GHS 7 update corrects error potentially impacting business

Safe Work Australia has updated the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Hazardous Chemicals) Amendment 2020 and explanatory statement for the transition to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 7.

The GHS 7 is a global method of classifying chemicals and preparing labels and safety data sheets. Australia will begin a two-year transition to GHS 7 from 1 January. Amendments to the model WHS regulations do not automatically apply in Queensland until the state incorporates the changes into a regulatory amendment, which is expected next year.

The updates correct an error that could have required businesses to relabel old stock of hazardous chemicals in some circumstances.

To help businesses understand the changes required under GHS 7, Safe Work Australia has published a dedicated GHS7 web page.

Further information

For more information and to check out the update, go to the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Hazardous Chemicals) Amendment 2020 and explanatory statement for the transition to GHS 7.