Bunnings - Chemical safety
As a retailer of retail-sized household chemicals, Bunnings recognises managing the risks associated with the storage, sale and disposal of dangerous goods and hazardous substances is critical to ensure the safety of team members, customers, local communities and the environment.
Bunnings holds the required registrations and licences for retail storage and handling of chemicals classified as dangerous goods. These requirements are in place at all relevant sites that store and handle these products to ensure compliance with relevant Australian and New Zealand regulations.
Bunnings continues to develop and enhance comprehensive storage and handling guidelines and risk assessments as part of its safety framework. This includes safety and emergency management procedures to manage the risks associated with hazardous chemicals. Bunnings works collaboratively with emergency service agencies to provide secure 24-hour access to site plans, storage manifests and emergency response guides to assist first responders in the event of a fire or serious incident.
During the year, Bunnings maintained its commitment to continuous improvement, with further initiatives to support multiple store designs and safe handling of liquified petroleum gas cylinders, welding gas cylinders, pool chemicals and other dangerous goods. Bunnings ensures control measures are regularly reviewed and updated as required.
In the 2023 financial year, Bunnings implemented processes and controls to include the sale of lithium batteries online. This involved the inclusion of larger miscellaneous (class nine) dangerous goods batteries available for online customers, supported by a third-party emergency contact centre.
To ensure the safe collection and transport of dangerous goods, Bunnings continued to work with contracted waste services providers during the year to continuously improve hazardous waste collection processes.