A new chemicals labelling database has been created by Safe Work Australia to help manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users of chemicals meet the requirements of the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
The Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) replaces the previous Hazardous Substance Information System; providing information more than 4,500 chemicals that have been classified according to the GHS.
Dr Paul Taylor, director of Occupational Hygiene Policy at Safe Work Australia, said the database is easy to use and also displays pictograms and information on workplace exposure standards.
“With the GHS becoming mandatory under the model work health and safety laws from 1 January 2017, HCIS will help manufacturers, importers, suppliers and end-users to find information on chemical classifications,” he said.
Hazardous chemical suppliers and manufacturers must ensure they have the correct GHS labelling and safety data sheets (SDS) for the chemicals.
“End-users of chemicals will not be required to re-label existing stock, but must ensure that any new supplies received from January 1 onwards are labelled in accordance with the GHS,” Taylor added.