It is interesting that the discussion around hazardous chemicals continues to focus on topics which could only be deemed as 'flavour' of the month chemicals. - Lithium Ion batteries and PFAS - or perhaps it should be PFAS and Lithium-ion batteries. But the world of hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods goes far beyond these to issues. While PFAS is the forever chemical, lithium-ion batteries are the double edged sword. On one hand they have improved our lives (what would life be without laptops and mobile phones) to being one of the major causes of residential fires.
However, as chemists we need to stop focusing on the more 'infamous' chemicals and start understanding that many of your colleagues are dealing with issues that will disappear of the news radar after just a few news cycles.
In the last few weeks, Australia has seen a number of incidents involving the hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods, to which have involved
29th June, 2024 - A mother and three children were treated in Perth hospitals when it was alleged that the patrons of a local restaurant were served a Citronella lamp and torch oil containing Bifenthrin instead of cranberry juice.
10th July, 2024 - A major chemical fire erupted in a chemical blending facility in the Melbourne suburb of Derrimut. According to reports from Fire Rescue Victoria the response to this fire involved More than 180 firefighters in excess of 3 million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam and appliances from the FRV, CFA and ASA Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service were called in to control this fire along with the support VICSES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
17th July, 2024 - A Western Australian man required treatment from paramedics after accidentally creating a poisonous gas while carrying out maintenance on his pool.The man inadvertently created chlorine gas when he mixed chlorine with hydrochloric acid to clean his backyard swimming pool.
So what has this got to do with the RACI and its members. - A LOT!
Let's start with the chemist that not only formulated the citronella lamp oil but the person who wrote the safety data sheet.
The Derrimut fire, just did not involve fire fighters, but involved scientific officers, analytical chemists and regulatory personnel (Worksafe Victoria, FPA Victoria and Melbourne Water) not only in the management and containment of the fire, but the ongoing aftermath of monitor the local waterways, air monitoring. Once this fire has been put out we rely on chemists to help with the disposal of what is left.
... for the gentleman who inadvertently created a batch of chlorine gas, once again chemists are are the forefront on managing and advising DFES personnel first responders how to manage the situation.
It is time that the RACI start moving in a direction that
- encourages conversations about these types of incidents rather than the 'flavour of the month chemicals'.
- through its Course Accreditation looks at health safety and environment, not in terms of laboratory safety training and induction, but in terms ensuring that under/postgraduates fully understand and can demonstrate a knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct (including data collection, quality control procedures, or the necessity to obtain government permits for certain types of activity. They will be prepared to abide by these regulatory frameworks as they move into professional employment, and understand the consequences if they do not).
- encourages research into health, safety and regulatory affairs, and
- support those who are interested in the world of chemical health and safety by developing post graduate courses that will help educate the next generation of Dangerous Goods Inspectors, Regulatory Affairs Consultants, Health and Safety Professionals, and Waste management consultants.
I am not sure if we need more researchers, but at the present time, Australia needs more chemists seeking careers in the area of dangerous goods, hazardous substances and health and safety!
Chemical explosion sparks factory fire in Melbourne's west | ABC News
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Lisa Stevens
Principal OHS Consultant
Lisa J Stevens And Associates
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