Information Manufacturers and Suppliers Must Provide about Hazardous Substances (17f)
This fact sheet provides an overview to employers and employees in the Commonwealth jurisdiction of the information manufacturers and suppliers must give to employers about hazardous substances. It outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers and suppliers in accordance with the hazardous substances regulations.
Manufacturers and suppliers duties
Manufacturers and suppliers must determine whether a substance they are supplying for use at work is hazardous. This is done by checking with the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) (formerly NOHSC) List of Designated Hazardous Substances. If the substance is not included in that list, then it must be assessed in accordance with the ASCC Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances. (See fact sheet What is a Hazardous Substance?)
If the substance is hazardous to health the manufacturer must prepare a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substance and keep the information current and accurate. (See fact sheet Material Safety Data Sheet)
If there is a medical emergency and the MSDS or label does not identify a particular hazardous substance, a manufacturer must disclose the chemical identity of the substance involved.
Although not contained within the regulations, it is recommended that manufacturers provide a copy of each MSDS that is prepared, to the Australian National MSDS Repository administered by ASCC.
If the substance is hazardous to health the supplier must:
- give a copy of the MSDS to the employer on the first occasion that it is supplied and at any later time on request
- ensure that each container is appropriately labelled. This includes ensuring the label clearly identifies the hazardous substance and provides relevant health and safety information. (See fact sheet Labelling of Hazardous Substances.)
- provide to an employer, if requested, a summary report and information concerning the condition of the substance that will assist in its safe use. The summary report on hazardous substances is provided by the National Industrial Chemical Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) administered by the Department of Health and Ageing.
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
- 17d - Labelling of Hazardous Substances
- 17e - Information Employers Must Obtain and 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
Contact:
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