Work Health and Safety (Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals) Code of Practice 2015

made under the

Work Health and Safety Act 2011, section 274 (Approved Codes of Practice)

1 Name of instrument

This instrument is the Work Health and Safety (Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals) Code of Practice 2015.

2 Commencement

This instrument commences on the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

3 Code of Practice Approval

I approve the Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice. I am satisfied that this code of practice was developed by a process described in section 274(2) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Michaelia Cash

Minister for Employment

18 March 2016

Date   

PREPARATION OF SAFETY

DATA SHEETS FOR
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

Code of Practice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD....................................................................3

1.               INTRODUCTION

1.1              What is a safety data sheet?

1.2              The meaning of key terms and abbreviations

1.3              What are the duties in relation to the preparation of safety data sheets?

1.4              When is it necessary to prepare a safety data sheet?

2.               PREPARING, REVIEWING AND AMENDING SAFETY DATA SHEETS

2.1              What information is needed in an SDS?

2.2              Research Chemicals, Waste Products or Samples for Analysis

2.3              Can an SDS prepared overseas be used?

2.4              Reviewing and amending an SDS

3.               CONTENT OF THE SAFETY DATA SHEET

3.1              Section 1 – Identification

3.2              Section 2 – Hazard(s) Identification

3.3              Section 3 – Composition and Information on Ingredients

3.4              Section 4 – First Aid Measures

3.5              Section 5 – Fire Fighting Measures

3.6              Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures

3.7              Section 7 – Handling and Storage

3.8              Section 8 – Exposure controls and personal protection

3.9              Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties

3.10              Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity

3.11              Section 11 – Toxicological Information

3.12              Section 12 – Ecological Information

3.13              Section 13 – Disposal considerations

3.14              Section 14 – Transport Information

3.15              Section 15 – Regulatory Information

3.16              Section 16 – Other information

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

APPENDIX B – HEADER CHECKLIST

APPENDIX C – GHS LABEL ELEMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE SDS

APPENDIX D – GUIDE FOR SELECTING GENERIC NAMES

APPENDIX E – OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

FOREWORD

This Code of Practice on Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act).

An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations).

A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act, in relation to the subject matter of the code. Like regulations, codes of practice deal with particular issues and do not cover all hazards or risks that may arise. The health and safety duties require duty holders to consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which regulations and codes of practice exist.

Codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings under the WHS Act and Regulations. Courts may regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates.

An inspector may refer to an approved code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

This Code of Practice has been developed by Safe Work Australia as a model code of practice under the Council of Australian Governments’ Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety for adoption by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

A draft of this Code of Practice was released for public consultation on 7 December 2010 and was endorsed by the Workplace Relations Ministers Council on 10 August 2011.

Scope and application

This Code applies to substances, mixtures and articles used, handled or stored at the workplace that are defined as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations.

This Code provides practical guidance on how to prepare a safety data sheet for any hazardous chemicals that are being manufactured or imported for use, handling or storage in Australia. It applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking involved in the manufacture or import of hazardous chemicals that will be used, or could reasonably be expected to be used, in workplaces.

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.

1.1         What is a safety data sheet?

A safety data sheet (SDS), previously called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals, how they affect health and safety in the workplace and on how to manage the hazardous chemicals in the workplace. For example it includes information on the identity, health and physicochemical hazards, safe handling and storage, emergency procedures and disposal considerations.

An SDS is an important tool for eliminating or minimising the risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals in workplaces.

1.2 The meaning of key terms and abbreviations

ADG Code means the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 7th edition, approved by the Australian Transport Council. The ADG Code is accessible at the National Transport Commission website www.ntc.gov.au

Hazardous chemical means any substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for a hazard class in the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) including a classification referred to in Schedule 6 of the WHS Regulations, but does not include a substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria solely for one of the following hazard classes:

• acute toxicity - oral - Category 5
• acute toxicity - dermal - Category 5
• acute toxicity - inhalation - Category 5
• skin corrosion/irritation - Category 3
• serious eye damage/eye irritation - Category 2B
• aspiration hazard - Category 2
• flammable gas - Category 2
• acute hazard to the aquatic environment – Category 1, 2 or 3
• chronic hazard to the aquatic environment - Categories 1, 2, 3 or 4, or
• hazardous to the ozone layer.

Further definitions and abbreviations used in this Code are listed in Appendix A.

1.3 What are the duties in relation to the preparation of safety data sheets?

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals have duties under the WHS Regulations to provide current information about the hazardous chemical in the form of an SDS. These duties are summarised below.

Note: a person who packages or relabels a hazardous chemical with their own product name is considered to be a manufacturer and therefore has the same obligations as a manufacturer or importer under the WHS Regulations to prepare an SDS.

Under the WHS Regulations, manufacturers and importers of a substance, mixture or article have an obligation, before first supplying it to a workplace, to determine whether it is a hazardous chemical and, if so, to correctly classify that substance, mixture or article. The person writing the SDS should have appropriate expertise and have access to the product formulation and information on its correct hazard classification.

1.4 When is it necessary to prepare a safety data sheet?

Regulation 330: A safety data sheet must be prepared before first manufacturing or importing a hazardous chemical, or if this is not possible, as soon as practicable after first manufacturing or importing the chemical.

Preparing and providing an SDS is mandatory where a substance, mixture or article is a hazardous chemical. However, the WHS Regulations do not require an SDS to be prepared for any of the following chemicals (although the general duty of care requirements under the WHS Act still apply):

• chemicals in batteries while they are incorporated in plant
• fuel, oils or coolants in a container that is fitted to a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, mobile plant, appliance or other device, where the fuel, oils or coolants are intended for use in its operation
• fuel in the fuel container of a domestic or portable fuel burning appliance where the quantity of fuel does not exceed 25 kg or 25 litres
• hazardous chemicals in portable fire-fighting or medical equipment for use at a workplace
• hazardous chemicals that form part of the integrated refrigeration system of refrigerated freight containers
• potable liquids that are consumer products at retail premises.

