Chemical Management Requirements for Specific Chemicals: Scheduled Carcinogens
On this page:
- What is a Scheduled Carcinogen?
- Compliance requirements for Scheduled Carcinogens in the workplace
- More information
What is a Scheduled Carcinogen?
Scheduled Carcinogens are a special category of Hazardous Substances.
A Scheduled Carcinogen is a hazardous substance that may cause cancer. Scheduled Carcinogens are listed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the National Model Regulations for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogeic Substances (NOHSC:1011[1995]).*
Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 carcinogens have different prohibitions and requirements associated with them.
Schedule 1 Carcinogens
Schedule 1 carcinogens are subject to Restrictions by workplace type, and require a license.
Schedule 1 carcinogens include:
- 2-Acetylaminofluorene
- Aflaxotins
- 4-Aminodiphenyl
- Benzadines and its salts
- Bis(chloromethyl) ethyr
- Chloromethyl ethyl ether (technical grade)
- 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
- 2-Naphthylamine and its salts
- 4-Nitrodiphenyl.
Refer to the National Model Regulations for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogeic Substances (NOHSC:1011[1995])* for the most current and complete version of Schedule 1.
Schedule 2 carcinogens
Schedule 2 carcinogens require a license.
Schedule 2 carcinogens include:
- Acrylonitrile
- Benzene – when contained in feedstock containing more than 50% benzene by volume
- 3,3’-Dichlorobenzidine and its salts
- Diethylsulfate
- Dimethyl sulfate
- Ethyl dibromide – when used as a fumigant
- 4,4’-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline)
- 2-Propiolactone
- o-Toluidine and o-Toluidine hydrochloride
- Vinyl chloride monomer.
Refer to the National Model Regulations for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogeic Substances (NOHSC:1011[1995])* for the most current and complete version of Schedule 2.
* Please check the Safe Work Australia website at http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au to confirm you are referring to the most current edition of this document. Note: the rules associated with Scheduled Carcinogens in Victoria (as opposed to the schedules themselves) are set out in part 4.2 in the OHS Regulations 2007 (Vic), available from http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/.
Compliance requirements for Scheduled Carcinogens in the workplace
To use or keep Scheduled Carcinogens in a workplace, you must meet the following requirements:
- All general requirements, as described in Chemical Management Key Topics.
- All requirements specific to Hazardous Substances, as described in Hazardous Substances.
- A further set of requirements specific to Scheduled Carcinogens, as described below.
Restrictions by workplace type
Schedule 1 carcinogens are only permitted to be used in laboratories, provided you have a license.
Schedule 2 carcinogens may be used in any type of workplace, provided you have a license.
Licensing
Each separate Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 carcinogenic chemical requires a license from WorkSafe Victoria.
Each chemical will require a separate application, supporting documentation outlining control measures to prevent exposure, and a WorkSafe application fee.
For information about applying for a license, consult your laboratory manager or EHS Coordinator.
Access Arrangements
Access to scheduled carcinogens should be restricted to staff or students who:
- work directly with the scheduled carcinogens;
- have received chemical training; and
- have been fully briefed on the chemical risk assessment.
Health Surveillance
Health surveillance is required for all Scheduled Carcinogens.
Costs of health surveillance are borne by the relevant Division or Faculty.
Nature of health surveillance required
Preliminary advice on the nature of health surveillance required can be found in the chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet.
Complete advice should be sought from Occupational Health.
Record-keeping requirements
- Records must be kept for each person who works with a Scheduled Carcinogen.
- Records must contain certain information, which is listed in section 3.6 [Scheduled Carcinogens] Health Surveillance of the Chemical Management Guidelines [.pdf].
- A written copy of the record must be given to each person who has worked with a scheduled carcinogenic substance when s/he ceases work or study at the University of Melbourne.
More information
- Further detailed information is available in section 3, Scheduled Carcinogens in the Chemical Management Guidelines [.pdf].
- For advice about the chemical management systems that are in use in your workplace, please consult your laboratory manager, EHS Coordinator or supervisor.