Hairdressers are constantly in contact with dangerous and potentially deadly chemicals as a routine part of their job, but the same chemicals could have disastrous uses if they were to fall into the wrong hands.

In order to dissuade complacency over chemical security for importers, hairdressers and associated businesses, the Federal Government has released the National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern, which provides details to prevent hazardous chemicals from find their way into terrorists’ hands.

Among the chemical covered by the new Code are hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, ammonium perchlorate, nitromethane, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sodium perchlorate and sodium nitrate. The Code covers security risk management and several other stringent security measures.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC said: “We know that for attacks overseas, terrorists have created improvised devices using commonly available chemicals... here in Australia we are not immune to the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have identified Australia as a target and Australians have been attacked abroad...this new campaign calls on all Australians to be vigilant about the misuse of chemicals and to report their suspicions to the National Security Hotline for further investigation.”

The Attorney-General has called on wholesalers, transporters, importers and retailers of chemicals to be vigilant of the security risks of the chemicals they handle, and to report suspicious purchases to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.