The following things are excluded from the scope of the WHS Regulations except to the extent that the use, handling or storage of those things is related to a work activity at a workplace:

• food and beverages within the meaning of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code that are in a package and form intended for human consumption
• therapeutic goods at the point of intentional intake by or administration to humans
• veterinary chemical products at the point of administration to animals
• tobacco or products made of tobacco.

While this Code applies to hazardous chemicals as defined, an SDS should be provided for any chemical that may adversely impact the health or safety of persons or the environment, but has insufficient information to allow it to be correctly classified. The SDS should reflect what is currently known about the chemical.

Where a mixture contains an ingredient that meets the criteria for respiratory and skin sensitisation, specific target organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity it is recommended that an SDS be prepared for that mixture, even if the mixture overall is not a hazardous chemical according to the WHS Regulations.

Other information on hazard properties of a chemical not already captured within the SDS should be included, for example if the chemical has ototoxic properties.[1]

Some overseas authorities may require an SDS or information on an SDS for certain chemicals that are not hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations, for example substances that meet the criteria for a GHS hazard class or category as noted in this section.

Products containing nanomaterials

For engineered or manufactured nanomaterials[2] or chemicals containing engineered or manufactured nanomaterials, an SDS should be provided unless there is evidence that the nanomaterials are not hazardous.

An SDS must be prepared and written to provide accurate information about the hazards of a chemical and how to handle it safely, including its storage and disposal. It must contain information about physicochemical properties, as well as potential health and emergency response measures. The SDS should also contain information relevant to environmental effects to meet other laws.

2.1         What information is needed in an SDS?

The language used in an SDS should be simple, clear and precise, avoiding jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Vague and misleading expressions should not be used. Phrases such as “may be dangerous”, “no health effects”, “safe under most conditions of use” and “harmless” are also not recommended. It may be that information on certain properties is of no significance or that it is technically impossible to provide detailed information, and if so, the reasons for this should be clearly stated under each heading. If it is stated that a particular hazard does not exist, the safety data sheet should clearly differentiate between cases where no information is available to the classifier and cases where negative test results are available.

Other units of measurement, including the International System of Units (SI) or non-SI units may be used if they are in wide use in Australia. For example, mm Hg for vapour pressure or degrees Celsius (°C) rather than Kelvin (K) for temperature can be used.

An SDS should include a version number, superseded date or some other indication of what version is replaced.

There is no limit in relation to the length of the document, but it should be proportionate to the hazard level of the chemical and the available information.

All pages of an SDS should be numbered and include an indication of the end of the SDS, for example, “Page 1 of 3”. Alternatively, number each page and indicate whether there is a page following, for example, “Continued on next page” or “End of SDS”.

Chapter 2 of this Code contains further guidance about the information that should be included in the SDS, where relevant and available.[3] A reasonable attempt should be made to obtain the information, however, when information is not available or lacking, this should be clearly stated. The SDS should not contain any blank spaces or abbreviations without a legend.

Any recommendation made by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) in a relevant NICNAS assessment report relating to the information required in an SDS should be reviewed and considered for inclusion.

Information to protect the health and safety of persons in the workplace may be included on the SDS for chemicals that do not meet the GHS classification criteria, for example some miscellaneous dangerous goods (identified in the ADG Code). For example, the health and safety information for dry ice could include recommendations under Section 7 – Handling and Storage to use gloves while handling the hazardous chemical, instructions not to use it in enclosed spaces and to ensure that there is adequate ventilation.

2.2 Research Chemicals, Waste Products or Samples for Analysis

It is acceptable to prepare a single SDS for a group of substances, mixtures and articles where it is reasonable to assume that the group will have similar hazardous properties, provided the SDS contains all product identifiers.

2.3 Can an SDS prepared overseas be used?

An SDS prepared by an overseas manufacturer or supplier is acceptable only if it is prepared in accordance with the WHS Regulations. If the overseas manufacturer’s SDS does not comply with the requirements of the WHS Regulations, the importer will be responsible for preparing an SDS that does comply.

An SDS prepared in accordance with national legislation of other countries implementing the GHS (for example, the EU CLP-Regulations)[4] must be checked for compliance with the WHS Regulations and amended if necessary to bring it into compliance.

2.4 Reviewing and amending an SDS

The SDS must be reviewed every five years from the date of original preparation or the last revision of the SDS. It must be amended whenever any new information about the hazardous chemical is known or received or when the formulation changes.

It is not necessary to review the SDS if the manufacturer or importer has not manufactured or imported the chemical in the last five years.

An SDS should still be made available after the hazardous chemical is withdrawn from sale as it may be required by workplaces at a later date.

It is acceptable to have a translation of the SDS attached to the original SDS, provided the appended information clearly states the translation is not part of the original SDS. The original SDS is the SDS prepared in accordance with the WHS Regulations.

CONTENT OF THE SAFETY DATA SHEET

This chapter describes the type of information needed for each of the sections required in an SDS. A summary of this information is provided in a checklist at Appendix B.

3.1 Section 1 – Identification

This section provides information about the identification of the hazardous chemical, recommended uses and the contact details of the Australian manufacturer or importer, including an emergency contact.

