CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION CHANGES KICK IN NYD

Safe Work Australia have issued a reminder the transition to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 7 (GHS 7) ends on 31 December 2022.

The GHS is an international system of classifying and communicating chemical hazards. It is used on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

During the transition period, manufacturers and suppliers have been able to use either the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 7th editions of GHS (but not a combination), to prepare classifications, labels and SDS for hazardous chemicals.

From 1 January 2023, only GHS 7 may be used to classify chemicals and prepare SDS for newly manufactured and imported hazardous chemicals in Australia (unless otherwise advised by WorkSafe Victoria).

The SDS for existing chemicals should also comply with GHS 7 from 1 January 2023.

See Safe Work Australia’s website or this page from WorkSafe Victoria for more information and key changes under GHS 7.

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