Chief investigators must gain approval to use carcinogenic substances listed in the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations in research.
The UWA Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Substances Committee and State Government's WorkSafe must approve the use of substances listed in schedules 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 of the Occupational Safety Health Regulations 1996. The substances are listed below.
Responsibility for the health and safety aspects of a research project rests with the project's chief investigator, who must ensure that comprehensive risk assessments are performed, adequate facilities are available and suitable procedures are adopted to conduct the research in a safe manner.
This list of substances does not comprehensively cover potential or known carcinogens, and the onus is on the individual researchers to do thorough risk assessments and treat all chemicals with caution. For guidance, see the ChemAlert, Material Safety Data Sheet(s) for the chemical(s) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Alternatives to the use of potent carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens should always be considered in the first instance. Safety and Health is happy to provide advice on the use of carcinogenic substances and possible alternatives.
To obtain clearance for the use of scheduled carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens, follow this procedure.
Although approval is not required for the use of non-scheduled carcinogens, we recommend that you complete the form as part of the risk assessment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 requires manufacturers, importers and suppliers of substances to provide adequate data on their safe use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal. Researchers are advised to only purchase products with such information provided, which will assist in completion of the approval form.
If a researcher is experiencing difficulty completing the form through lack of information, contact Safety and Health on (+61 8) 6488 3938.
Note: The number in square brackets is the substance's chemical abstract number.
Schedule 5.4 amended in Gazette 30 Dec 2003 p. 5743.
Note: The substance's chemical abstract number appears in square brackets.
Schedule 5.5 amended in Gazette 30 Dec 2003 p. 5743.
Note: The number in square brackets is the substance's chemical abstract number.
Schedule 5.6 inserted in Gazette 30 Dec 2003 p. 5743.