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Proposed revisions to the workplace chemicals regulatory framework

In the current workplace chemicals framework, hazardous substances and dangerous goods are dealt with using two different regulatory instruments, even though both instruments apply to the same substances in many cases. While many requirements under the hazardous substances and dangerous goods regulatory frameworks are the same, there are a number of inconsistencies. These inconsistencies create confusion in the workplace and add to the regulatory burden on business.

Several years ago, the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC), the predecessor to the ASCC, agreed that the hazardous substances and dangerous goods regulatory frameworks should be combined into a single system, and that classification and hazard communication in the new system should be based on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

The main concepts of the proposed framework are therefore:

1. To consolidate the requirements for workplace hazardous substances and dangerous goods into a combined framework.
2. To integrate the classification, labelling and safety data sheet requirements of the hazardous substances and dangerous goods frameworks, using guidance from the GHS document.

The ASCC released the Draft National Standard and Codes of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals for public comment in late 2007. This public comment period closed on 15 March 2007.

Submissions were received from Industry, Unions and State/Territory Governments.

View the draft documents and public comments received.

View a summary of Public Submissions (PDF 156kB)

Comparison with European Proposal

As part of the review process for the new workplace chemicals framework, the Office of the ASCC has undertaken an analysis of Europe's proposed implementation of the GHS. Three documents comparing the scope of coverage, and classification criteria for health hazards and dangerous goods were prepared.

View the comparison documents here

If you have any comments on the proposed framework, you can contact us at info@ascc.gov.au

Progress Report

As of April 2008

• The Office of the ASCC is continuing its analysis of public comment and revision of the draft documents.
• Two meetings of the ASCC’s Workplace Chemicals Technical Group were held in November 2007 and April 2008 to resolve a number of technical issues that were raised during public comment.
• Work is continuing on the development of a new classification document to replace the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances. The new Approved Criteria will address classification criteria for both health and physicochemical hazards covered by the new framework.
• European Parliament is expected to consider legislation for implementation of the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in 2008. Once this has passed parliament, Europe will have implemented the GHS. Transition periods for classification of substances and mixtures will end in 2015.
• GHS implementation by Australia’s other major chemical trading partners is being closely monitored.