Labelling of Hazardous Substances (17d)
This fact sheet provides an overview on the labelling of hazardous substances for employers and employees in the Commonwealth jurisdiction. It outlines what information should be on the label and who should provide the label.
What is a label?
A label is a display of information affixed to a container that identifies the hazardous substance in the container and provides basic information about the safe use and handling of the substance. The label is the first place to look for basic health and safety information.
Why is a label needed?
Some substances contain chemicals that can pose a risk to health or safety. The nature of this risk depends on the chemicals and the way in which it is used. If the users of a substance know what are the constituent chemicals, and the major risks that arise when using it, they are part way towards controlling those risks. The hazardous substances regulations require labels placed on containers of hazardous substances to contain this basic information.
Where does the label come from?
Suppliers of hazardous substances to workplaces must ensure that any container that holds a hazardous substance is appropriately labelled. If a substance is being produced in-house and placed in containers then the employer must ensure that those containers are appropriately labelled. In this case the employer takes on the manufacturer’s responsibility. If a container is found without a proper label, for example the label is damaged, lost or unreadable, then the product name should be marked on the container by the employer. If the contents are not known then the container should be labelled as unknown and stored in a safe place. The content of the container should not be used until it is known what the contents are or they can be disposed of in an acceptable manner.
Manufacturers need to obtain a copy of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) (formerly NOHSC) National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances for detailed information on labelling requirements. Suppliers who repackage hazardous substances also need this detailed information.
What should be on a label?
A supplier of a hazardous substance must ensure that the label:
- clearly identifies the hazardous substance
- provides details of the Australian supplier
- discloses information relating to each ingredient
- provides the substance’s risk and safety phrases and any relevant hazardous substance information that is reasonably practicable
The manner in which a container may be labelled is set out in the ASCC National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances.
The following list gives an overview of what information a label should contain. It is recommended that a label on hazardous substances containing more than 500ml or 500g should contain the following:
- signal word(s) and/or dangerous goods Class label and subsidiary risk label(s)
- product name, chemical name, United Nations Number, other ingredients
- risk phrases
- directions for use*
- safety phrases
- first aid procedures
- emergency procedures*
- details of manufacturer or importer
- expiry date (where relevant)*
- reference to MSDS
The requirements with an "*" are not needed on smaller containers of 500ml or 500g or less.
For very small containers the manufacturer or importer need to include only the signal word(s) and/or dangerous goods class label and subsidiary risk label(s), product name and details. But the user may find further information on enclosed leaflets or packaging.
It is necessary to remember that the quality of information in itself will not reduce risks. The information must be acted on.
What if the substance is poured into another container?
If a hazardous substance is poured or decanted into another container it is probably for one of two purposes.
- The user wants to measure quantities or transfer the hazardous substance to a third point immediately. In this case if the container is cleaned afterwards it does not need to be labelled.
- The user wants to store a quantity of the hazardous substance - in this case the new container will have to be labelled. The minimum requirement is that the new container must be labelled with the product name and relevant risk and safety phrases.
More information
Other fact sheets in this series
Additional fact sheets in this series on hazardous substances:
- 17a - Hazardous Supstances: Regulations, Codes of Practice & Guidance Material
- 17b - What is a Hazardous Substance?
- 17c - Material Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Substances
- 17e - Information Employers Must Obtain and Provide about Hazardous Substances
- 17f - Information Manufacturers and Suppliers Must Provide about Hazardous Substances
- 17g - Risk Management Approach to Hazardous Substances
- 17h - Training Employees Should Have about Hazardous Substances
- 17i - Health Surveillance and Atmospheric Monitoring for Hazardous Substances
Government authorities
Safe Work Australia:
- contact by phone: 02 6121-5317 or
- visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Contact Comcare
For further information, contact Comcare's Hotline:
- by phone on 1300 366 979
- by email at ohs.help@comcare.gov.au
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