Changes to Chemical Classifications and Labelling under GHS 7

WorkSafe ACT wants to remind duty holders of changes to chemical classifications and labelling under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 7) which came into effect on 1 January 2023.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) it is the responsibility of persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to manage all risks to health and safety posed by hazardous chemicals.

Under section 329 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) it is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer of a substance, mixture or article to determine whether it is a hazardous chemical and if so, ensure it is correctly classified using the GHS before first supplying it to a workplace.

Where a hazardous chemical is classified according to the GHS, there are requirements for labelling and the preparation and provision of safety data sheets (SDS).

Background:

From 1 January 2021, Australia began transitioning from GHS 3 to GHS 7 for workplaces using hazardous chemicals. The 2-year transitional period ended on 31 December 2022.

The changes include:

  • requirements for labels and safety data sheets
  • additional hazard categories and classes, and
  • updates to precautionary statements.

The key hazardous chemicals affected by these changes are:

  • aerosols
  • flammable, pyrophoric and chemically unstable gases, and
  • desensitised explosives.

Safe Work Australia has published an information sheet showing the changes to chemical classifications and labelling under GHS 7.

As part of GHS 7 there have been some changes to pictograms. The GHS has nine pictograms that represent the physical, health and environmental hazards of chemicals:

Information for Manufactures:

As a manufacturer or importer of hazardous chemicals in the ACT, you must now only use GHS 7 for labels and SDS, this includes using new precautionary statements.

If you have existing products, the SDS will need to be updated to comply, even if the current labelling still states GHS 3.

Information for Suppliers:

WorkSafe ACT asks all suppliers of hazardous chemicals in the ACT to remain vigilant and check your stock once delivered. You should only be accepting stock that is classified and has a SDS prepared according to GHS 7. Labels may be compliant with GHS 3 if manufactured or imported before 1 January 2023.

Information for Workplaces:

As a PCBU or a worker who uses hazardous chemicals, you may see some changes to labels and SDS. WorkSafe ACT asks that PCBUs take this opportunity to review their chemical registers and where necessary, contact your supplier, importer or manufacturer for updated SDS.

Further Information:

For further information please visit the following pages:

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