In the worker's context, the globally harmonized system for the classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS) serves as an international standard for streamlining and aligning the classification and labeling of chemicals.

For Queensland workers, it's essential to note that hazardous chemical products (those classified as hazardous under the Work Health and Safety legislation) being imported or manufactured must adhere to GHS labeling, unless specific exemptions apply. Regardless of any exemptions, all hazardous chemical products must possess an updated safety data sheet that incorporates GHS information.

In the realm of Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, the GHS labelling criteria are referenced in the schedules, specifically in:

• Schedule 6 – classification of mixtures
• Schedule 9 – classification, packaging, and labeling requirements
• Schedule 11 – placarding and manifest

To provide a concise overview of what you need to know:

This information aims to offer you a straightforward summary of the GHS.

GHS pictograms and hazard classes

There are nine hazard pictograms in the GHS which represent the physical, health and environmental hazards.

Transition to GHS 7

On 1 January 2021, Australia started a two-year transition to the 7th revised edition of the GHS (GHS 7).

During the transition, manufacturers and importers may use either GHS 3 or GHS 7 to prepare classifications, labels and SDS for hazardous chemicals.

From 1 January 2023, only GHS 7 may be used.

GHS 7 introduces several changes to classification, labelling and safety data sheet (SDS) requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals. The key changes between GHS 3 and GHS 7 are:

• new hazard categories and classes for:
  • desensitised explosives
  • pyrophoric gases
  • chemically unstable gases
  • non-flammable aerosols
• updated precautionary statements.

In addition to these changes, the definition of ‘hazardous chemical’ will be clarified to ensure it captures all Category 2 eye irritants. Chemicals can be further sub-categorised as Category 2A and 2B, but this is not mandatory in Australia.

Transitional arrangements

Classification and labelling in accordance with the GHS has been mandatory since 1 January 2017.

The introduction of the GHS relates to classification and subsequent safety data sheet and label references only. Form and dimensions for placards required for package stores and tanks remain unchanged. Refer to Schedule 13 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 for the placarding requirements (i.e. form and dimensions).

Amendments to the WHS Regulation commenced on 9 December 2016 which clarify that:

• a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who is an end user of a hazardous chemical can continue to use, store and handle non-GHS labelled hazardous chemicals manufactured or imported before 1 January 2017 and labelled in accordance with the NOHSC or the ADG Code
• duplicating information on a label is unnecessary where it is required by other labelling laws providing it does not decrease the level of protection or information in relation to the hazards of the chemical - refer to Appendix E precedence rules of label elements within the Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.25 MB)
• veterinary chemicals listed in Schedule 4 and 8 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons are exempt from WHS labelling requirements when they are in a form intended for direct administration to animals for therapeutic purposes
• suppliers of hazardous chemicals can continue to supply non-GHS labelled hazardous chemicals manufactured or imported before 1 January 2017 provided the chemicals are labelled in accordance with the NOHSC or the ADG Code.

GHS classification

The GHS classification process uses defined criteria to identify the hazard(s) of a chemical or mixture by assigning a category of hazard/danger.

The GHS classes cover physical, health and environmental hazards. The GHS provides:

• definitions of health, physical and environmental hazards
• classification processes
• communication of hazard information and protective measures via labels and safety data sheets (SDS).

Physical hazards are largely based on the existing criteria used by the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (UNRTDG). The ADG Code for the safe transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in Australia is based on it.

You can access a copy of the ADG Code from the National Transport Commission.