3.2 Section 2 – Hazard(s) Identification

This section describes the hazards of the chemical and the appropriate warning information associated with the hazards as listed in Appendix C. The information provided here must include
a hazard classification statement explaining all the hazards of the hazardous chemical, as described below.

Classification of the hazardous chemical

If the hazardous chemical is classified in accordance with the GHS, the appropriate hazard class and category should be indicated, for example:

• Flammable liquid - Category 1
• Acute toxicity – oral – Category 3

Although it is not mandatory under the WHS Regulations, an SDS may provide information on environmental hazards and other GHS hazard classes and categories, for example Acute toxicity – oral – Category 5, that are outside the scope of the WHS Regulations.

Label elements, including precautionary statements

In this section the following labelling elements should be included in accordance with the hazardous chemicals classification, as listed in Appendix C:

• Signal word
• Hazard statement(s)
• Precautionary statement(s)

Additionally, Appendix C lists 12 non-GHS hazard statements that should be included on the SDS, where relevant.

It is not mandatory to include pictograms (or hazard symbols) in an SDS. However, these symbols may be included in this section as graphical reproductions in black and white. This allows for the distribution of an SDS with ease via hard copy or through a database.

Persons preparing an SDS can download the GHS pictograms from www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/pictograms.html. Pictograms should meet the following size specification to avoid stretching or having oversized pictograms on the SDS:

• >1x1 cm² and <2x2 cm

The name of the pictogram should also be provided, which are defined in the tables in Appendix C (for example, flame, skull and crossbones).

Dangerous goods class labels may also be used; however, graphical elements do not need be duplicated.

3.3 Section 3 – Composition and Information on Ingredients

The ingredient(s) of the hazardous chemical must be identified. This includes the identification of impurities and stabilising additives that contribute to the classification of the hazardous chemical.

Disclosure of ingredient names

The chemical identity of an ingredient must be disclosed on an SDS in accordance with Schedule 8 of the WHS Regulations (Disclosure of ingredients). In some cases, a generic name may be used.

Ingredients that are not classified as hazardous but have an exposure standard and which are present above 1% should be mentioned in the SDS if it is likely that they might be released under standard storage and application conditions.

Disclosure of ingredient names is not required by the WHS Regulations for those ingredients that meet only physicochemical and/or environmental hazard classifications, or for non-hazardous ingredients.

There is no requirement to disclose the identity of ingredients for the following GHS health hazard categories because they fall outside the scope of the WHS Regulations:

• Acute toxicity – Category 5 (oral, dermal and inhalation)
• Skin corrosion/irritation – Category 3
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Category 2B
• Aspiration hazard – Category 2
• Aquatic toxicity (all categories)
• Flammable gas – Category 2
• Ozone depletion.

Use of Generic Names[5] 

Generic names may be used in an SDS if the identity of an ingredient is genuinely commercially confidential, and if:

• the ingredient is in any of the following health hazard categories:
  • Acute toxicity - Category 4 (oral, dermal, inhalation)
  • Aspiration hazard - Category 1
  • Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Category 2A
  • Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 2
  • Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) - Category 3;
• the ingredient does not cause the correct classification of the hazardous chemical to include any other hazard class or category; and
• an exposure standard for the ingredient has not been established.

A guide for selecting generic names for ingredients is included in Appendix D.

Disclosure of proportions of ingredients

Where the chemical identity or generic name of an ingredient that makes up a hazardous chemical is disclosed, the proportions of the ingredients must also be disclosed in an SDS.

For multiple ingredients, proportions should be listed in descending order by mass or volume. Ingredients not contributing to the hazard classification should also be listed, and where included, should be listed after the ingredients contributing to the hazard classification.

However, where the exact concentration of an ingredient is commercially confidential, the concentration of the ingredient can be disclosed using the following ranges:

• <10%
• 10- <30%
• 30 – 60%
• >60%

The proportion of an ingredient should normally be disclosed using a narrower range, for example, for an ingredient present at 35%, a range of 30 - 40% should be used instead of 30 - 60%.

Where possible, the percentage composition should add up to or indicate a total of 100%, even if an estimate of non-hazardous ingredients needs to be provided.

3.4 Section 4 – First Aid Measures

This section of the SDS provides information about the initial care that does not involve the use
of sophisticated equipment or access to a wide selection of medications to be given to a person affected by a hazardous chemical. It should state whether medical attention is required for a chemical, including the urgency of treatment required.

A SDS should provide information on any immediate effects of the chemical, by route of exposure, and the immediate treatment required. It should also include information on the possible delayed effects of the chemical and on specific health surveillance that may be needed.

3.5 Section 5 – Fire Fighting Measures

This section of the SDS provides information on how to fight a fire caused by a hazardous chemical, or a fire arising in its vicinity.

3.6 Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures

This section of the SDS provides information on the appropriate ways to respond to the release of chemicals, in the form of spills, leaks or other accidental release. This is so that the adverse effects on people, property and the environment at or near the workplace can be prevented or minimised. This information should distinguish between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard or response.

3.7 Section 7 – Handling and Storage

This section of the SDS provides guidance on safe handling and storage practices to minimise the risks of release and exposure to the hazardous chemical. These precautions should be appropriate to the intended use of the chemical and its unique properties.

Precautions for safe handling

Information should be provided to:

• allow for the safe handling of the hazardous chemical, for example, avoiding spills
• prevent inappropriate handling of incompatible hazardous chemicals
• minimise the release of the hazardous chemical outside of the workplace.

Information on how the chemical may be safely used must be provided.

