Safe Work Australia issues reminder about GHS 7 transition

Safe Work Australia Issues Reminder About GHS 7 Transition

Safe Work Australia reminds businesses that the two-year transition period from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 3 (GHS 3) to Revision 7 (GHS 7) will end on 31 December 2022. Australia began transitioning to GHS 7 on 1 January 2021, giving businesses time to update chemical management practices before the new deadline arrives.

What Businesses Need to Know

Safe Work Australia said, "From 1 January 2023, you must use GHS 7 to classify chemicals and prepare chemical labels and safety data sheets in Australia unless otherwise advised by your work health and safety regulator." Proper chemical management during this shift includes updated labelling, correct hazard classification, and accurate safety data sheets for every substance handled onsite.

The federal agency noted Western Australia will begin using GHS 7 on 31 March 2023, meaning businesses operating there have a slightly longer runway to finalise their chemical management transition compared with other states and territories.

Why Chemical Management Matters During the GHS 7 Transition

Effective chemical management protects workers from exposure risks tied to incorrect classification or outdated labelling. Businesses handling hazardous substances should review their chemical management systems now, rather than waiting until the deadline passes, to avoid compliance gaps.

Key steps for strong chemical management include:

• Auditing current chemical labels and safety data sheets against GHS 7 requirements
• Updating storage arrangements to reflect any reclassified hazard categories
• Training staff responsible for chemical management on the revised classification criteria
• Reviewing storage areas to confirm signage and segregation still meet compliance obligations

Businesses seeking further guidance on this transition can read our related coverage: Safe Work Australia issues GHS 7 reminder as deadline looms and Transitional period to GHS 7 ending soon. For a look at how the country has progressed since this reminder, see Australia completes GHS 7 transition.

Sites relying on Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) should confirm chemical management procedures referenced within those documents align with GHS 7 standards, particularly for tasks involving cutting, grinding, or surface finishing equipment such as those covered under our Jigsaw Safe Work Method Statement and Linisher Safe Work Method Statement.

Source: Safe Work Australia website.