

Accordingly, NRH Chemicals does not offer dangerous goods delivery to:

• PO Boxes.
• Parcel lockers.
• Australia Post collection points.

Additional restrictions may apply to remote locations, residential addresses, air freight and certain freight depots.

Customers must provide suitable delivery information and disclose relevant site access or unloading restrictions.

Large chemical shipments may require forklift access, a loading dock or an approved tailgate service.

Further information is available in our Shipping & Delivery Policy.

20. Customer Collection and Private Transport

Customers collecting chemical products are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle, transport arrangements and handling practices are appropriate for the products being collected.

Depending on the products and quantities, legal requirements may apply to:

• Vehicle suitability.
• Load restraint.
• Packaging.
• Segregation.
• Documentation.
• Driver training or licensing.
• Emergency equipment.
• Placarding.

NRH Chemicals may decline to load products where there are reasonable concerns about safety or compliance.

Customers should seek appropriate advice before transporting significant quantities of dangerous goods.

21. Chemical Spill Prevention

NRH Chemicals recognises that preventing chemical spills is preferable to responding after a release occurs.

Preventive measures may include:

• Suitable storage and containment.
• Appropriate container handling.
• Inspection of packaging.
• Safe forklift and vehicle movements.
• Suitable transfer equipment.
• Staff training.
• Maintenance of relevant equipment.
• Appropriate spill response resources.
• Protection of drainage systems.

Spill prevention measures should be proportionate to the hazards and quantities involved.

22. Chemical Spill and Incident Response

Chemical spills and leaks may create risks to people, property and the environment.

If a spill or release occurs, the immediate priority is to protect people from exposure and prevent escalation.

Personnel should:

• Alert others and raise the alarm.
• Avoid contact with the substance.
• Keep unauthorised persons away.
• Identify the substance only where safe.
• Refer to the relevant SDS.
• Contact emergency services where required.
• Follow site-specific emergency procedures.

Only trained and appropriately equipped personnel should undertake containment or cleanup where it is safe to do so.

Do not attempt to clean up an unknown chemical, uncontrolled release or hazardous atmosphere without appropriate specialist assistance.

23. Fire and Explosion Safety

Some chemical products may present significant fire or explosion hazards.

Workplaces must assess these hazards and implement appropriate controls.

Potential risk factors include:

• Flammable vapours.
• Ignition sources.
• Static electricity.
• Incompatible substances.
• Inadequate ventilation.
• Unsuitable equipment.
• Improper chemical storage.

Fire protection arrangements must be appropriate to the substances and activities involved.

Personnel must not attempt firefighting beyond their training, equipment or authorised responsibilities.

In an emergency, contact 000 and follow emergency services instructions.

24. Environmental Protection

NRH Chemicals recognises the importance of preventing chemical pollution and environmental harm.

Chemical products must not be discharged into stormwater systems, waterways, soil or other locations where disposal is unlawful or unsafe.

Environmental risk controls may include:

• Suitable storage.
• Spill containment.
• Waste segregation.
• Approved disposal services.
• Protection of stormwater drains.
• Incident reporting.
• Appropriate handling of damaged containers.

Where a pollution incident occurs, applicable reporting and response obligations must be followed.

25. Chemical Waste and Disposal

Chemical waste must be assessed and disposed of according to its characteristics and applicable legal requirements.

Customers must not assume that chemical products can be disposed of through ordinary household rubbish, sinks or drains.

Disposal arrangements may require:

• Licensed or appropriately authorised waste contractors.
• Suitable waste containers.
• Correct waste identification.
• Appropriate segregation.
• Transport documentation.
• Relevant environmental approvals.

Empty chemical containers may retain hazardous residues and should be managed accordingly.

26. Product Quality and Traceability

NRH Chemicals recognises the importance of product identification and traceability.

Relevant product records may include:

• Supplier details.
• Product identification.
• Batch or lot numbers.
• Product specifications.
• Certificates of Analysis, where applicable.
• Purchase and supply records.
• Customer order information.

Traceability information may assist with quality investigations, supplier enquiries and product recalls.

Customers should retain original product labels and relevant purchase information where reasonably practicable.

27. Product Recalls and Safety Notices

Where a product is subject to a safety notice or recall, NRH Chemicals will take appropriate action consistent with applicable legal obligations.

This may involve:

• Identifying affected products.
• Reviewing relevant batch information.
• Contacting affected customers.
• Providing safety instructions.
• Arranging appropriate collection or disposal.
• Offering applicable remedies.
• Cooperating with suppliers or regulators.

