SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

COMPOSTS
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: A current MSDS for the product or substance must be available in areas where compost is processed, packaged, handled or used.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
Key processes to be followed
Precautions / PPE required
1. Manufacture
Raw materials
Conduct risk assessment of all raw materials for composting which may contain
Wear PPE as determined by risk
harmful, noxious or toxic material which could cause injury or illness to persons
assessment.
handling the materials.
Fire
Monitor compost heaps or vessels to ensure that moisture levels and temperature of No smoking on composting
composting material are within acceptable limits.
site.
Odours and dust
Effective means of odour control will be necessary in populated areas.
Provide reticulated water supply.
Provide suitable storages for dry materials used for compost production.
Pests and vermin
Control pests by minimising quantities of attractive materials, and reducing odour Keep dry materials covered.
generation and leachate pooling.
Harmful runoff
Prevent leachate runoff from entering drains and waterways.
Plant and machinery
Ensure that persons operating plant and machinery are competent and, if necessary,
hold the appropriate Certificate of competency or license.
Noise
Use machinery with low noise impact or provide effective sound barriers around
facility or site to prevent sound intrusion into other areas.
2. Processing and
Harmful exposure
Processing of manufactured compost should be carried out in a manner which
Persons handling and packaging
handling
prevents exposure of workers to dusts or liquid mists.
composts should wear eye and
Repeated inhalation of dust and/or liquid mist from compost products may result in hand protection. Wear
hay fever, respiratory inflammation or pneunomal illnesses.
P1 particulate dust mask.
Personal hygiene
Avoid skin contact with composted materials. Wear long sleeves and trousers, and
Immunise workers against
launder work clothes separately to reduce contamination risk.
tetanus.
Wash skin with a mild soap thoroughly after working with composts.
Wash hands before eating.
Over-exertion/strain injury
Exercise care when handling large packages or quantities of packages.
Observe safe handling practices.
3. First Aid
Eye or skin contact
Flush eyes with water for 10minutes; Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation
Inhalation
Remove patient to fresh air.
occurs or if symptoms persist.
Ingestion
Seek medical advice if any abdominal symptoms occur.
PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions are to be observed, and
suitable safety signs as indicated displayed in areas
where these procedures are carried out.

SWP265 Version 1.2

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon2/12/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

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