General warnings on what practices to avoid or restrict should also be included in this section.
This information is in addition to other hazard control measures in Section 8 – Exposure controls and personal protection. This section should also provide advice on general hygiene requirements, for example:

• “Eating, drinking and smoking in work areas is prohibited”
• “Wash hands after use”
• “Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas”.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

This section should include advice consistent with the physical and chemical properties of a hazardous chemical referred to in Section 9 - Physical and chemical properties and Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity. Advice should be provided on specific storage requirements, including:

• how to avoid:
  • explosive atmospheres
  • corrosive conditions
  • flammability hazards
  • incompatible substances or mixtures
  • evaporative conditions
  • potential ignition sources (including electrical equipment).
• how to control the effects of:
  • weather conditions
  • ambient pressure
  • temperature
  • sunlight
  • humidity
  • vibration.
• how to maintain the integrity of the hazardous chemical by the use of:
  • stabilisers
  • anti-oxidants
  • temperature control
• other advice on:
  • ventilation requirements for storage facilities
  • specific designs for storage rooms/vessels
  • quantity limits under storage conditions
  • packaging compatibilities
  • warnings if water should not be used as a fire-fighting agent, for example: “Ensure that fire-fighting water cannot reach water-sensitive chemicals and if necessary provide protective cabinets with appropriate labelling”.

3.8 Section 8 – Exposure controls and personal protection

This section provides guidance on how to eliminate or minimise risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. “Exposure control” means the full range of specific protection measures (including engineering control measures) to be taken during the use of a hazardous chemical in order to minimise personal exposure to the chemical.

Exposure control measures

The SDS should include advice on what measures should be taken to minimise exposure to hazardous chemicals and to keep exposure below the relevant exposure standard. Exposure standards represent airborne concentrations of individual substances which, according to current knowledge, should neither impair the health of, nor cause undue discomfort to, nearly all workers.

Exposure standards are generally expressed as a Time-Weighted Average (TWA) concentration
of a substance over an eight-hour working shift. Along with this, Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL) or Peak Limitations should also be specified where available.

This section should list the available exposure standards, including all notations, for each hazardous chemical ingredient. If additional air contaminants are generated when using the hazardous chemical as intended, exposure standards for these should also be listed.

If there are no Australian exposure standards or occupational exposure limits, overseas standards should be used. Examples of overseas standards or limits include those of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or the German MAK.

Regardless of the exposure standard (if any) this section should describe controls to be implemented in a workplace to eliminate or minimise personal exposure.

Exposure standards are reviewed from time to time and therefore an up-to-date record of exposure standards should be consulted. Exposure standards published by Safe Work Australia are the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants. A list of Australian exposure standards is also available on the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS), which can be accessed from www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.

Biological monitoring

Biological monitoring can assist in the detection and estimation of absorption of the hazardous chemical, for example by skin, gastrointestinal system, or inhalation. The effects of some hazardous chemicals used in the workplace must be monitored through biological monitoring.
The SDS should detail the monitoring needed for a hazardous chemical.

It should also list known or recognised safe biological levels (in some countries these are known as biological limit values, biological exposure indices, biological exposure standards), where available, including notations for a hazardous chemical or for each ingredient of a mixture.

The source of the biological levels should be stated on the SDS. When biological levels are listed, they should use the chemical identity as specified in Section 3.3 – Composition and information
on ingredients.

Control Banding

Control banding is a process used in some countries where a hazardous chemical is assigned to
a band, based on the chemical’s hazard classification and use. Each band may have a different control solution, for example: band 1 – good industrial hygiene practice, band 2 – use local exhaust ventilation, band 3 – enclose the process.

If the control banding approach is recommended in the SDS to provide protection in relation to specific uses of the hazardous chemical, then sufficient detail should be given to enable effective management of risks. The context and limitations of the specific control banding recommendation should be made clear.

Engineering controls

The SDS should include a description of appropriate engineering control measures relating to the intended use of the hazardous chemical. This section should indicate when special engineering controls are necessary, and specify which controls are required, for example:

• “Maintain air concentration below occupational exposure standards, using engineering controls if necessary”
• “Use only in a well-ventilated area”
• “Use local exhaust ventilation”
• “Use only in an enclosed system”
• “Use only in spray paint booth or enclosure”
• “Use mechanical handling to reduce human contact with materials”
• “Use explosive dust handling controls”.

The information in this section should complement that provided in Section 7 – Handling and Storage of the SDS.

Individual protection measures, for example personal protective equipment (PPE)

Consistent with the hierarchy of controls, PPE should be used only when other control measures (for example, elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls) have been found to be impracticable or in conjunction with one or more control measures. This section of the SDS should include information on PPE provided that it clearly recommends other controls to minimise exposure to the hazardous chemical.

Consideration should be given to the possible reduction in effectiveness of PPE and possible detrimental effects of hazardous chemicals on some materials from which items of PPE may
be made, for example the use of synthetic clothing for protection against corrosive hazardous chemicals.

Eye and face protection

Information should be provided on eye and face protection needed for a hazardous chemical.
It is important to specify:

• the type of eye protection required, for example safety glasses, goggles or face shields
• the properties of the eye protection required based on the hazard of the chemical and potential for contact, for example the degree of impact protection or splash resistance.

Skin protection

Information should be included on the skin protection required for a hazardous chemical. It is important to specify:

• the protective equipment to be worn when using or handling the hazardous chemical including the types of gloves, boots and bodysuits required
• the properties of the protective equipment based on the hazard of the chemical and potential for contact, for example cotton, PVC or nitrile.

Respiratory protection

If respiratory protection is needed for a hazardous chemical, the SDS should include information on the appropriate types of respiratory protection based on the chemical hazard and potential for exposure, for example air-purifying respirators requiring specific respiration filters, air-line respirator or breathing apparatus. Where appropriate, a reference to a standard should be included.