Customers should follow any specific recall instructions and must not independently return hazardous goods through unsuitable freight services.

28. Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for using, handling, storing and transporting chemical products in a lawful and safe manner appropriate to their circumstances.

Customers should:

• Read product labels and SDS information.
• Assess product suitability.
• Use appropriate protective equipment.
• Maintain suitable storage conditions.
• Keep chemicals away from children and unauthorised persons.
• Avoid incompatible chemical mixtures.
• Follow applicable workplace safety requirements.
• Comply with relevant dangerous goods transport requirements.
• Dispose of chemical waste appropriately.
• Report suspected product defects or safety concerns.

Business customers may have additional responsibilities as persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) under applicable workplace safety legislation.

These responsibilities do not exclude any statutory obligations owed by NRH Chemicals.

29. Wholesale and Distributor Responsibilities

Retailers, distributors and commercial customers handling NRH Chemicals products must assess and comply with the requirements applicable to their activities.

These may include:

• Safe chemical storage.
• Appropriate workplace risk assessments.
• Product labelling.
• SDS availability.
• Employee training.
• Dangerous goods transport arrangements.
• Appropriate waste management.
• Customer safety information.
• Product traceability.
• Recall cooperation.

Wholesale customers must not remove or alter required safety information.

Products must not be marketed using false, misleading or unsupported safety claims.

30. Employee Training and Competency

NRH Chemicals recognises the importance of appropriate training for personnel involved in chemical operations.

Training requirements should reflect the hazards and responsibilities of each role.

Relevant topics may include:

• Chemical hazard identification.
• SDS interpretation.
• Safe storage.
• Chemical segregation.
• Manual handling.
• Spill prevention.
• Emergency procedures.
• Dangerous goods awareness.
• Appropriate PPE.
• Environmental protection.
• Incident reporting.

Specialised activities may require additional training, competency assessment or licensing.

31. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Chemical safety incidents, near misses and product safety concerns should be reported to appropriate management personnel.

Incidents may include:

• Chemical spills.
• Container leaks.
• Incorrect chemical identification.
• Unsafe storage.
• Exposure incidents.
• Fire or ignition events.
• Transport damage.
• Product contamination.
• Environmental releases.

Incidents should be assessed according to their seriousness and applicable reporting requirements.

Where appropriate, investigations should identify contributing factors and corrective actions.

32. Emergency Services and Regulatory Authorities

Where an immediate emergency exists, contact Australian emergency services on 000.

For non-emergency safety and regulatory information, customers may consult the relevant authority.

Customers outside New South Wales should consult their relevant state or territory workplace safety, environmental and dangerous goods transport regulators.

33. Safety Information and Customer Enquiries

NRH Chemicals aims to assist customers with reasonable enquiries regarding product identification, available documentation and general product information.

Customers may contact us to request:

• Safety Data Sheets.
• Product specifications.
• Certificates of Analysis, where available.
• Product identification assistance.
• General storage or handling information.
• Dangerous goods transport information.
• Product safety clarification.

Advice provided by NRH Chemicals does not replace a qualified assessment of a customer's workplace, equipment, intended application or legal obligations.

34. Non-Compliance and Unsafe Activities

NRH Chemicals may decline to supply or release products where doing so would be unlawful or where there are reasonable and significant safety concerns.

Examples may include:

• Failure to satisfy legal purchasing requirements.
• Unsuitable transport arrangements.
• Unsafe loading conditions.
• Requests for unlawful delivery methods.
• Suspected misuse of regulated products.
• Requests that would breach applicable chemical safety or dangerous goods requirements.

Any refusal, cancellation or refund will be managed consistently with applicable law and contractual obligations.

35. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

NRH Chemicals may review and update this policy in response to:

• Changes in legislation.
• Updated chemical classifications.
• New products.
• Changes in storage or transport operations.
• Safety incidents.
• Supplier information.
• Regulatory guidance.
• Changes in relevant Australian Standards.

We recognise that chemical safety management requires ongoing attention and continuous improvement.

36. Contact Information

For chemical safety enquiries, product documentation requests or concerns regarding products supplied by NRH Chemicals, please contact:

Our Commitment to Chemical Safety

At NRH Chemicals, we believe that supplying chemicals responsibly involves more than simply providing products.

It involves supporting customers with relevant safety information, promoting appropriate handling practices and recognising our responsibilities to employees, customers, freight providers and the environment.

As an Australian family-owned business, we are committed to developing our operations responsibly and supporting safe chemical use throughout the supply chain.

NRH Chemicals Management
Proudly Australian Owned & Operated | Established 2005