THE REPORTER | Volume 28, Issue 2 1

President’s Letter

RACI News

Hazmat & Environment Notes

Stories from the Periodic Table

Vic Branch Committee Meeting

Chemistry in Australia

Centenary Book

Welcome New Members

Industry Meets Academia Collaboration Report

Upcoming Events

March 2019

February2015

Issue 24, Volume 1

The Reporter

Volume 28, Issue 2

CHEMISTRY AROUND AUSTRALIA IN THIS ISSUE

We are the voice for the chemical sciences.

Celebrating 150 years of the Periodic Table

Hi everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for taking the time to read

March’s newsletter.

This month I looked up chemists’ birthdays. It turns out that the inventor

of the Periodic Table, Dmitri Mendeleev’s birthday is in February (on the 8th in

1834) which is when we began the celebrations of 100 years (IUPAC) and 150

years of the Periodic Table in 2019. Thank you to the Women in Chemistry Group

who hosted the event, IUPAC100: Empowering Women in Chemistry, a global

event held at CSIRO. The guest speaker, Jenny Sharwood OAM gave an enthralling

insight into the history of the Periodic Table, Chemistry, Alchemy and her

favourite element, iron. Do you have a favourite element?

There was more Chemistry talk when the events Industry meets Academia Series, Collaboration, Retired

Chemists’ Lunch and STAVCON (Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria) were held.

On a personal note, one day as I was driving, I saw a large plume of thick black smoke surging out of an

asphalt truck parked on the side of the road. My first thought was smelly and toxic. I soon noticed a worker in his

President’s Letter by Yvonne Mah

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PPE (personal protective equipment) clothing shoveling asphalt out of the truck. By this time, I had driven past the

truck. I felt uncomfortable not remembering if I saw him with respiratory PPE. So, I turned the car around back to

the parked truck to give myself some peace of mind. It turned out he did not have respiratory PPE and neither his

partner. I felt concerned as a chemist and passer-by. Have you seen and experienced a situation that has a chemical

concern? What would you do? I would love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to continue celebrating The Periodic Table There are the next coming events, site visit to

Envirolab and the lunch event with the Retired Chemists.

Warmest wishes to you,

Yvonne

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A Selection of Photos from the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast

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RACI News Read latest RACI news here.

Facebook: RACInational

Twitter: RACI_HQ

Instagram: racinational

Vic Branch Twitter: – RACI_VIC

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Hazmat & Environment Notes Exempted Industrial Chemicals: Jeff Simpson is still Concerned

Exempted Chemicals: General Rules & Categorisation Guidelines - Comments

Comment a/: There is a lot of work to obtain and document information to meet the General Rules and Categorisation Guidelines, particularly for the Exempted Chemicals. I suggest that the costs to create and maintain these documents over time will be expensive and that the specialists (who I suggest will need to be specialised toxicologists) who can prepare them will need to be like Environmental Auditors, as they will need to be able to sign off that they have met the requirements. There is quite a significant liability for consultants to do this for other entities, that will only be realised when the Industrial Chemical Authority arrives to do a detailed audit, maybe several years after being prepared and there is no longer an association with the consultant.

Comment b/: I suggest a simplified approach be decided for the Exempted Chemicals where an abbreviated set of information is able to be provided by a lower level chemical specialist (such as qualified chemist) where the chemical name, the CAS No., the presentation of the chemical and the likely uses, are provided to the Authority AND the Authority is paid to keep track of these chemicals and then alerts the importers where an increased hazard of the Exempted Chemical decides a review is needed.

This then provides a simplified route of introduction, where the expertise of the Authority is paid for and utilised by the importer, particularly for small trading businesses that don't have easy access to such specialist expertise.

Comment c/: As the data behind the Reports will normally be confidential, how does the Authority expect to obtain access to the confidential documentation behind the Exempted Chemical Reports? This information is typically held in highly protected databases (such as SAP). It is very unlikely that access by the Authority to the underlying data will be allowed.

Comment d/: We need to put in place an industrial chemicals system that can also be reasonably implemented by New Zealand under the TTMRA, so Australia & New Zealand can eventually be one system to introduce Exempted Chemicals.

Australia originally agreed to align its industrial chemicals management system with NZ by 2019. The proposed reforms have NOT addressed this in any way.

IF we are more pragmatic about our Exempted Chemicals, and then pay and rely on the Industrial Chemical Authority to track increases in hazards, this would move Australia to a lower cost system. NZ also needs to manage its “non-hazardous” chemicals. Australia needs to put in place an industrial chemicals Exempted Chemicals system that can eventually be reasonably implemented by New Zealand to also manage its “non-hazardous” chemicals.

