Safe Work Australia (SWA) is now accepting feedback on a proposal to adopt an updated version of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Submissions close 28 July 2019.
On 3 July, SWA opened its forum, allowing stakeholders to discuss a potential move from the third revised edition of the GHS (GHS 3) — which has been implemented under Australia’s model work health and safety (WHS) laws since 2017 — to the seventh revised edition (GHS 7).
This would ensure Australia’s workplace chemical classifications and labelling are aligned with those used by the country’s international trading partners.
To help stakeholders understand the changes, SWA has supplied a consultation paper, as well as precautionary statements comparing GHS 3 and GHS 7 and a table of amendments.
Stakeholders are then asked to consider whether they support the transition to GHS 7, and if so, when Australia should adopt it, what transition arrangements should be made to minimise the impacts of the move and whether there are any barriers to adopting GHS 7. Answers can be given via the survey or a written submission.
Feedback will be documented in a consultation summary which will be published after the consultation period ends. This information will be used to inform a proposal to SWA members on amendments to the model WHS laws and transition arrangements for adopting GHS 7.
Submissions can be uploaded via the consultation page until 11:59pm (AEST) on Sunday, 28 July 2019.
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