Signposting a safe UON
The University of Newcastle (UON) is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all that work, study or visit our campus. Guided by regulations and codes of practice, there are many controls in place to keep people safe - including site inductions, training, standard operating procedures for safe storage and handling, manifests and labelling.
In the coming months UON will be installing signage across our campuses to increase visibility around the presence (or potential presence) of hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials within our laboratories, workshops and clinics fall broadly into three categories:
- Dangerous goods – eg flammable liquids, corrosives, gases, cytotoxic agents, radioactive materials
- Hazardous chemicals – eg ethanol, xylene, hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, sodium hydroxide
- Hazardous building materials – eg. lead paint, synthetic mineral fibres and asbestos containing materials
The handling and storage of dangerous goods (e.g. flammables, corrosives, gases, toxics, radioactive material etc.) is controlled by a NSW Code of Practice and new signage has recently been installed across our campuses and at entrances to alert contractors and emergency services personnel to the presence of these materials on campus.
Hazardous building materials are also contained within buildings on our Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses . These bonded materials are safe unless disturbed. Clear signage will be put in place to identify what materials may be present to ensure the required controls are in place if any work is undertaken in or around these areas.
Any concerns or questions about hazardous materials at UON locations should be directed to healthandsafety@newcastle.edu.au for the attention of the UON Health and Safety Team.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.