This Code is intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). It provides practical guidance to PCBUs on how to manage health and safety risks associated with hazardous chemicals used in their workplace.
A PCBU can be a manufacturer, importer or supplier of hazardous chemicals, or a business owner who uses, handles, generates or stores hazardous chemicals at their workplace. They may also be more than one of these things.
This Code applies to all types of work and all workplaces covered by the WHS Act. This Code applies to:
- substances, mixtures and articles used, handled, generated or stored at the workplace which are defined as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations
- the generation of hazardous chemicals from work processes, for example toxic fumes released during welding.
This Code does not apply to the transport of dangerous goods or explosives which are subject to the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004, the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) or the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail 3rd edition. Most substances and mixtures that are dangerous goods under the ADG Code are also hazardous chemicals. Any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a responsibility under WHS laws to manage the risks from hazardous chemicals, including those that are also dangerous goods.
Manufacturers, importers or suppliers of hazardous chemicals that are used, or are likely to be used, in workplaces should refer to the Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals and Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals codes of practice.
A PCBU who uses, handles or stores hazardous chemicals listed in Schedule 14 of the WHS Regulations should also refer to the Guidance materials for health monitoring.
Guidance for work involving asbestos or asbestos-containing materials is available in the How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace and How to safely remove asbestos codes of practice.