Classification is the systematic identification of a chemical’s hazards. It determines what information must be included on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to comply with model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.
The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is used in Australia to classify chemicals based on defined criteria.
Manufacturers and importers of chemicals that are supplied to workplaces are required under the model WHS Regulations are required to determine if the chemical is hazardous and to correctly classify it according to the 3rd or 7th Revised Edition of the GHS (GHS 3 or GHS 7).