Comment d/: As a concerned specialist chemical regulatory consultant and also a concerned member of the community, we need an industrial chemicals system for Exempted Chemicals that will work for at least several decades, with minimum ongoing costs, whilst achieving proper management of ALL Exempted Chemicals in both Australia and NZ and capturing Exempted Chemicals that increase in hazard..

Request for Feedback: Please review my comments and contact me by email: Jeff.Simpson@haztech.com.au or 0403 072 092. I consider it is important for us all to alert Federal Parliament politicians to this issue before their final votes.

Excluded (Non-Industrial) Use Chemicals on AICS

As part of the IMAP Tranche 24 (now closed for comment) work, NICNAS updated the Excluded Use Chemicals list at the end of June 2018. Read more about NICNAS’s approach to identifying them and how NICNAS defines them.

To see what has been added, check the NICNAS lists of Excluded Use chemicals in the [Excel 139KB] spreadsheets. www.nicnas.gov.au/__data/assets/excel_doc/0005/46715/Excluded-use-chemicals-Tranches-20-21-22-23-24-June2018.xlsx

There are 3 spreadsheets with (No. of Entries in brackets):

Schedule 4, Schedule 8 and Schedule 9 Chemicals (1045) with 12 Tranche 24 (S4) chemicals added.

Probable Agricultural and Veterinary Excluded Use Chemicals (512) with 11 Tranche 24 (S2,S4,S5,S6,S7) chemicals added.

Probable Therapeutic Excluded Use Chemicals (199) with 44 Tranche 24 (S2,S3,S4,S5,S6,S7 & N/A(5)) chemicals added.

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From: www.nicnas.gov.au/chemical-information/imap-assessments/how-chemicals-are-assessed/excluded-non-industrial-use-chemicals-on-aics

Jeff Simpson: It could be some of the AgVet chemicals might be used in trace levels at <0.1% as biocides in industrial chemicals.

Submissions re: proposed Agvet Chem Legislation

Jeff Simpson: There are 14 submissions. I have included a selection.

Accord Australasia Ltd (4 page pdf). “While the aim of the Consultation is to streamline regulatory requirements for a more efficient and effective regulatory system to reduce the compliance burden on industry, disappointingly the proposed implementation strategies for the reforms will not achieve this goal.”

Competitive Advantage (14 page pdf) Jeff Simpson: A detailed, very useful to read submission from an AgVet specialist consultant.

CropLife Australia (13 page pdf). “The proposed additional legislative changes presented in the Agricultural & Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Streamlining Regulations) Bill 2018 again fail to deliver the urgent and targeted reform required to streamline APVMA regulatory functions that will assist the APVMA during its transition to Armidale.”

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) (14 page pdf). “While GPA is responding positively to initiatives and some of the key changes in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment exposure draft (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2018 the key deficiency of the proposed changes is that it does not address the declining commercial pesticide investment into Australia.”

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (3p pdf)

From: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/ag-vet-chemicals/better-regulation-of-ag-vet-chemicals/streamlining/public-consultation

AMSA: Dangerous, Hazardous & Harmful Cargoes Handbook (update)

The handbook is now available, the cost including GST and postage is $20 + GST + Postage (it is not available electronically) Phone or email the AMSA Office on 02 6279 5000 (8am-5pm) & AMSAConnect@amsa.gov.au. From: www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/safety-and-navigation-training/dangerous-hazardous-and-harmful-cargoes AMSA Public'n Order Form: https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/chargeable-publications-order-form-handbooks-and-gmdss-radio-log-books https://www.amsa.gov.au/file/4310/download?token=z9NeshkE

NSW EPA: DG Tanker Vehicle Inspection Manual

21 Aug 2018: Dangerous Goods tank vehicles must be maintained so they are safe and comply with legislative requirements. In conjunction with industry, the NSW EPA has prepared a new Inspection Manual to assist operators, repairers and regulators ensure that tank vehicles meet the required standards, helping to protect the safety of drivers, other road users and the community.

DG Tanker Vehicle Inspection Manual (Aug 2018 44 page pdf)

From: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/news/2018/dangerous-goods-tank-vehicle-inspection-manual

Updating the Aust 2009 National Waste Policy

Sept 2018: Australians generate around 64 million tonnes of waste every year and that figure is growing. To better support our economy, protect the health of our communities, and reduce environmental impacts, we need to set a sustainable path for Australia’s recyclable waste.

Preparation of this discussion paper was coordinated by the Australian Government, with input from State and Territory government officials, the Australian Local Government Association, business and industry associations and non-government organisations.

This discussion paper was to seek input on priority issues to be considered in future Australian waste management and resource recovery. Feedback will inform updates to the 2009 National Waste Policy for consideration by environment ministers later this year (2018).

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Discussion paper: Updating the 2009 National Waste Policy (Sept 2018) 29 pages (PDF), (DOCX)

“Updating the 2009 National Waste Policy will reflect a new way to think about waste.

By applying the principles of a circular economy, we can support better and repeated use of our resources.

A circular economy retains the value of materials in the economy for as long as possible, reducing the unsustainable depletion of natural resources and the impacts of material use and waste generation on the environment.”

Comment Closed on 5th Oct 2018.

From: www.environment.gov.au/protection/national-waste-policy/consultation-on-updating-national-waste-policy

Jeff Simpson: In 1985 I remember attending a Vic EPA Community & Industry weekend workshop, where the community said we want a “Cradle to Cradle” system, not “Cradle to Grave”! I wonder what Australia will achieve in the next 33 years?

For more current Hazmat & Environment Notes subscribe at www.haztech.com.au

Stories from the Periodic Table Our first initiative has now been launched: a call for submissions to the Stories from the Periodic Table, a project that aims to show that the elements aren’t only for chemists and to highlight the personal connections people have to science and chemistry.

The link also features Stories submitted so far, including some from our own Branch Members.

Vic Branch Committee Meeting! The next Branch Committee Meeting is to be held on 4 March 2019 to be held at National Office 1 / 21 Vale Street North Melbourne

Time: 6.20pm

All members are welcome to attend!

RSVP to Melissa Johnson Vic Branch Coordinator

Don’t Forget to keep up with all your Chemistry News!

Read your monthly Chemistry in Australia here!

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Centenary Book Secure a piece of Chemical History. Remember the RACI now and in years to come with this limited edition publication celebrating the Institute's centenary year.

To order your copy of this Hardback book for $50 plus $10 postage and handling please contact raci-vic@raci.org.au

Honorary Life members receive the book free of charge as a gift, to order please call Melissa on 03 9328 2033 or email raci-vic@raci.org.au

Welcome New Members. We at the Vic Branch would like to welcome all new members who joined the RACI in February. As a professional membership organisation, we can provide networking and special interest events during the year. We are an active branch split into special interest groups, all of which are coordinated by volunteer members. The groups all run events throughout the year which are listed in the on-line events calendar.

MRACI

D. Smith,

MRACI CChem

A Patel

Industry Meets Academia – Collaboration Report

The third seminar in the RACI/SCI series “Industry meets Academia” focusing on “Collaboration” was held on Wednesday February 13th at the BASF offices in Southbank, Melbourne. The 30 or so registrants were treated to three very informative, interesting and intriguing presentations from our three speakers, Dr Ian Dagley, who talked about his experiences as CEO of the very successful Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers, which involved numerous collaborations between universities, research organisations and industrial participants, Dr Ian James, currently Enterprise Manager for Chemistry at Monash University, and Mr Tim Bowser, formerly with GSK and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, who brought an industry perspective to collaborations.

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Although coming from different backgrounds and bringing different perspectives to the important subject of collaboration between academia and industry, all had very similar messages for successful collaborations and collaborators: trust, clarity of purpose and commitment.

A lively panel discussion followed the formal presentations, which was continued over dinner at a nearby restaurant at the conclusion of the evening.

Many thanks again to Dr Yvonne Mah of BASF (and President of the Victorian Branch of the RACI) for hosting and chairing the meeting, and to BASF for making their offices available.

The next seminar in the series will be on April 10th and will focus on “Education” and will include speakers from RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, and also the former Lead Scientist in Victoria.

Richard Thwaites

Dr Ian Dagley FRACI CChem and participants of Industry Meets Academia - Collaboration

Mr Tim Bowser MRACI CChem

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Panel Discussion and Dr Ian James MRACI CChem

Site Visit to Ecolab Services Pty Ltd The Health, Safety and Environment Group of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) would like to invite you to a site visit to Envirolab Services Pty Ltd.

Envirolab Services Pty Ltd is part of the Envirolab Group which also includes MPL Laboratories and Envirolab Services (NZ) Ltd.

