[Answered]: Poisons are not scheduled based on a universal scale…

Poisons are not scheduled based on a universal scale of toxicity. Although toxicity is one of the factors considered, the decision to include a substance in a particular Schedule also considers many other criteria such as the purpose of use, potential for abuse, safety in use and the need for the substance. The Standard lists poisons in ten Schedules according to the degree of control recommended to be exercised over their availability to the public. Sometimes substances are listed in more than one schedule depending on the intended use or form. Poisons are classified according to the Schedules in which they are included. For the legal definitions, however, it is necessary to check with each relevant State or Territory authority. Medication Schedules 2, 3, 4 and 8 are the most relevant to nurses. These schedules include medicinal substances intended for human therapeutic use. In the table below complete the description the specific regulatory requirements for each of the schedules e.g., supply, restriction, prescription only etc. and provide an example. Schedule Information related to the schedule Schedule 1 Not in use Schedule 2 Schedule 3 Schedule 4 Schedule 5 Caution – Substances with a low potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of appropriate packaging with simple warnings and safety directions on the label. EXAMPLE: Ammonia, chlorhexidine Schedule 6 Poison – Substances with a moderate potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of distinctive packaging with strong warnings and safety directions on the label. EXAMPLE: Ammonia, chlorhexidine Schedule 7 Dangerous Poison – Substances with a high potential for causing harm at low exposure and which require special precautions during manufacture, handling or use. These poisons should be available only to specialised or authorised users who have the skills necessary to handle them safely. Special regulations restricting their availability, possession, storage or use may apply. EXAMPLE: Benzene Schedule 8 Schedule 9 Prohibited Substance – Substances which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities. EXAMPLE: Heroin Schedule 10 Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use – Substances which are prohibited for the purpose or purposes listed for each poison. EXAMPLE: Kambo (Kambo is a medicinal ritual that involves the poisonous secretions of a giant monkey frog.)