New e-forms now available: carcinogen authorisation

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have developed new forms to make it easier and quicker for businesses to apply for authorisation to use, handle or store prohibited and restricted carcinogens.

These easy-to-use forms:

• include built-in guidance and tips
• link directly to relevant sections of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation)
• submit automatically to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for assessment.

There is no fee involved, and a separate form is required for each individual substance.

What are prohibited and restricted carcinogens?

Prohibited and restricted carcinogens are hazardous chemicals that may cause cancer. They are commonly found in industries such as manufacturing, scientific research and healthcare.

Schedule 10 of the WHS Regulation outlines these substances and their uses:

• Prohibited carcinogens (e.g. aflatoxins, benzidine) — these are considered too dangerous for general use and are only allowed for authorised research or analysis.
• Restricted carcinogens (e.g. benzene, cyclophosphamide) — these substances are permitted for specific authorised purposes only.

Supplier and workplace obligations

The use handling or storage of any prohibited or restricted carcinogens may require authorisation by the Regulator under Chapter 7 of the WHS Regulation.

This includes:

• New application for authorisation
• Amendment to existing authorisation
• Renewal of existing authorisation

Suppliers must:

• confirm that the client has a valid authorisation before supplying a carcinogen
• keep a record of each transaction, including the name and quantity supplied and the person receiving the substance.

If a worker at a workplace uses, handles or stores a prohibited or restricted carcinogen, the business must:

• provide a written statement of exposure at the end of their employment that includes the following information:
  • the name of the carcinogen
  • dates and duration of potential exposure
  • details on where to access records
  • guidance on health assessments and relevant medical tests.