Vague information – for example “use respirator” – is not acceptable, whereas “use half-face filter respirator suitable for organic vapours” is acceptable.

Thermal hazards

The SDS should include information on the PPE required for thermal hazards. Special consideration should be given to the materials of the PPE to avoid adding to the thermal load of the wearer. Information on any secondary risk should also be included here.

See also Section 5 – Fire fighting measures of the SDS for specific fire/chemical PPE advice.

3.9 Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties

This section of the SDS describes the physical and chemical properties of a hazardous chemical. The data should apply to the hazardous chemical as supplied. If the hazardous chemical is a mixture, the physicochemical data should describe the mixture. If that information is not available, the properties of the most relevant ingredients should be provided.

The following properties should be included in the SDS where relevant and the appropriate units
of measure and/or reference conditions should be specified:

• Appearance (physical state, colour etc)
• Odour
• Odour threshold
• pH
• Melting point/freezing point
• Initial boiling point and boiling range
• Flash point
• Evaporation rate
• Flammability (solid, gas)
• Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
• Vapour pressure
• Vapour density
• Relative density
• Solubility
• Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
• Auto-ignition temperature
• Decomposition temperature
• Viscosity

If relevant, the interpretation of the numeric value and the method of the determination should
also be provided. Where there is no information about specific characteristics or data available,
a statement should be included to that effect. It is not appropriate to leave blank spaces or use
the term ‘N/A’ in an SDS.

In addition to those listed above, other physical or chemical parameters relevant to health and safety should be included in this section of the SDS. This includes parameters which, in addition to chemistry, can significantly influence the properties of chemicals, for example size or surface area in the case of engineered nanomaterials. Examples of parameters which may be included are:

• Specific heat value
• Saturated vapour concentration (include reference temperatures)
• Release of invisible flammable vapours and gases
• Particle size (average and range)
• Size distribution
• Shape and aspect ratio
• Crystallinity
• Dustiness
• Surface area
• Degree of aggregation or agglomeration, and dispersibility
• Redox potential
• Biodurability or biopersistence
• Surface coating or chemistry (if different to rest of particle).

3.10 Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity

This section of the SDS provides information regarding the stability and reactivity of the hazardous chemical. Information on the possibility of hazardous reactions is necessary to ensure the safe handling and storage of chemicals and to ensure effective fire fighting and spill control measures.

Reactivity

This section should describe the reactivity hazards of the chemical, including the conditions under which the hazardous reactions may occur, for example:

• whether the hazardous chemical will react or polymerise
• flame propagation or burning rate of solid materials
• properties of both flammable and non-flammable materials that may initiate or add to the intensity of a fire
• potential for dust explosion

• reactions that release flammable or toxic gases or vapours
• fast or intensely burning characteristics
• non-flammables that could contribute to unusual hazards to a fire, for example strong oxidising and reducing agents or peroxide fumes.

Specific test data should be provided for the hazardous chemical as a whole, where available. However, the information may also be based on general data for the class or family of chemical
if such data adequately represents the anticipated hazard of the hazardous chemical.

If data for mixtures is not available, ingredient data should be provided. In determining incompatibility, the substances, containers and contaminants that the hazardous chemical might
be exposed to during transportation, storage and use should be considered.

Chemical stability

Information should be provided on the stability of the hazardous chemical under normal ambient storage and handling conditions. Consider any foreseeable changes in temperature and pressure conditions. Any stabilisers used to maintain the product should be described, as well as the safety implications of any change in the physical appearance of the product which may result if the stabiliser is compromised.

Possibility of hazardous reactions

If relevant, the SDS should state if a hazardous chemical will react or polymerise, releasing excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions. It should describe under what conditions
a hazardous reaction may occur.

Conditions to avoid

Information should include conditions – for example, temperature, pressure, shock, static discharge, vibrations or other physical stresses – that might cause a hazardous reaction.

Incompatible materials

Classes of chemicals or specific substances with which the hazardous chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation should be listed in the SDS, for example, explosion, excessive heat generation, release of toxic or flammable materials.

Hazardous decomposition products

The SDS should list any hazardous products that may be produced due to the decomposition of the chemical during use, storage or heating. The anticipated outcomes of a reaction with another material should be described, including the production of flammable, toxic or asphyxiating gases. Advice should be provided about what should be done if an unstable state is reached.

Hazardous combustion products should be included in Section 5 – Fire Fighting Measures of the SDS.

3.11 Section 11 – Toxicological Information

This section of the SDS provides toxicological information relevant to the health hazard category assigned to the chemical using the GHS. It should be based on expert toxicological advice and on the toxicological hazards information provided in the GHS classification criteria. A concise but complete and comprehensible description of the various toxicological health effects (for both acute and chronic effects) consistent with hazard classification, and the available data used to identify those effects, should be provided. The relevant hazards for which data should be provided are:

• acute toxicity
• skin corrosion/irritation
• serious eye damage/irritation
• respiratory or skin sensitisation
• germ cell mutagenicity
• carcinogenicity
• reproductive toxicity
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) – single exposure
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) – repeated exposure
• aspiration hazard.

Information on these hazards should be presented in the above order in each SDS. Other non-classifiable hazards may also be included. For example, some chemicals readily penetrate the skin and may increase skin absorption of other toxins, such as dimethyl sulfoxide. Information should also be provided on whether potential exposure to the hazardous chemical has immediate or delayed health effects.

If data for any of these hazards is not available, they should still be listed with a statement that data is not available.

The toxicological data should apply to the hazardous chemical as used in the workplace. It should be relevant to the mixture. Where information on the mixture is not available, then information on the toxicological properties of the hazardous ingredients above the concentration cut-off in the mixture should be provided. If there is no data on a mixture but sufficient data exists on the components of the mixture or similar mixtures, bridging principles can be used to provide information. The type of bridging principles used should also be stated.

