Chemicals

A variety of chemicals are used throughout Western Sydney University within offices, workshops and laboratories. Chemicals may be classified as hazardous depending upon their associated health and physiochemical hazards.

Some of the requirements for chemical management can be quite complex. The Hazardous Chemical and Dangerous Goods Procedure describes the University's requirements for achieving chemical management compliance.

Globally harmonised system (GHS)

As of the 1st of January 2017 all chemicals are to have GHS complaint Safety Data Sheets (SDS's) and labels. SafeWork Australia's Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) information sheet has more information on these new requirements.

Chemicals imported directly from overseas suppliers (rather than through an Australian importer/distributor) must be compliant with the GHS. The deliberate import of chemicals which do not comply with the GHS may lead to prosecution by the Regulator.

Existing requirements for the transport of dangerous goods do not change under the GHS. The transportation of dangerous goods is subject to NSW laws based on the requirements of the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code).

Additionally resources include:

ChemWatch

ChemWatch is the Univesity's online chemical management system. ChemWatch provides a register all hazardous chemicals that are stored, handled or transported within the University. This system can be utilised for stock holdings, registering hazardous chemicals, creating an SDS library and printing labels.