Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 5263–8157

work processes, for example toxic fumes released during welding.
This Code does not apply to the transportation of dangerous goods, which is subject to State
and Territory laws based on the requirements under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code).

Manufacturers, importers or suppliers of hazardous chemicals that are used, or are likely to be used, in workplaces should refer to the following Codes of Practice:
    * Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals
    * Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals
If you use, handle or store hazardous chemicals listed in Schedule 14 of the WHS Regulations you should also refer to the Health Monitoring Guide. Where these types of hazardous chemicals are used, handled or stored at or above the prescribed threshold quantities, the guidance material for Major Hazard Facilities should be referred to.
Guidance for work involving asbestos or asbestos containing materials is available in the following Codes of Practice:
    * How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
    * How to Safely Remove Asbestos.
Implementation of the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling
of Chemicals (GHS)
The WHS Regulations implement a system of chemical hazard classification, labelling and safety data sheets (SDS) requirements based on the GHS. Transition to the GHS will occur over a 5 year period from 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2016.
This Code refers to hazard classes and categories under the GHS, however, it also applies to workplace hazardous substances and dangerous goods classified under the NOHSC Approved Criteria and the ADG Code, respectively.  Most substances and mixtures that are dangerous goods under the ADG Code are also hazardous chemicals.  Any person conducting a business of undertaking has a responsibility under WHS laws to manage the risks from all hazardous chemicals, including those that are dangerous goods.

How to use this code of practice
In providing guidance, the word 'should' is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course
of action, while 'may' is used to indicate an optional course of action.
This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words 'must', 'requires' or 'mandatory' indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 What are hazardous chemicals?
Under the WHS Regulations, a hazardous chemical is any substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria of one or 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