Chemical Labelling & Hazard Awareness
Labels on hazardous chemicals provide an immediate warning to anyone handling them, anyone nearby, and to protect the
environment.
Australia follows the Globally Harmonised System (GHS), introduced in 2017. GHS is a worldwide standard for chemical
classification, labelling, and safety data sheets (SDS). If a chemical is classified as hazardous, a GHS-compliant label and SDS are
mandatory.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENT
In general any hazardous chemical used in the workplace must be labelled, in line with Section 7 of the Model WHS Regulations. This ensures legal
compliance and helps protect your team.
WHAT SHOULD BE ON A LABEL
A compliant label will typically include:
- Product name (identifier)
- Manufacturer or importer details (Australian contact information)
- Ingredients and proportions
- Hazard pictograms and signal words
- Hazard and precautionary statements
- Emergency instructions and first aid guidance
- Expiry date, if applicable
- Emergency contact numbers for specific treatments
TRANSPORTING AND USING CHEMICALS
- GHS pictograms may be replaced by Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG)class labels for transport, where both indicate the same hazard
- Hazchem Codes (Emergency Action Codes) may apply for certain chemicals
- Any chemical transferred to another container must be also labelled correctly
SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)
SDS provide detailed guidance on chemical hazards, PPE requirements, handling, storage, and emergency response.
- Always review the SHS alongside the label
- Ensure SDS are accessible on-site
- SDS must be reviewed and updated at least every five years
QUICK QUIZ
- f you were using a yellow-labelled oxidising agent, what type of substance would you be handling?
- What is mutagenicity?
- Which is more hazardous, Category 1 or Category 4 chemicals?
- There are six key pictograms – what does each symbol mean?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Every hazardous chemical must be labelled in accordance with regulations.
- Always check the GHS label and SDS before use.
- Do not use chemicals that are unlabelled, damaged, or unclear.
- Ensure team members understand hazards, precautions and emergency steps.
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