Forget gift wrapping – label your chemicals correctly
From 1 January 2017, manufacturers and importers in most jurisdictions must label their hazardous chemicals in accordance with the international system used to classify and communicate chemical hazards.
Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS, was introduced in Australia in 2012.
“A five-year transitional period has allowed chemical manufacturers and importers time to reclassify chemicals and implement necessary changes to labels and safety data sheets.
“To ease the burden on suppliers to re-label existing chemical stock, chemicals manufactured or imported before 1 January 2017 can continue to be supplied without needing to meet the new labelling requirements,” said Ms Baxter.
Ms Baxter reminded chemical suppliers, manufactures and employers whose workers handle hazardous chemicals to contact their work health and safety regulator for more information about how the GHS affects their work.
“WHS Regulators can provide on-the-ground advice, guidance and information regarding classifying, labelling and handling chemicals to ensure your workplace remains safe.”
For more information on the GHS, labelling and classifying chemicals, visit the Safe Work Australia website or contact your WHS regulator.