Safe Work Australia issues GHS 7 reminder as deadline looms

Safe Work Australia Issues GHS 7 Reminder as Deadline Looms

Safe Work Australia reminds businesses that Australia is soon transitioning to the 7th Revised Edition of the GHS (GHS 7). This safety reminder confirms a firm deadline is approaching for every workplace handling hazardous chemicals.

From 1 January 2023, all manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals will be required to use GHS 7 to classify and label chemicals in Australia. The SDS for existing chemicals should also comply with all GHS 7 requirements, meaning businesses cannot delay updating their documentation once new stock arrives.

Western Australia Timeline Differs

Safe Work Australia says businesses in Western Australia will start using GHS 7 on 31 March 2023, giving employers there a slightly longer window to review chemical storage practices and update labelling systems accordingly.

Additional information on the GHS 7 rollout is available on the Safe Work Australia website, where employers can find guidance material relevant to their industry and jurisdiction.

Why This Matters for Workplace Health and Safety

Getting classification wrong carries real risk for workers exposed to hazardous substances daily. Correct labelling reduces risk of mishandling during transport, storage, or use, protecting both health outcomes and business reputation.

For further background, read our earlier coverage: Safe Work Australia issues reminder about GHS 7 transition and Transitional period to GHS 7 ending soon.

Businesses managing hazardous chemical storage should also review their Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to confirm alignment with updated chemical classifications, particularly for high-risk tasks such as rigging, jigsaw operation, and linisher operation where chemical exposure risk exists nearby.

Related News from Other Regulators

Similar news has emerged from other jurisdictions. NT WorkSafe recently issued its own compliance news, detailed here: NT WorkSafe issues GHS 7 implementation reminder.

Staying informed through safety news channels helps employers avoid last-minute scrambles once enforcement dates pass. Employers preparing for October initiatives may also find our National Safe Work Month 2023 resources useful for broader workplace health planning.

Key Takeaways

• GHS 7 becomes mandatory for chemical classification and labelling from 1 January 2023 across most of Australia.
• Western Australia follows on 31 March 2023.
• SDS documentation for existing chemicals must reflect GHS 7 requirements.
• Reviewing chemical storage and handling procedures now reduces risk of non-compliance.

For the latest safety news and regulatory updates, businesses should monitor Safe Work Australia's website directly, as further news on transitional arrangements may still be published before the deadline.