_p.png)
At a glance
Chemicals are used daily in early childhood services—cleaning products, disinfectants, sanitisers and maintenance supplies. Emergency readiness ensures staff know what to do in high-stress situations and that drills lead to real improvement.
This topic hub provides practical guidance for chemical safety systems and emergency readiness in ECEC.
What you’ll find in this topic
-
SDS management: keeping Safety Data Sheets current and accessible
-
Chemical registers: what to include and how to keep them usable
-
Storage and labelling: preventing exposure and mixing risks
-
Decanting and dilution: safe practices and supervision
-
Emergency roles: who does what during an emergency
-
Drills: planning, running and documenting drills
-
First-aid readiness: supplies, checks and role clarity
-
Post-drill improvement: actions, owners and verification
Chemicals and emergency safety
What is the hazard?
Chemical hazards include exposure to cleaning/disinfecting products, incorrect dilution/decanting, poor storage/labelling, and missing SDS information. Emergency readiness hazards include unclear roles, unpracticed procedures, and drills that don’t lead to improvement.
Why is it relevant to early childhood?
Chemicals are used daily in ECEC and often stored across multiple rooms. Emergencies are high-stress and time-critical; staff need clarity and practice. Poor systems increase exposure risk and reduce effective response.
What does good practice look like?
-
SDS are current and accessible where chemicals are used/stored
-
A simple chemical register is maintained and reviewed
-
Storage prevents child access and reduces worker exposure
-
Labelling is clear (including decanted containers)
-
Emergency roles are defined and practiced
-
Drills produce actions that are tracked to closure and verified
-
First-aid readiness is maintained with clear responsibilities
What should the service review?
☐ Are SDS easy to find quickly (not buried)?
☐ Is the chemical register current and complete?
☐ Are chemicals stored safely and consistently across rooms?
☐ Are decanted containers labelled correctly?
☐ Do staff know their emergency roles?
☐ After drills: what changed, who owns it, and was it verified?
What documents or evidence should exist?
-
Chemical register
-
SDS library (current versions)
-
Storage/labelling procedure and checks
-
Emergency procedures and role allocations
-
Drill schedule, drill records and improvement actions
-
First-aid checks and restocking records
-
Training/briefing records
Which juristictional sources apply?
Australia-wide guidance: Safe Work Australia (model WHS laws and codes).
Also check the regulator for where the work is performed: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT, and Comcare (Commonwealth).
Downloads / training
Coming soon:
-
Chemical register template + SDS checklist
-
Safe dilution/decanting poster
-
Emergency drill improvement checklist
-
First-aid readiness checklist
Disclaimer
General information only. This resource is not legal advice and does not replace jurisdiction-specific advice, worker consultation or workplace risk assessment. Requirements may change. Always check the relevant regulator and obtain professional advice where appropriate.
