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Hazards

Dangerous Goods

What are Dangerous Goods?

Substances hazardous to health may also be classified as dangerous goods. For example, kerosene is classified as a hazardous substance, and also as 'dangerous - class 3.' Which goods are classified as dangerous are as per the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (the 'ADG')

Dangerous Goods Legislation is aimed at controlling hazards such as the explosiveness, flammability or oxidising effects of hazardous materials. A list of the various pieces of legislation (Acts, regulations, Code of Practice), with links, is at the bottom of the page.

Class   Type/Form of Substance
Class 1 Explosives
Class 2  
  2.1 Flammable gases
  2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
  2.3 Toxic gases
Class 3 Flammable liquids
Class 4  
  4.1 Flammable solids
  4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
  4.3 Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases
Class 5  
  5.1 Oxidising substances
  5.3 Organic peroxides
Class 6  
  6.1 Toxic substances
  6.2 Infectious substances
Class 7 Radioactive material
Class 8 Corrosive substances
Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous goods

The dangerous goods class and status as a hazardous substance should be found on the chemical container, on the label. This is in the form of a statement: "Hazardous" or "Non-hazardous", and there should also be 'risk phrases' such as 'Flammable'.

Advice for Health and Safety Reps

There are a few things you can do as a rep:

  • Before any new substances are brought into the workplace, your employer should obtain and provide you with a copy of the relevant and up-to-date MSDS. Remember that the employer has the duty to consult with you prior to the introduction of new substances into the workplace (Section 35(1)(f) of the OHS Act, 2004)
  • Ask your employer to put all workplace substances on a register, and check whether they are hazardous or dangerous, and whether there is an up-to-date MSDS available for each of these. The employer has the duty to provide you with this information. WorkSafe Victoria has a publication: Chemicals Management in the Workplace, A Step by Step Guide - which includes a register at Appendix 1 which may be useful in your workplace.
  • Talk with the members of your DWG about the substances on the register. These are some of the issues you might raise:
    • how the substances stored, how are they used and so on.
    • the training and information your members have received - is it sufficient? Has everyone who may be exposed to any associated risk received training?
    • Is personal protective equipment (PPE) used? Should workers be issued with it? Have they been trained?
  • Meet with your employer to discuss any issues of concern.

Contact your union if you need some advice on the content of MSDSs or on any of the above.

The Dangerous Goods Act, 1985 can be viewed on the Victorian legislation website. 

There are also a number of regulations which cover dangerous goods. The main ones are:

  • Dangerous Goods (Transport by Rail) Regulations 1998
  • Dangerous Goods (Liquified Gases Transfer) Regulations 1987
  • Dangerous Goods (Transport) Regulations 1987
  • Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 1989
  • Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000
  • Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 1988
  • Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000

These can be accessed from the Victorian Legislation database and searching the 'Statutory Rules' under 'D'

More resources

From WorkSafe Victoria:

  • Dangerous goods ready reckoner - a tool to help businesses correctly label their dangerous goods. The tool allows the user to enter the quantities, type and location of all dangerous goods on their premises. It results in an easy-to-read report outlining labelling requirements.
  • The Dangeerous Goods webpage which covers all aspects including legal requirements, storage, handling and use of explosives and links to publications etc.  
  • Victorian Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods provides practical guidance to manufacturers and suppliers of dangerous goods, and occupiers storing and handling those dangerous goods, on how to comply with the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000. 
  • A Step by Step Guide for Managing Chemicals in the Workplace - a guide provided to help employers to manage chemicals safely, and comply with the relevant aspects of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999 and the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000.  This publication includes an example of a workplace register.
  • Hazchem Safety Card - This pocket size card displays and explains a number of dangerous goods labels.
  • Recognising Dangerous Goods Booklet - A guide to Dangerous Goods and Their Properties. This booklet provides guidance information to help recognise dangerous goods and what their labels mean.
  • Transporting Dangerous Goods - Don't risk it on the road - provides advice on transporting dangerous goods that can harm people and damage property and the environment, including on the system of danger signs which identify dangerous goods according to the kind of danger.
  • Hazardous Substances & Dangerous Goods, A Step by Step Guide for Manufacturers, Importers & Suppliers - provides guidance information for manufacturers, importers, first suppliers, and suppliers of hazardous substances and dangerous goods on implementation of the hazardous substances regulations and dangerous goods storage and handling Regulations
  • Dangerous Goods Checklist for Builders and Building Trades Contractors: A checklist on the use and storage of dangerous goods.

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