Safe Work Australia (SWA) Members have agreed to adopt the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Revision 7 under the model WHS laws for workplace hazardous chemicals.

This will ensure Australia’s requirements for the classification and labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals remain best practice and are aligned with our key international trading partners in chemicals.

SWA are working towards adopting GHS Revision 7 under the model WHS laws from 1 July 2020, with a two-year transitional period for manufacturers and importers. The two-year timeframe will allow manufacturers and importers time to prepare new classifications, labels and safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals to meet GHS Revision 7 requirements.

Suppliers and users of hazardous chemicals will not be affected by the move to GHS Revision 7 and will be able to continue to supply and use chemicals classified and labelled under GHS Revision 3 until their stocks run out.

We will continue to consult and work with stakeholders to ensure changes to Australia’s classification and labelling requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals are implemented effectively.

More information on the adoption of GHS Revision 7 will be released by SWA in the coming months.

Source: Safe Work Australia, 10 January 2020