The University of Canberra uses the Chemwatch Chemical Management System as a risk management tool to assist in meeting its legal obligations in regard to the management of chemicals in the workplace.

The database is designed in a way that makes it the most user friendly computer based database chemical management database available. The system allows easy searching of chemicals by chemical or trade names, universal numbering as well as our own stock names or numbers if applicable. This information is displayed in a material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Chemwatch provides emergency information at the touch of a button which includes vital first aid action, spill and containment information as well as fire fighting requirements.

Electronic inventories have been established throughout the University and loaded into the Chemwatch database. Chemwatch can then provide information on volume, any required signage and segregation information. This information is used to fulfil legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989.

Nominated key staff with administrative rights are responsible for updating the chemicals held in each area including the volume and specific location. They are also responsible for deleting a chemical form the database when it is no longer used.

All staff members can access the database by clicking on the Chemwatch link. Once in the database, a simple search of chemicals can be performed. You can choose to search just the chemicals held at the University or those contained in the whole Chemwatch database.

Although the specific location of the chemicals will not be revealed staff will be able to view the MSDS. Staff should check the database before ordering a new chemical and should contact their key staff members if a chemical is no longer held in the area.