The health effects included in the SDS should be consistent with those described in studies used for the classification of the hazardous chemical. General statements – for example “Toxic” – with no supporting data or “Safe if properly used” are not acceptable as they may be misleading and
do not provide a description of health effects. Phrases such as “not applicable” and “not relevant”, or leaving blank spaces in the health effects section, can lead to confusion and misunderstanding and should not be used.

For health effects where information is not available, this should be clearly stated. Health effects should be described accurately and relevant distinctions made. For example, allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis should be distinguished from each other.

Where there is a substantial amount of test data on the hazardous chemical, the results should be summarised for example, by grouping toxicological data by the route of exposure.

Information should also be provided on the relevant negative data. Information to support negative test results should be included, for example “carcinogenicity studies in the rat have shown no significant increase in the incidence of cancer”.

Information on possible routes of exposure

Information should be provided on the possible routes of exposure and the effects of the hazardous chemical via each route of exposure, that is, through ingestion (swallowing), inhalation or skin/eye exposure. A statement should be made if health effects are not known. Statements such as “Ingestion is not expected to occur” or “Ingestion should be avoided” are not acceptable.

Information on all routes of exposure should be provided as it is not possible to predict how
a chemical will be used in a workplace or the most likely exposure route.

Early onset symptoms related to exposure

Information should be provided on early symptoms associated with exposure to the hazardous chemical, its ingredients or known by-products. It should include information on the symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics of the hazardous chemical following exposure related to the intended uses. This section should describe the first symptoms at the lowest exposures through to the consequences of severe exposure, for example, “Headaches and dizziness may occur, proceeding to fainting or unconsciousness; large doses may result in coma and death”.

Delayed health effects from exposure

Information should be provided on whether delayed or immediate effects can be expected after short or long term exposure consistent with the classification of the chemical. Information should include acute and chronic health effects relating to human exposure to the hazardous chemical.

Where human data is not available, animal data should be summarised and the species clearly identified. The SDS should indicate whether toxicological data is based on human or animal data. Classifications or studies from government or international agencies may be used, for example “Has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer”. Where data on chronic effects is not available, it is recommended that the SDS take
a precautionary approach to health effects from exposure.

Exposure levels and health effects

The SDS should provide information on the dose, concentration or conditions of exposure that may cause adverse health effects. Where appropriate, doses should be linked to symptoms and effects, including the period of exposure likely to cause harm. For example, “10 ppm respiratory irritation, 250-300 ppm difficulty in breathing, 500 ppm unconsciousness leading to death after 30 minutes”. Where exposure levels are not known, the SDS should take a precautionary approach to exposure levels or include links to potential health effects, if available.

Interactive effects

If known, information on interactions should be included in situations where:

• symptoms are worsened by drinking alcohol, taking medication or smoking
• pre-existing medical conditions – for example, asthma, high blood pressure or a predisposition to allergic reactions – may increase risk.

When specific chemical data is not available

Where there is insufficient data to classify a chemical, testing may be required. However, it may not always be possible to obtain information on the hazards of a chemical. In cases where data
on the specific hazardous chemical is not available, data on the chemical functional group, if appropriate, should be used. Where generic data is used or where data is not available, this should be stated clearly in the SDS.

Mixtures of chemicals

If a mixture has not been tested for its health effects as a whole, then information must be provided on each ingredient listed under Section 3 – Composition and Information on Ingredients.

Ingredients may interact with each other in the body resulting in different rates of absorption, metabolism and excretion. As a result, the toxic actions may be altered and the overall toxicity
of the mixture may be different from its ingredients.

This section should advise whether the concentration of each ingredient is sufficient to contribute to the overall health effects of the mixture. The information on toxic effects should be presented for each ingredient, except:

• if the information is duplicated, in which case it is not necessary to list this more than once
  (for example, if two ingredients both cause vomiting and diarrhoea, the mixture should be described overall as causing vomiting and diarrhoea)
• if it is unlikely that these effects will occur at the concentrations present (for example, when
  a mild irritant is diluted in a non-irritating solution, the overall mixture would be unlikely to
  cause irritation).

Predicting the interactions between ingredients is difficult where information on interactions is not available. However, assumptions should not be made. Instead, the SDS should list the health effects of each ingredient separately

Other information

It is recommended that other relevant information on adverse health effects be included for hazards even when they are outside the scope of the WHS Regulations.

3.12 Section 12 – Ecological Information

This section of the SDS provides information about the environmental and ecological hazards of hazardous chemicals. This information can assist in handling spills and evaluating waste treatment practices and should clearly indicate species, media, units, test duration and test conditions. Where information is not available, this also should be stated.

Ecological information should be given for each ingredient, where available and appropriate.[7]

Ecotoxicity

Information on ecotoxicity should be provided using data from tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms. This should include relevant available data on both acute and chronic aquatic toxicity for fish, crustaceans, algae and other aquatic plants. In addition, toxicity data on other organisms (including soil micro and macro-organisms) for example birds, bees and plants, should be included when available. Where the hazardous chemical has inhibitory effects on the activity
on micro-organisms, the possible impact on sewage treatment plants should be mentioned.

Persistence and degradability

Persistence and degradability is the potential for the hazardous chemical (or hazardous ingredients of a mixture) to degrade in the environment, either through biodegradation or other processes, for example oxidation or hydrolysis. Test results relevant to assess persistence and degradability should be given where available. If degradation half-lives are quoted an indication of whether these half-lives refer to mineralisation or to primary degradation should be provided. The potential for the hazardous chemical (or hazardous ingredients of a mixture) to degrade in sewage treatment plants may also be mentioned.

