Chemicals and hazardous materials

Chemicals and hazardous materials are used in many different ways and can include toners, cleaning products, paints, fuels, herbicides and laboratory chemicals.

There are many risks associated with the purchase, use, handling and storage of chemicals. Some chemicals have specific requirements, for example dangerous goods in large amounts require us to provide notification to SafeWork NSW.

For the specific requirements of the chemicals in your area please see the Chemical Management Procedure (PDF, 317KB).

As part of our process, all chemicals are required to be recorded in ChemWatch Gold FFX, the University of Newcastle Chemical Management Database. This database helps us manage compliance in many areas including notifications and information for emergency situations. The ChemWatch database CANNOT be accessed with  Internet Explorer.

For more information see:

Chemical Spill Kits

Contact details for The University Chemical Spill Kits (PDF, 24KB) for medium to large spills, smaller kits are located in individual facilities where Hazardous Substances/Dangerous Goods are stored and handled.

Chemical Waste Collection

Cleanaway conducts chemical waste collections for the University on a monthly basis. Please refer to the Chemical Waste Collection schedule (PDF, 539KB) for collection dates.

In order for waste to be collected from your location please follow these steps:

  1. Ensure all your waste is stored in appropriate packaging and clearly and correctly labelled. Waste is to be stored in a safe location (e.g. flammable waste in flammable cupboard) where it does not impede walkways. Spill trays should be used to minimise the risk of spills. Risk assess waste to ensure material is segregated if required.
  2. Complete the Chemical Waste order sheet (XLS, 106KB) and email to wastecollection@newcastle .edu.au. The order sheet must be submitted at least two weeks before the pickup, late orders will be held over to the following month.
  3. Make sure you will be available on the day of collection to liaise with  collection staff or nominate an alternate contact if you will not be present.

Please note the following waste will not be accepted.

  • DG class 1 explosive waste
  • DG class 6.2 infectious waste
  • DG class 7 radioactive material

Contact the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team at wastecollection@newcastle.edu.au for further information regarding these types of waste.

Please note, for radioactive waste which has decayed to a safe level (below 100 becquerels per gram) an isotopic waste declaration sheet (PDF, 165KB) must be completed and submitted with the Chemical Waste order sheet.

If you have any questions please contact Neill Bourne, Senior Health and Safety Advisor on 4921 7330 or the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team on 403 3999 (#5).