SafeWork Australia Release Updated Chemical Guidance

SafeWork Australia has released the new national guide to classifying hazardous chemicals. It replaces the existing 2012 guidance and provides clear and practical information to help businesses classify hazardous chemicals in their workplace.

Importantly, the updated guide aligns with the requirements of the latest edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classifying and labelling chemicals. The GHS is an internationally agreed-upon standard that is now mandatory for workplace hazardous chemicals in Australia.

Director Chemicals Policy Dr. Paul Taylor said the new material contains more GHS information and a number of worked examples to help business classify their chemicals.

“Small to medium businesses will find the guide particularly handy – it provides links to comprehensive chemical databases and goes into detail on areas that PCBUs have told us they need more information on.”

While the guide is intended for Australian manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals, it may also be useful for suppliers of hazardous chemicals, PCBUs, workers, and other persons involved with chemicals in the workplace.

The guide was developed in consultation with WHS regulators, unions, and industry groups and reflects feedback received from individuals and businesses.