Safe Work Australia has published a new Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) to support the transition to workplace exposure limits (WELs), which come into effect on 1 December 2026.
The new HCIS makes it easier to find and access hazardous chemical information through a range of enhancements, including:
- a modern, refreshed user interface
- a single search function that brings together relevant chemical information, with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and WEL data displayed on one page, and
- compatibility with different devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
As part of the upgrade, GHS classification data from the European Chemicals Agency and Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme has also been updated.
The HCIS is a guidance tool designed to assist Australian manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals. It can help manufacturers and importers determine whether a product is a hazardous chemical and, if so, classify, label and prepare a safety data sheet (SDS) in accordance with the GHS and model WHS Regulations.
The HCIS can also help employers and other users of hazardous chemicals check information on SDS and labels.
For any issues or feedback relating to the new HCIS, please contact chemicals@swa.gov.au.
Until the WELs come into effect on 1 December 2026, employers and workplaces must continue to comply with the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES). Current WES are published on the SWA website. WES information can still be accessed via the previous version of HCIS.