This chemical register:
A chemical register is an essential tool for any workplace that stores, handles or uses consumer product chemicals. A chemical register should be easily accessible to workers involved in using, handling or storing chemicals and to anyone else who is likely to be affected by a hazardous chemical.
Note: A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that chemicals at the workplace are recorded in a register and ensure that the register is updated, as new chemicals are introduced or when the use of a chemical is discontinued.
According to WHS laws a hazardous chemical is any substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria of one or more of the ‘Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals’ hazard classes.
In simple terms, a chemical can be described as any substance used in or obtained by a chemical process and may be in the form of solids, liquids or gases.
A chemical hazard is a chemical that can cause harm to people in many different ways. However, there are four main ways which are:
Chemical hazards can be naturally found in the environment or can be chemicals that are used by industry. Some chemicals may cause severe adverse health effects upon contact, inhalation, or ingestion and may also be classified as hazardous because they are toxic, explosive or reactive.
Where a safety data sheet advises that personal protective equipment (PPE) is a control measure for using the chemical, it should be provided to personnel and worn.
It should be noted that PPE should not be the only control relied upon to control chemical risks and only be considered when all other reasonably practicable control measures have been applied and the risk has not been eliminated or adequately controlled.
Upon completion of a chemical-related task involving the use of PPE, personnel should always wash thoroughly, particularly before eating, drinking or leaving the workplace.
This chemical register has provisions for documenting the following chemical details:
This chemical register can assist you record and manage:
A chemical register at the workplace is essential for managing the risks of hazardous chemicals, ensuring compliance with work health and safety regulations. Manufacturers and importers are required to provide a list of all hazardous chemicals, following the relevant code of practice, to help organizations effectively manage hazardous substances and maintain a safe working environment.
