Lack of training in those handling chemicals—-report

Press, 18 December 1985, Page 8

Lack of training in those handling chemicals—-report

PA Wellington An “alarming” lack of training in those handling, managing, or responsible for hazardous chemicals has been found by a report into the fatal 1.C.1. fire last year. Flammable and toxic substances are being used in potentially dangerous situations in some firms, it said.

Hazardous chemicals handling was largely the responsibility of untrained people who were unaware of the potential dangers of the chemicals they handled every day. There was an urgent need for a concerted effort to raise awareness of the risk associated with many chemicals. One man died of his injuries after the fire in the

warehouse last December. A number of firemen who fought the fire later complained of suffering skin irritations.

The report, by the Commission for the . Environment, has taken nearly a year to produce, and aimed to seek lessons which could be learned from the incident.

The report suggested that a single agency co-ordinate Government policy on hazardous chemicals. It would co-ordinate the present disparate administrative responsibilities and provide advice to those who import, manufacture, transport, store, sell, or use hazardous chemicals, it said.

It also proposed the agency should also be responsible for raising the awareness of the risk of using chemicals. It recommends that all staff should have to undergo mandatory training on handling a new chemical subject to dangerous goods or other regulations before it is fully introduced into the company’s activities. The report says that without regular and planned training in the safe handling

of chemicals and effective management procedures, day-to-day indifference tends to creep in among staff.

Some indications at 1.C.1.’s Riverview warehouse were congestion in aisles obstructed with “stored” pallets; the wrong application of company procedures

for handling a calcium hypochlorite spillage; the use of a portable barbecue fire inside the building; fire alarm being inaudible in the showers; lack of appreciation of a chemical hazard during the post-fire cleanup.

Elsewhere the report said the fire had highlighted the question of storage and construction in chemical warehouses.

A survey of six premises in the Auckland region made by the Auckland Trades Council early this year found a variety of dangerous practices including lack of exit signs and emergency doors, no fire alarms or evacuation training, no fire-fighting equipment, and a blocked emergency exit.