Health, Safety and Environment Induction Handbook for Contractors

33 Waste Management
The University strongly encourages Contractors to identify waste minimisation options at the start of each
job. These include:
• working out costs and savings involved in minimising waste;
• taking care not to over-order;
• ensuring that subcontractors are responsible for their waste;
• utilising off-cuts;
• recycling materials where practicable;
• buying materials with minimal packaging;
• require suppliers to accept their packaging back.
There are many opportunities for waste to be reduced. No-one will be better than you and your team to
find waste solutions. Whatever the waste, it is probable that someone in the community could use it. At
most work sites an industrial rubbish skip is required, but only for materials that cannot be re-used or
recycled. Skips must have a lid so that rubbish doesn’t blow away, and rainwater doesn’t collect in the
bin. Other factors include:
• do not dispose of waste on University property;
• do not use ordinary University rubbish bins for construction and demolition wastes;
• you are legally responsible to ensure your waste is disposed of in the correct manner;
• hazardous waste treatment and disposal must comply with Environmental Protection Authority
Regulations.
34 Hazardous Substances
The Contractor must submit a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all substances and a risk assessment
of all hazardous substances to the CQUniversity Project Officer for each substance that is to be brought
onto University grounds, and maintain a copy at the work site.
All hazardous substances brought onto University grounds must be clearly labelled according to the
legislation. Be sure to follow handling and storage instructions that appear on labels.
Chemicals must be contained in reliable, tightly sealed containers. Containers must be stored indoors on
an impervious floor, with enough bonding to hold any spill.
Clean-up materials must be provided in case of spillage. Liquid spills can be mopped up by rags, sawdust,
or commercially available absorbent products.
The Contractor must ensure that clean up materials are appropriate for the chemicals used, and that at
least one person on the site at any time is trained to clean up a spill. This includes always ensuring an
adequate stock of clean-up material is available and easily accessible.
Hazardous waste treatment and disposal must comply with Environmental Protection Authority
Regulations.
working doc - contractor handbook v3 17082009 final.docx Updated August 2009 Page 19