FAQs on hazardous chemicals and pipelines
When does the employer need to have a register of dangerous goods?
The employer must maintain a register of dangerous goods if they store or handle any amount of dangerous goods. Regulation 8.59 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 requires the employer to keep an updated register listing each of the dangerous goods stored or handled at the workplace and the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This register should be readily accessible to employees.
In addition, regulation 8.39 requires the employer to keep a register of manifest quantities of dangerous goods for emergency purposes when the total quantity of dangerous goods exceeds the manifest quantities in Schedule 7 of the Safety Standards Regulations. This register must be readily accessible to both Comcare and emergency services.
Note: Exemptions to the obligations imposed by Part 8 of the Safety Standards Regulations are listed in Regulation 8.02(2).
In what circumstances does the employer need to notify Comcare that they are storing or handling dangerous goods?
The employer must notify Comcare of the details of the dangerous goods stored when the employer has dangerous goods that exceed the manifest quantities listed in Schedule 7 of the Safety Standards Regulations.
For further information, refer to: