Hazchem regulations have integrated safety obligations for hazardous substances and dangerous goods from previous legislation into the safety framework for hazardous chemicals.
The classification of workplace hazardous chemicals aligns with the globally harmonised system for the classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
Safety duties outlined in Chapter 7.1 of the WHS Regulation impose responsibilities on manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of hazardous chemicals, covering aspects like classification, packing and labelling, safety data sheets, and disclosure of chemical identities. These duties also prohibit the supply of certain carcinogenic substances.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure correct labelling, accessibility of safety data sheets, maintenance of a hazardous chemicals register, provision of health monitoring where necessary, and the delivery of information, training, instruction, and supervision to workers exposed to hazardous chemicals.
PCBUs must implement risk control measures to manage leaks, protect containers and pipes, maintain stability of hazardous chemicals, handle physical or chemical reaction risks, prevent fire and explosion, control risks from storage and handling systems, provide emergency plans and safety equipment, ensure atmospheric concentrations meet exposure standards, manage risks from hazardous atmospheres, and minimize quantities of flammable and combustible substances.
PCBUs at workplaces storing, handling, or processing hazardous chemicals above manifest quantities must notify the regulator, prepare a manifest, and make it available to inspectors and emergency service organizations.
Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must ensure the safety of hazardous chemicals, provide information on safe use, storage, and handling, along with safety data sheets and labels on containers.
Major hazard facilities (MHF) are sites storing chemicals above threshold quantities listed in schedule 15, or determined as an MHF through an inquiry process.
Manifest quantity workplaces (MQW) storing, handling, or using hazardous chemicals above specified quantities must notify the regulator and provide information on hazardous chemical activities, compliant manifests, and emergency plans.
Flammable and combustible liquids (FCL) licenses were abolished in 2011, and the safe storage and handling of these liquids are now covered by Chapter 7.1 of the WHS Regulation (hazardous chemicals). Environmental activities information is available through the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection or the relevant local authority.