Globally harmonised system (GHS)

Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals

The globally harmonised systems (or GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals uses internationally consistent terms and information on chemical labels and safety data sheets.

From 1 January 2023, version 7 of the GHS (GHS 7) will be enforced in the Northern Territory.

What are the changes under the GHS?

The GHS affect the way chemicals are classified and how information is communicated in the following way:

Pictograms - Nine standard pictograms are used to classify chemicals.

Signal words - Either one of two signal words (Warning or Danger) are used to describe the hazard level associated with each chemical

Hazard statements - A standard set of hazard statements describes the chemical's main health effects in easy to understand terms.

Precautionary statements - These statements provide information on how to avoid or minimise risks of chemical exposure and the information is separated into the following five categories: prevention, response, storage, disposal and general.

Safety data sheets - Safety data sheets (SDS) are formatted using 16 standardised headings with information such as health effects, first aid measures and required controls to minimise exposure.

End of transition period

GHS 3 was the previous edition enforce in the Northern Territory. A two year transition period commenced on 1 January 2021 to allow industry time comply with the new GHS 7 requirements, and to use up hazardous chemical stock compliant with GHS 3.

With the end of the transition period, chemicals manufactured or imported must be classified and labelled in accordance with GHS 7.

Suppliers should only accept stock which is classified and labelled in accordance with GHS 7 and has SDS prepared in accordance with GHS 7.

End users of hazardous chemicals should not accept stock that do not have up-to-date labels of SDS under GHS 7, but can continue to use any GHS 3 compliant products they have on hand until the stock is used up.

What's new in GHS 7?

GHS 7 introduces several changes to classification, labelling and SDS requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals. The key changes between GHS 3 and GHS 7 are:

In addition to these changes, the definition of ‘hazardous chemical’ will be clarified to ensure it captures all Category 2 eye irritants. Chemicals can be further sub-categorised as Category 2A and 2B, but this is not mandatory in Australia.

  • new hazard categories and classes for:
    • desensitised explosives
    • pyrophoric gases
    • chemically unstable gases
    • non-flammable aerosols
  • updated precautionary statements.

In addition to these changes, the definition of ‘hazardous chemical’ will be clarified to ensure it captures all Category 2 eye irritants. Chemicals can be further sub-categorised as Category 2A and 2B, but this is not mandatory in Australia.

Veterinary chemical products

The Regulations were amended in 2017 to exclude veterinary chemicals listed on Schedule 4 or 8 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. Importers, manufacturers and suppliers do not have to comply with GHS labelling requirements provided the product in question is packaged and supplied in a form consistent with direct administration to animals.

Transport of dangerous goods

GHS labelling and classification does not replace the requirements under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code for the transportation of hazardous chemicals.

  • This Safe Work Australia webinar has information for businesses about Australia’s two-year transition from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 3 (GHS 3) to Revision 7 (GHS 7) that began on 1 January 2021.