Bioaccumulative potential

Bioaccumulation is the potential for the hazardous chemical (or hazardous ingredients of a mixture) to accumulate in biota and possibly pass through the food chain. Test results relevant to assess the bioaccumulative potential should be given. This may include reference to the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and bioconcentration factor (BCF), if available.

Mobility in soil

Mobility in soil is the potential for a hazardous chemical (or hazardous ingredients of a mixture) released into the environment to move under natural forces to the groundwater or to a distance from the site of release. The potential for mobility in soil should be provided in an SDS where the information is available. Information on mobility can be determined from relevant mobility data sets, for example absorption studies or leaching studies. For example, Koc[8] values can be predicted from octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow). Leaching and mobility can be predicted from models.

Where real data on the hazardous chemical is available, this data should take precedence over models and predictions.

Other adverse effects

Information on any other adverse effects to the environment should be included where data is available, for example environmental fate (exposure), ozone depletion potential, photochemical ozone creation potential, endocrine-disrupting potential and global warming potential.

3.13 Section 13 – Disposal considerations

This section of the SDS provides information on the most effective way to dispose of a chemical safely.

Disposal Methods

Information should be provided for proper disposal, recycling or reclamation of the hazardous chemical and its container to assist in the determination of safe and environmentally-preferred waste management options. This section should include:

• Disposal containers and methods.
• Physical/chemical properties that may affect disposal options.
• Effects of sewage disposal.
• Special precautions for incineration or landfill.

The disposal advice provided on the SDS should apply to the material as manufactured.

For the safety of persons conducting disposal, recycling or reclamation activities, refer to the information in Section 8 – Exposure Controls and Personal Protection of the SDS.

The local council and /or state environment authority may be able to provide advice on the disposal of chemicals.

3.14 Section 14 – Transport Information

This section provides basic classification information for the transportation or shipment of
a hazardous chemical by road, rail, sea or air as required by relevant transport legislation.
Where information is not available or relevant this should be stated.

3.15 Section 15 – Regulatory Information

This section of the SDS provides advice on other regulatory information on the hazardous chemical that is not provided elsewhere in the SDS, for example whether the hazardous chemical is subject to the following international agreements:

• Montreal Protocol (Ozone depleting substances)[9]
• The Stockholm Convention (Persistent Organic Pollutants)[10]
• The Rotterdam Convention (Prior Informed Consent)[11]
• Basel Convention (Hazardous Waste)[12]
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) .

Safety, health and environmental regulations

Other regulatory information specific to the hazardous chemical may also be included here, for example whether the substance is covered by the following requirements:

• the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) established under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Commonwealth) (as amended). If so, list the relevant Poisons Schedule number
• any applicable prohibition or notification/licensing requirements, including for carcinogens under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation
• the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and/or applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory control-of-use legislation
• the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 (Commonwealth), including listing on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS), any condition of use associated with the listing on the AICS and/or whether any chemical or a chemical in the product is being introduced under a permit. In addition, it is recommended that information
  in a NICNAS assessment report be included.

3.16 Section 16 – Other information

This section of the SDS provides any other information relevant to the preparation of the SDS, including:

• the date of preparation of the latest revision of the SDS. When revisions are made to an SDS, clearly indicate where the changes have been made to the previous version of the SDS. Suppliers should maintain an explanation of the changes and be willing to provide it upon request
• a key/legend to abbreviations and acronyms used in the SDS.

Key literature references and sources for data used to compile the SDS should also be included.

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Article means a manufactured item, other than a fluid or particle, that is formed into a particular shape or design during manufacture and has hazard properties and a function that are wholly or partly dependent on the shape or design.

Bioaccumulative potential is the potential for a chemical to accumulate in biota and possibly pass through the food chain.

Biological monitoring means the measurement and evaluation of a substance, or its metabolites, in the body tissue, fluids or exhaled air of a person exposed to that substance.

Chemical Identity means a name, in accordance with the nomenclature systems of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or the Chemical Abstracts Service, or a technical name, that gives a chemical a unique identity.

Class of dangerous goods, means the number assigned to the goods in the ADG Code indicating the hazard, or most predominant hazard, exhibited by the goods.

Combustible liquid means a liquid, other than a flammable liquid, that has a flash point, and a fire point less than its boiling point.

Combustible substance means a substance that is combustible and includes dust, fibres, fumes, mists or vapours produced by the substance.

Container means anything in or by which a hazardous chemical is, or has been, wholly or partly covered, enclosed or packed, including anything necessary for the container to perform its function as a container.

Correct classification means the set of hazard classes and hazard categories assigned to a hazardous chemical when it is correctly classified.

Division of dangerous goods, means a number, in a class of dangerous goods, to which the dangerous goods are assigned in the ADG Code.

Exposure standard means an exposure standard published by Safe Work Australia in the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants.

Note: The Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants will replace the Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOSHC:1003(1995)].

Flammable Liquid means a flammable liquid within the meaning of the GHS that has a flashpoint of less than 93°C.

Flash point means the lowest temperature (corrected to a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa) at which the application of an ignition source causes the vapours of a liquid to ignite under specified test conditions.

Generic Name means a name applied to a group of chemicals having a similar structure and properties.

Genuine research means systematic investigative or experimental activities that are carried out for either acquiring new knowledge (whether or not the knowledge will have a specific practical application) or creating new or improved materials, products, devices, processes or services.

GHS means the ‘Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, 3rd Revised Edition’, published by the United Nations.

