Many businesses across Australia produce chemical waste as part of their daily operations, and the improper handling or disposal of these materials poses significant risks to both people and the environment. One of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks is by providing education and promoting the use of chemical waste labels and safety data sheets (SDS).
Despite being widely used, chemical labels and safety data sheets are often misunderstood, and this article aims to clarify their purpose and importance, helping the community to better identify hazardous chemicals and follow the correct safety protocols.
Chemical waste labels serve as the first point of information for anyone who handles or is exposed to hazardous substances. In Australia, labelling requirements align with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which is embedded in work health and safety (WHS) regulations across the country.
A proper label includes the product identifier, hazard pictograms, signal words (such as “Danger” or “Warning”), hazard statements, and precautionary statements. These components work together to provide immediate and accessible hazard identification.
For example, a flammable liquid should display a flame pictogram, the signal word “Danger,” and hazard statements like “Highly flammable liquid and vapour.” This concise presentation allows anyone to quickly understand the primary risks.
According to Safe Work Australia, chemical labels are critical to health and safety: “Effective labelling provides essential information to workers and emergency responders,” the agency notes, and without clear and accurate labels, there is a greater risk of misuse, which could lead to chemical burns, fires, or environmental contamination.
While labels provide an overview, safety data sheets offer detailed and structured information about a chemical’s properties, hazards, and safe handling procedures. Required by law in Australia for all hazardous chemicals, SDS documents must contain dedicated sections, which include identification, hazard identification, composition, safe handling measures, and emergency response protocols.
For instance, one section outlines the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or respirators which should be used, while another describes how to respond to spills or leaks safely. This comprehensive information supports both day-to-day handling and emergency planning.
The availability and accessibility of SDS documents is a legal obligation, and workers must be able to access them easily, and employers are required to ensure staff are trained to interpret the information that they contain. As stated by Safe Work Australia, “Workers must have access to SDS and be trained in understanding the information”.
Neglecting to consult an SDS can lead to inappropriate storage, poor handling practices, or inadequate responses to chemical incidents, all of which could be prevented with proper training and procedures.
Hazard identification involves recognising chemicals that may cause harm to people, property, or the environment. It relies heavily on interpreting information provided by both chemical labels and safety data sheets.
For example, a label pictogram may indicate a health hazard, while the SDS might detail that exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. Both sources must be reviewed together to form a complete understanding of the risks.
Hazard identification is essential across all stages of a chemical’s lifecycle, from storage and use to transport and disposal, as failure to identify and manage hazards appropriately can result in serious legal and environmental consequences.
The Australian Government’s National Waste Policy Action Plan highlights the need for hazardous waste management, noting that improper handling and disposal of chemical waste can lead to contamination of soil and groundwater.
Additionally, proper hazard identification empowers workers and organisations to prevent accidents, reduce environmental harm, and meet their legal obligations under WHS legislation.
Chemical safety guidelines are designed to ensure that hazardous substances are handled correctly throughout their use and disposal. These guidelines are often outlined in both chemical labels and SDS and must be followed to maintain compliance with Australian health and safety laws.
Best practices include:
Compliance isn’t only a regulatory issue, it’s a fundamental part of workplace safety, as according to Safe Work Australia, chemical-related incidents are among the causes of workplace injuries and illnesses in the country.
Businesses found to be in breach of safety regulations can face significant penalties, reputational damage, and criminal charges. As such, consistent adherence to safety guidelines protects both employees, employers, and the wider community.
Understanding and correctly applying information from chemical labels and safety data sheets is critical in managing hazardous waste. These educational tools are central to effective hazard identification, and help individuals and organisations across Australia minimise risk, protect their staff, and meet legal requirements.
By improving awareness and training around these safety resources, businesses can contribute to a safer and more environmentally responsible workplace.
At Summerland Environmental, we support businesses in the Northern Rivers safely managing their chemical waste through our expert services and education. Whether you need help interpreting chemical labels, understanding safety data sheets, or implementing hazard identification procedures, our team is here to help.
Contact Summerland Environmental today on +61 2 6687 2880 or via our website to find out how we can assist you in building a safer, more compliant workplace.