Safety Management of Small-Sized Chemical Waste Treatement Facilities in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

W ith the increased use of chemicals in industry, facilities for t reating chemical wastes are becoming an important part of the modern society. In Australia, chemical waste treatment facilities are largely small -sized businesses, emp loying less than twenty people. Because of their small size these facilities have generally escaped the attention of regulators, researchers and policy advisors. This is a significant concern because many of these facilit ies may continue to operate with substandard safety practices and, if left unchecked, these facilities are prime candidates for organizat ional disasters and major accidents.This paper discusses the findings of a pilot study investigation undertaken to assess safety management practices across a sample of sma ll-sized chemical waste treatment facilities in the state of Victoria, Australia. Results of this study provide useful informat ion to waste, environment and health and safety advocacy groups, researchers, emp loyees and employers interested in prevention of chemical related incidents, and to government agencies involved in the regulatory administration of safety.