Hazard means a situation or thing that has the potential to harm people, property or the environment. The GHS covers physicochemical, health and environmental hazards for hazardous chemicals.

Hazard Category means a division of criteria within a hazard class in the GHS.

Hazard class means the nature of a physical, health or environmental hazard under the GHS.

Hazard pictogram means a graphical composition, including a symbol plus other graphical elements, that is assigned in the GHS to a hazard class or hazard category.

Hazard Statement means a statement assigned to a hazard class or hazard category describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of hazard.

Hazchem Code means ‘Hazchem Code’ under the ADG Code, also known as the Emergency Action Code.

Health Surveillance, of a person, means monitoring the person to identify changes in the person’s health status as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical.

Import means to bring into the jurisdiction from outside Australia.

Label means written, printed or graphical information elements concerning a hazardous chemical that is affixed to, printed on or attached to the container of a hazardous chemical.

Manufacture includes the activities of packing, repacking, formulating, blending, mixing, making, remaking and synthesizing of the chemical.

Mixture means a combination of or a solution composed of two or more substances that do not react with each other.

Physicochemical means the physical properties of a chemical.

Precautionary Statement means a phrase prescribed by the GHS that describes recommended measures to be taken to prevent or minimise the adverse effects of exposure to a hazardous chemical or the improper handling of a hazardous chemical.

Product Identifier means the name or number used to identify a product on a label or in a safety data sheet (SDS). [13]

Proper shipping name means a proper shipping name under the ADG Code.

Research chemical means a substance or mixture that is manufactured in a laboratory for genuine research and is not for use or supply for a purpose other than analysis or genuine research.

Substance means a chemical element or compound in its natural state or obtained or generated by a process:

• including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of the element or compound and any impurities deriving from the process; but
• excluding any solvent that may be separated without affecting the stability of the element or compound, or changing its composition.

Supply includes selling or transferring ownership or responsibility for a chemical.

Technical name means a name that is:

• ordinarily used in commerce, regulations and codes to identify a substance or mixture, other than an International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or Chemical Abstracts Service name
• recognised by the scientific community.

United Nations (UN) Number means a number assigned to dangerous goods by the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. [14]

APPENDIX B – HEADER CHECKLIST

This checklist provides a summary of the information contained in Chapter 3 of this Code. It is not a comprehensive list of information required on the SDS. Refer to the relevant section for detailed instructions.

APPENDIX C – GHS LABEL ELEMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE SDS

The information in this Appendix guides the selection of appropriate GHS signal words, pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements that apply to each GHS hazard class and category. It includes elements for all categories of precautionary action. All specific elements relating to particular hazard classes and categories should be used. General elements not linked in particular to a certain hazard class or category should also be used, where appropriate.

The precautionary statements included in the following matrix cover general emergency response and first-aid. For some specific chemicals, supplementary first aid, treatment measures or specific antidotes or cleansing materials may be required. Poisons Centres and/or medical practitioners or specialist advice should be sought in such situations and included on labels where appropriate.

C1. Structure of hazard statement text

The text in bold should appear in the SDS, except as otherwise specified. The information in italics should also appear as part of the hazard statement in the SDS when the information is known, for example:

              “Causes damage to organs (or state all organs affected, if known) through prolonged or repeated exposure (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard)”.

The hazard statement codes shown in the tables are intended to be used for reference purposes only. They are not part of the hazard statement text and should not be used to replace it in the SDS.

C2. Structure of precautionary statement text

There are five types of precautionary statements: general, prevention, response (in case of accidental spillage or exposure, emergency response and first aid), storage and disposal.

The core parts of the precautionary statements are shown in bold print. This is the text that should appear in the SDS, except as otherwise specified.

The precautionary statement codes used in the tables are intended to be used for reference purposes only. They are not part of the precautionary statement text and should not be used to replace it in the SDS.

To provide flexibility in the application of precautionary phrases, a combination of statements may be used to improve the readability of phrases. Combinations of phrases can also be useful for different types of hazard where the precautionary behaviour is similar. For example:

              “Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame and store in a cool well ventilated place”.

Where precautionary statements have been modified or combined, clear plain language is essential to convey information on precautionary behaviour.

When a backslash or diagonal mark [/] appears in a precautionary statement text, it indicates that
a choice has to be made between the phrases they separate. For example, in P280 “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection” could read “Wear eye protection" where the hazard classification does not warrant the additional personal protective equipment.

When three full stops […] appear in a precautionary statement text, they indicate that all applicable conditions are not listed. For example, in P241 “Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment.”, the use of “...” indicates that other equipment should be specified.

When text in italics is used in the precautionary statement text, this indicates specific conditions apply to the use or allocation of the precautionary statement. This may relate to conditions attaching to either the general use of a precautionary statement or its use for a particular hazard class and/or hazard category. For example, for P241 “Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../ equipment” only applies for flammable solids “if dust clouds can occur”.

C3. General precautionary measures

The general precautionary statements listed below are not aligned with any particular GHS hazard category. According to the GHS principles, these statements are required for consumer products only. However, manufacturers of hazardous chemicals may choose to include these in an SDS, particularly where it is foreseeable that the chemical may be used in a non-workplace situation.

C4. Tables of label elements from the GHS

The tables below provide the following information for each hazard class and hazard category of the GHS:

• hazard category
• the assigned GHS symbol
• the assigned signal word
• the assigned hazard statement and code
• the assigned precautionary statements, by precautionary statement type and code.

*Note:  This symbol is according to the ADG Code for the transport of dangerous goods

*Note:  Symbol for Explosive Division 1.6 is the symbol used for the transport of dangerous goods

Note: Hazard category Type G: There are no label elements allocated to this hazard category