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RPD WHS · Quick Guide

Hazardous Substances & SDS

Right product, current SDS, proper storage. Use the least hazardous option that does the job — and know what to do if it spills.

Field guideOwner · Site SupervisorRPD WHS Manual V8.0
Start safeControl the riskStop when it changes
Scroll the journey
1

When it applies

If you're doing any of this, this guide is in play.

Paints
Solvents
Epoxies
Membranes
Adhesives
Cleaners
Sealants
Fuels
2

Before you start

Before the work begins, the Site Supervisor confirms — and you check your own work area.

SDS currency

Storage compatibility

Ventilation

Ignition sources

Spill controls

PPE / RPE

3

The controls

Work down the hierarchy — collective protection first, PPE last. PPE never carries the job on its own.

EliminateDesign the hazard out
SubstituteUse a lower-risk method
IsolateSeparate people from the hazard
EngineeringGuard, extract, contain
AdminSWMS, permits, training, signage
PPELast line — fitted & worn

The RPD rule

Use the least hazardous product that meets the specification. Store, label and dispose of chemicals correctly.

Least hazardousCurrent SDSCorrect storageCorrect disposal
Hold point — never skip

Do not use a hazardous substance without a current SDS and task controls.

No SDS, no use. The sheet tells you the controls, the storage and what to do if it goes wrong.

5

Stop & escalate

See any one of these? The job stops until it's fixed — no exceptions.

  • Exposure symptoms occur
  • Controls fail
  • Spill or contamination can't be contained
Stop work→ tell the Site Supervisor → don't restart until the control is back and the SWMS is reviewed.
6

What gets recorded

The job isn't done until the evidence exists. Live records go in Breadcrumb.

Breadcrumb · live site

  • SDS
  • Inductions / training records
  • Site alerts for storage / exclusion controls
  • Incident reporting for spills or exposure