How do I set up a hazardous chemical register?
If you are a person conducting a business or undertaking, you must ensure that:
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a register of hazardous chemicals used, handled, or stored at the workplace is prepared
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that a register is kept at the workplace in a location that is readily accessible to workers and anyone likely to be affected by a hazardous chemical in the workplace, and
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the information in the register is up to date.
You should only include chemicals classified as hazardous chemicals on your register.
Your hazardous chemicals register must:
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include the current safety data sheet (SDS) for each of the chemicals listed
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be easy to use
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be available for workers and emergency services at any time.
You can use our template to make a hazardous chemical register for your business. You should also check with your WHS regulator for other requirements specific to your state or territory.
If you store hazardous chemicals in large quantities, you may also need to keep a manifest.
Exceptions for including chemicals on the hazardous chemical register
Your register does not need to include:
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chemicals not classified as hazardous
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hazardous chemicals that are bought or used as a consumer product, which you do not need to obtain a SDS for under the model WHS Regulations, or
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hazardous chemicals that are in transit and are unopened, unused and stored for 5 days or less.
You may still need to include hazardous chemicals in transit in your workplace’s hazardous chemical register if:
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they are in large amounts at your workplace, or
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they are stored frequently at your workplace.
Communicating safety information for chemicals not in the register
Your WHS requirement to have a hazardous chemical register does not replace or fulfil your requirement to communicate safety information to workers or visitors to your workplace.
Whether in the register or not, you must make safety information about the chemical available to everyone in your workplace. This applies to both hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.
Expected information about the chemicals to be communicate include:
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safe use
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handling
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storage.
This information can be found on the chemical’s label and in its SDS.