Changes to Worksafe’s Approach to Dangerous Goods

Based on recent information provided from WorkSafe Qld it is clear that the Regulators have slightly changed their stance regarding two elements of Dangerous Goods health and safety.

1.    Determining Manifest Quantities

With the move to GHS labelling and management of Dangerous Goods in place for a significant period of time, WorkSafe Qld has stated they will be ensuring that manifest quantities are to be calculated based on the GHS classification manifest levels only.

 This replaces the usage of a published ADG to GHS linking table published by Safe Work Australia.

 To date the other WorkSafe authorities have not made a formal statement on their position, however all organisations (particularly those in Queensland) should undertake a review of the chemical classification and registers as their DG classification may now have changed and they may now exceed Manifest quantities.

1.    Staff Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets

The Regulator has flagged their intention to alter their approach the review of site compliance for the management of Hazardous Substances in the workplace.

 As part of site visits WorkSafe Qld has indicated they will select random staff members who interact with, or are potentially exposed to, Hazardous Substances and review their knowledge of safe management of Hazardous Substances, specifically how to access and use Safety Data Sheets in a timely manner.

 As such staff will need to be able to demonstrate how to access the SDS for any selected HS, and how to use the information contained within. 

Companies will now need to ensure their SDS access systems are robust and timely, with all relevant staff trained, with sufficient refresher training and/or communication to ensure they have active knowledge of this process.