Australian on a five-year transitional period towards the new mandatory GHS-based system In 2017
Following the entry into force on 1 January 2012 of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations in 2012, a new system of chemical classification and hazard communication on labels and safety data sheets based on the third revised Edition of the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) will be mandatory in Australia from 1 January 2017. Thus there will be a five-year transitional period for moving to the new GHS-based system, which will allow for the current system and the new system to be used concurrently.
The regulations apply to the use of hazardous substances in the workplace. Companies must continue to comply with the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) and relevant state and territory transport laws for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail.
Information on the transitional rrnagements is available on the website of the health and safety agency, Safe Work Australia.