The Envirolab Group has scientific testing laboratories in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland (New Zealand) as well as a supporting network of offices in Adelaide, Brisbane and Darwin to ensure that clients are provided with a rapid turnaround and quality customer service for the scientific testing of environment contamination.

Test methods and internal procedures are compliant with standards and regulations. In the Australian branches, Envirolab take pride in being accredited by industry authorities including the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for a range of tests.

The range of testing capabilities include soil, water, air and occupational hygiene samples for a range of organics, inorganics, microbiological, and forensic toxicology.

The Envirolab team can assist clients to make informed decisions based on a suite of testing services available for identifying the presence of asbestos, leachate analysis and acid sulphate soils.

For emerging contaminants, Envirolab test for Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFAS), methamphetamine residue left by clandestine labs and various other environmental residues and contaminants as required by the clients’ brief of needs.

Envirolab’s services cover:

Soil Contamination. Water Testing. Asbestos Testing. Workplace Hazards. Microbiological Testing Acid Sulfate Soils. Biological Testing. PFAS Testing Methamphetamine and other Drug Residue Testing.

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Further details are available at www.envirolab.com.au.

Location: Envirolab address is: 25 Research Drive, Croydon South VIC 3136.

Map reference: Melway 51 B9.

Date: Wednesday 13 March 2019.

Time: Assemble at 3.30 PM for 4.00 PM start for an introductory talk and site tour lasting approximately up to 2 hours.

Envirolab contact: Analisa Mathrick, Business Development Manager – VIC.

The Visit hopes to include

An Overview of the Envirolab Group Australian and New Zealand testing laboratories and offices. Markets served by the Envirolab Group. Description of the Envirolab Group’s services. Tour of Envirolab Services Pty Ltd testing laboratory.

Cost: No charge for visit, but registrations are essential

**There wil be a networking Dinner (at participants’ own expense) subsequently from about 6.30 PM at Thai Tables, 737 Mountain Highway, Bayswater, Phone: 9729 0377.

Please Register by C.O.B. Friday 8 March 2019

We look forward to your participation.

Please Click Here to Register

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Vic Branch Retired Chemist’s Lunch The next Retirees lunch is being held at Graduate House

"Our culinary team is in-house and aims always to serve a variety of healthy, nutritious and tasty meals from our well-equipped and modern main kitchen. Each weekday a different menu is offered for lunch and dinner.

We cater for the majority of commonly requested dietary requirements. Our daily menu has vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options."

Please Click Here for the Daily Dining Room Menu and the Stonegrill menu

Where: Graduate House 220 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053

When: Tuesday 2 April 2019,12 noon onwards

Please Register Here

Or let the Victorian Branch Coordinator know on 9328 2033 or raci-vic@raci.org.au

Industry Meets Academia - Be More Ready for Industry -Education

13 February 2019, Melbourne VIC

The aim of this event is to provide a series of forums for people from academia and industry to get together to talk about issues of relevance to both groups and to listen to a number of expert speakers talk about innovation, regulation, collaboration and education. Be Ready for Industry – a joint initiative between RACI-Vic and SCI where Science meets Business. Our journey continues in exploring the untapped potential of ideas and innovations. Join us to discuss the various topics with notable speakers with a focus on academics seeking to understand the problems and opportunities facing industry, and industrialists seeking to understand potential opportunities and advantages of working with academics Education: Wed 10 Apr 2019, Prof Kay Latham, Prof David Shallcross and Ms Leonie Walsh Time: 6pm Venue: BASF Australia, Level 12, 28 Freshwater Place Southbank VIC 3006

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Price: RACI Member- $15 RACI Student Member - $15 Non Member - $25 Non Member student - $15 SCI members - $15 Please Click here to Register #RACIBeReady

Upcoming Events 6 March – Proteins for Food and Health: Sustainable Alternatives for Future Food Seminar Series

5 June – Chem Ed Group VCE Chemistry Unit 2&3: Investigating the electrochemical series, electrochemical cells and Faraday's Law

Want to Contribute to The Reporter? The Victorian Branch would like to hear from members who would like to send in information that may be of interest to the membership. Do you know of any interesting stories or projects that are making a difference, or events that you would like to share with readers? If so, please shoot an email to raci-vic@raci.org.au.

We are also on the lookout for advertisers for our Newsletter. If your organisation is interested in reaching up to 900 professional Chemists each month in Victoria, we would be pleased to talk with you. Minimum rates are $200 per month for one-third A4 page. Contact the Vic Branch office on 03 9328 2033 or email raci-vic@raci.org.au.

The deadline for the next issue of The Reporter is 20 March 2019.