Safe Work Australia have updated the national guide to classifying hazardous chemicals, providing clear, simple and practical information to help businesses classify the chemicals they use.

The guide is intended for Australian manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals, and others who classify substances, mixtures or articles under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.

It may also be useful for suppliers of hazardous chemicals, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), workers and other persons involved with hazardous chemicals.

Director Chemicals Policy Dr Paul Taylor said the guide reflects the requirements under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) third revised edition, that is now mandatory for workplace hazardous chemicals in Australia.

The guide contains more GHS information and a number of worked examples to help business classify their chemicals,” he said.

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.”

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

For more information about Hazardous Chemicals or to download the guide, visit the Safe Work Australia website.

Source: SafeWork Australia, 17 August 2018.