Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 7889–10807

more Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) hazard classes, including a classification in Schedule 6 of the WHS Regulations.
However, some hazard classes and categories of the GHS are excluded by the WHS Regulations. See Appendix A for the definition of 'hazardous chemical' and other terms used in this Code.

Most substances and mixtures that are dangerous goods under the ADG Code are hazardous chemicals, except those that have only radioactive hazards (class 7 dangerous goods), infectious substances (division 6.2) and most class 9 (miscellaneous) dangerous goods.

A comparison of dangerous goods classifications under the ADG code with those under the GHS
is provided in Appendix B.
In relation to chemicals, a hazard is a set of inherent properties of the substance, mixture, article
or process that may cause adverse effects to organisms or the environment. There are two broad types of hazards associated with hazardous chemicals which may present an immediate or long term injury or illness to people. These are:

    * Health hazards – These are properties of a chemical that have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Exposure usually occurs through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. Adverse health effects can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Typical acute health effects include headaches, nausea or vomiting and skin corrosion, while chronic health effects include asthma, dermatitis, nerve damage or cancer.
    * Physicochemical hazards – These are physical or chemical properties of the substance, mixture or article that pose risks to workers other than health risks, as they do not occur as
      a consequence of the biological interaction of the chemical with people. They arise through inappropriate handling or use and can often result in injury to people and/or damage to property as a result of the intrinsic physical hazard. Examples of physicochemical hazards include flammable, corrosive, explosive, chemically reactive and oxidising chemicals.
Many chemicals have both health and physicochemical hazards.

1.2 Who has health and safety duties in relation to hazardous chemicals?

Under the WHS Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of workers and other persons are not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking.
This includes ensuring the safe use, handling and storage of substances.
The WHS Regulations include specific duties for a person conducting a business or undertaking
to manage the risks to health and safety associated with using, handling, generating and storing hazardous chemicals at a workplace. The duties include:
    * correct labelling of containers and pipework, using warning placards and outer warning placards and displaying of safety signs