TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Entity: Drink Safe Australia Pty Ltd (ACN:688 581 722) trading as Safe Water Lab.

1. INTRODUCTION & ACCEPTANCE

1.1. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the purchase and use of water testing kits and laboratory analysis services provided by Safe Water Lab ("we", "us", "our").

1.2. By purchasing a kit or submitting a sample, you ("the Customer", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. NATURE OF SERVICE (DATA, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE)

2.1. Logistical & Analytical Screening: Safe Water Lab provides a logistical service to facilitate the testing of water samples through third-party NATA-accredited laboratories.

2.2. No Medical Advice: We are environmental data consultants, not medical professionals. Our reports compare your water quality data against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) or other relevant guidelines.

2.3. Not a Safety Certification: A result indicating "compliance" or “below” ADWG or other guidelines does not constitute a medical guarantee that the water is "safe" for every individual. We do not certify water as "Safe to Drink."

2.4. Snapshot in Time: Water quality is dynamic. Our report represents the water quality only at the precise moment and location of sampling.

3. CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS & TECHNICAL PROTOCOLS

3.1. Adherence: You must follow the provided "Step-by-Step Sampling Instructions" precisely. We are not liable for inaccurate results caused by user error.

3.2. The Shipping Window (Recommended Practices)

(a) Optimal Timing: To ensure maximum sample integrity and laboratory accuracy, we strongly recommend collecting and lodging your samples on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

(b) Weekend Transit: Lodging early in the week ensures samples reach the laboratory before the weekend, maximizing the effectiveness of the cooling element (ice pack).

(c) Technical Validity: While the laboratory will analyze samples received after weekend transit, Safe Water Lab is not liable for potential variations in data accuracy (particularly for volatile compounds) caused by extended transit times. No refunds are provided for samples lodged outside the recommended Monday–Wednesday window.

(d) Same-Day Dispatch: To ensure technical freshness, samples must be collected and lodged at an Australia Post Office on the same calendar day.

(e) Outside holding Time: Samples received by the laboratory outside of technical "holding times" due to late lodgement will be rejected; no refund will be provided.

3.3. Thermal Integrity: You must freeze the provided Gel Ice Pack for a minimum of 8 hours before sampling.

3.4. Zero Headspace (VOCs/THMs): For volatile organic compounds, you must ensure vials are filled with zero headspace (no air bubbles). The laboratory may reject samples containing air bubbles.

3.5. PFAS Hygiene: You must adhere to the PFAS hygiene protocol (avoiding water-resistant clothing and specific cosmetics) to prevent cross-contamination.

4. SAMPLE INTEGRITY & SAFETY COMPLIANCE

4.1. Permitted Samples Only: Sampling containers are strictly for the collection of Potable Drinking Water Samples (specifically Tap, Tank, or Bore water).

(a) Containers shall not be used for any substance other than water intended for human consumption.

(b) The collection of industrial chemicals, fuels, oils, solvents, effluents, or any known or suspected hazardous waste is strictly prohibited.

(c) We reserve the right to reject any sample suspected of containing non-water or hazardous substances without refund. You may be held liable for professional disposal costs of hazardous materials.

4.2. Dangerous Goods Policy: In accordance with Australia Post’s Prohibited and Restricted Items Policy, you are strictly prohibited from sending "Dangerous Goods" via the mail network. This includes flammable liquids, corrosives, or toxic substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. By using this kit, you certify the contents are non-hazardous drinking water.

4.3. Sender Responsibility & Liability: Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, you (the Customer) act as the Consignor (Sender) and are legally responsible for the classification, packaging, and declaration of your mail. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including fines or prosecution. You agree to indemnify Safe Water Lab against any costs or damages arising from the shipment of prohibited or dangerous substances.

5. PRESERVATIVE HANDLING & CHEMICAL SAFETY WARNING

5.1. Hazardous Substances: You acknowledge that specific sample bottles within the kit contain small, pre-dosed quantities of chemical preservatives (including but not limited to Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, and Sodium Thiosulfate) required for laboratory stability. These substances are corrosive and/or hazardous if mishandled.

5.2. Strict Usage Protocols: By using this kit, you agree to: (a) Do Not Rinse: Never rinse or wash out the sample bottles, as this removes the preservative and may cause chemical splashes. (b) Do Not Drink: Never consume water from a sample bottle once it has been filled. The water becomes non-potable immediately upon contact with the preservative. (c) PPE: Wear the protective nitrile gloves provided in the kit at all times during the sampling process. (d) Storage: Keep all bottles (filled or empty) out of reach of children and pets at all times.

5.3. First Aid Acknowledgement: You acknowledge that you have read the safety warnings provided on the bottle labels and instructions. In the event of skin or eye contact with the preservative, you agree to immediately flush the area with water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

5.4. Release of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Safe Water Lab is not liable for any injury, burn, illness, or damage to property caused by: (a) The ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with the preservatives; (b) Spillage of the preservatives during the sampling process; or (c) Your failure to wear provided protective equipment or adhere to the safety instructions.

6. SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

6.1. Carrier: We utilise Australia Post Express Post.

6.2. Delays: We are not liable for delays, lost parcels, or samples spoiled due to third-party logistics delays once the parcel has been lodged.

6.3. Return Postage: You must use the provided prepaid Express Post labels and lodge the parcel at an Australia Post outlet.

7. LAB RESULTS & REPORTING

7.1. Turnaround Time: Estimates are 5–10 business days from laboratory receipt but are not guaranteed.

7.2. NATA Accreditation: Analysis is conducted by third-party NATA-accredited laboratories.

7.3. Limits of Reporting (LOR): A result of "Not Detected" means the contaminant was below the laboratory's technical detection limit. It does not guarantee the absolute absence of the substance.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

8.1. Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Our services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the ACL. For major failures, you are entitled to a refund or replacement.

8.2. General Limitation: To the maximum extent permitted by law:

(a) Our total liability is limited to the resupply of the services (replacement kit) or a refund of the cost of the service.

(b) We are not liable for consequential, indirect, or special losses, including medical expenses, plumbing costs, or property devaluation.

(c) Our reports must not be used as the sole basis for legal proceedings or major financial investments without a secondary independent professional chain-of-custody sample.

9. REFUND & REPLACEMENT POLICY

9.1. Change of Mind: We do not offer refunds for "change of mind" once the kit has been dispatched due to the sterile nature of the components.

9.2. User Error: No refunds are provided if the sample is rejected due to Customer error, including:

(a) Lodging samples on a Thursday/Friday/Weekend. (b) Presence of air bubbles in VOC vials.

9.3. Damaged Kits: If a kit arrives damaged, notify us within 24 hours with photographic evidence for a free replacement.

10. PRIVACY & DATA USE

10.1. We manage data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

10.2. Confidentiality: Individual results are confidential.

10.3. Public Health Clause: If a test reveals chemical exceedances that constitute an imminent and serious threat to public health, we may be ethically or legally required to notify relevant authorities.

11. GOVERNING LAW

11.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.