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06 — Hazardous Chemicals

The three chemical-management codes that work together: the register (managing chemicals), the labels (every container) and the SDS (every chemical's data sheet). Get all three right and the rest of chemical safety is easier.

Topics in this section​

TopicOne-liner
[[managing_risks_of_hazardous_chemicals]]Identification, register vs manifest, storage / segregation, WES, atmospheric & health monitoring (Reg 368, Schedule 14), spill response, emergency plan.
[[labelling_hazardous_chemicals]]GHS 7 mandatory; the 9 pictograms; required label content; decanted containers; pipework (AS 1345); when reduced labels are allowed.
[[safety_data_sheets]]The 16 GHS sections in fixed order; 5-year review; 24/7 emergency phone; user PCBU access duties; worker training.

When to use this section​

  • Bringing a new chemical on site — confirm SDS, label, register entry.
  • Auditing storage: segregation per AS 1940 / AS 4326, bunds, ventilation, placards.
  • After a labelling audit — replace pre-2023 GHS 3 stock as it cycles out.
  • Pre-purchase: ask for SDS first; check WES + Schedule 14 status.
  • Spill response drill or emergency-plan review.
  • §05 Hot Work and Coatings — paint and blast media SDSs sit here too.
  • §07 [[07 - Dust and Asbestos/_section_overview|Dust & Asbestos]] — RCS and asbestos are themselves hazardous chemicals.
  • §04 Plant and Electrical — process plant interfaces with chemical storage and reactivity.
  • §01 [[01 - Foundations/_section_overview|Foundations]] — risk process, consultation, glossary.

Notes on currency​

  • All three sources are current SWA model editions at 2026-04-27.
  • GHS 7 has been mandatory since 1 January 2023 for new manufacture / import. Pre-2023 stock with GHS 3 labels can continue in service until depleted.
  • From 1 July 2026: complying with these Codes (or equivalent / higher) becomes a positive duty.