Safe Work Australia has outlined new standards for the labelling of hazardous chemicals.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) takes full effect from January 1 2017, requiring companies to meet new criteria for the classification of physical hazards (e.g. flammable liquids), health hazards (e.g. carcinogens), and environmental hazards (e.g. aquatic toxicity).

Australia has adopted the 3rd revised edition of the GHS, which can be obtained from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe website.

Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter said that Members agreed to this approach on 25 November 2016 in response to concerns raised by chemical suppliers. “This approach will ensure a smooth transition to the globally harmonised system, or GHS, and will avoid an unnecessary burden on suppliers to re-label existing chemical stock,” Ms Baxter explained.

“From 1 January next year, hazardous chemicals may only be supplied to other workplaces without GHS labelling if they were manufactured or imported on or before 31 December 2016, and were correctly labelled at that time.

“In 2017, manufacturers and importers operating under harmonised work health and safety laws must label their hazardous chemicals in accordance with the GHS under the model WHS Regulations.

“I encourage all suppliers to accept only correctly labelled stock from this point forward,” said Ms Baxter.

More information is available from Safe Work’s website.