Safe Work Australia updates WHS regulations for GHS 7

Ahead of Australia’s two-year transition to GHS 7, Safe Work Australia has updated the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Hazardous Chemicals) Amendment 2020 and explanatory statement. The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 7 (GHS 7) is a global method of classifying chemicals and preparing labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Australia will begin the transition from 1 January 2021.

The updates correct an error that could have required businesses to relabel old stock of hazardous chemicals in some circumstances. Those who have downloaded previous versions should redownload the updated version.

The versions published on 5 November 2020 should be used in place of the original published on 28 August 2020 in all cases. The model WHS regulations will include the updated amendments from 1 January 2021.

It should be noted that the amendments to the model WHS regulations do not automatically apply in a jurisdiction. For the model WHS regulations, including any amendments, to have affect in a jurisdiction, they must be made in that jurisdiction.

To help businesses understand the changes required under GHS 7, Safe Work Australia has published a dedicated GHS 7 webpage and a range of information sheets. Businesses are urged to review the WHS laws in their jurisdiction and contact their WHS regulator for more information.

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