Hazardous Chemicals Management
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At Oherm,
Understanding Hazard vs Risk
When it comes to hazardous chemical management, a distinction must be made between hazard and risk.
👉 Risk = Hazard x Exposure
- The Hazard is the inherent property of a chemical (e.g., toxicity) that can cause harm.
- The Risk is the likelihood of that harm actually occurring, depending on the exposure level.
The overall risk of any chemical depends on:
- The chemical’s inherent toxicity
- The quantity and how much exposure workers or the environment have to it
Key featured services
Chemical Risk Assessments
Identify, assess, and manage chemical risks to worker health and the environment. Our assessments cover toxicity, exposure levels, and practical controls.
Hazardous Chemical
Storage Audits
Evaluate your site’s chemical storage setup for compliance with WHS laws and Australian Standards. Ensure proper segregation, labelling, and safety signage.
SDS Review & Register Management
Keep your chemical register and Safety Data Sheets up to date and accessible, as required by WHS regulations. We audit and maintain chemical documentation systems.
Regulatory Compliance Support
Navigate the complex regulatory environment for hazardous chemicals, including licensing, reporting, and notification requirements across Australia.
Building Hazmat Audits
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, SMFs, and PCBs before renovation or demolition.
Asbestos Surveys & Registers
For buildings pre-2003, we provide asbestos inspections, sample testing, and develop clear registers and risk assessments with practical control plans.
Know the Risks. Protect Your Team.
Any chemical that may pose a physical or health hazard must have a documented risk assessment for how it's stored, handled, and used in the workplace.
OHERM conducts comprehensive Chemical Risk Assessments that help you understand:
- The chemical’s physical and health hazards
- The potential for worker or environmental exposure
- The likelihood and consequences of adverse outcomes
Hazard Characterisation
Identify hazardous chemicals and evaluate the dose-response relationship between exposure and harm.
Exposure Assessment
Understand how and where workers might come into contact with the substance.
Risk Determination
Combine hazard and exposure insights to define the risk level — then implement effective controls.
Hazardous Chemicals Storage Compliance
Correct Storage Saves Lives
Hazardous chemicals — from flammable liquids to toxic gases — are part of many workplaces. But improper use, storage or labelling can result in serious health and safety risks.
Common risks
include:
- Health Hazards: skin irritants, respiratory sensitisers, carcinogens, reproductive toxins
- Safety Hazards: flammability, corrosiveness, and explosiveness
Key compliance requirements:
- Maintain a hazardous chemicals register accessible to all relevant workers
- Ensure chemicals are labelled and stored per the Australian regulatory framework
- Secure necessary licences for restricted substances (e.g. LPG, Class 3, 6, 8)
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Plan Safe Renovations or Demolitions
Building Hazmat Audits
Before any major construction works, workplaces must assess hazardous materials in buildings.
Our Building Hazmat Audits identify:
- Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)
- Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Lead-containing paints
We also review your existing asbestos register and assess whether destructive sampling is required.
Optional audit inclusions:
- Stored hazardous chemicals
- Biological hazards
- Ozone-depleting substances
OHERM supports full-scope hazardous material audits for residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
Identify, Assess & Manage In-Situ Asbestos
Asbestos Audits & Surveys
For buildings constructed before 2003, Asbestos Surveys are essential to locate and manage risk.
Our Asbestos Survey Process:
- Site layout review & inspection
- Sample collection (if needed)
- Lab testing at NATA-accredited facilities
- Detailed Asbestos Register and Risk Assessment
- A full Management Plan for asbestos control, removal, or maintenance
Our Approach
Identify
We start by reviewing your workplace and operations to identify all hazardous chemicals in use or storage. This includes assessing safety data sheets (SDS), labels, and chemical inventories to pinpoint potential risks to health and safety.
Assess
Our team performs detailed Chemical Risk Assessments, evaluating the inherent hazards, potential exposure routes, and likelihood of harm. We apply best-practice frameworks in line with Safe Work Australia and GHS guidelines.
Control
We design and implement practical, effective control measures using the Hierarchy of Control — whether it’s engineering solutions, administrative actions, or PPE recommendations. Our goal: reduce risk in a sustainable, cost-effective way.
Support
We assist in aligning your practices with WHS regulations, Australian Standards, and chemical licensing laws. Our support includes storage compliance audits, SDS register reviews, and training, helping your business maintain safe, long-term chemical handling systems.
Why choose OHERM?
At OHERM, our experienced team of licensed occupational hygienists provides customized solutions to keep your workplace safe and healthy. We help you stay compliant with both local and global safety standards, backed by a proven track record of improving workplace safety for many organizations. Trust us to protect your team and business.
Industry-Leading Expertise
With over 25+ years of experience in hazardous materials and chemical safety, our licensed professionals understand the complexity of compliance and the practical steps needed to protect your people and operations.
End-to-End Solutions
From chemical risk assessments to storage compliance and asbestos audits, we offer a full suite of services to help you meet your obligations and reduce chemical-related risks — all in one place.
Regulatory Confidence
We stay on top of evolving WHS regulations, GHS classifications, and Australian Standards to ensure your workplace remains legally compliant and audit-ready at all times.
Practical, Actionable Advice
Our team delivers clear, achievable recommendations — not just paperwork. We work closely with you to implement realistic control measures that actually work for your workplace.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
“From day one, Oherm impressed us with their knowledge and professionalism. Their hazardous chemical assessments were detailed and easy to act on, giving us the peace of mind that we were fully compliant.”
Customer stories
Each day, we create practical solutions that simplify everyday life. Our clients range from the public sector to private businesses.
Interflow
OHERM’s chemical risk assessments were comprehensive, easy to understand, and delivered with actionable guidance. They’ve become a trusted safety partner we continue to rely on.
SA Water
OHERM’s mobile hearing testing service made it easy to stay compliant without operational delays. Their reporting was timely, precise, and helped us identify gaps in our hearing protection strategy.
St Peter’s College
Oherm provided us with clear, practical guidance on managing hazardous substances within our science and maintenance areas. Their approachable team made the process straightforward, helping us enhance safety protocols while supporting staff education and confidence.
RM Williams
OHERM provided invaluable support in assessing and managing hazardous substances across our operations. Their expertise has helped us mitigate chemical exposure risks and create a safer, more informed workplace.”
Let’s create a safer, compliant workplace—get in touch and see how OHERM can support your team.
Don’t wait for WHS issues to arise. Contact OHERM today and stay ahead with expert health and safety solutions.
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