Safe Work Australia has launched an updated Hazardous Chemical Information System, giving businesses a modernised tool to prepare for incoming workplace exposure limits.
Given the scale of the move toward the new exposure limits, manufacturers, importers and users of hazardous chemicals across Australia will need reliable and current data to stay compliant, and the refreshed Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) has been built with exactly that requirement in mind. The platform now brings together Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) data and workplace exposure limit (WEL) information on a single page, replacing what was previously a more fragmented search experience.
Because the transition to WELs represents one of the more significant regulatory changes to affect the chemical safety space in recent years, the timing of the HCIS upgrade is notable. The new system introduces a modern, refreshed user interface designed to make hazardous chemical information easier to locate, alongside a single search function that consolidates relevant data in one place. It has also been built for compatibility across devices, including mobile phones and tablets, reflecting the reality that safety teams and site supervisors often need access to information while away from a desk.
As part of the upgrade, GHS classification data sourced from the European Chemicals Agency and the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme has been updated, giving users a more current reference point when classifying products.
What the HCIS means for cleaning and FM operators
Considering how central hazardous chemical management is to the day-to-day operations of cleaning and facilities management businesses, the practical value of the HCIS extends well beyond manufacturers and importers. The tool is designed to help manufacturers and importers determine whether a product is a hazardous chemical and, if so, guide them through classifying and labelling it and preparing a safety data sheet (SDS) in line with the GHS and model WHS Regulations.
For employers and other users of hazardous chemicals, including cleaning contractors and in-house FM teams, the HCIS offers a straightforward way to check information contained on SDS documents and product labels. Nowchem managing director John Lamont said the update had already made a practical difference to how his team works.
“The updated HCIS has improved consistency and made it easier to verify classifications and exposure limit information during product reviews,” Lamont said. “The previous system could sometimes require checking multiple information sources, which added time and complexity.”
Clean Plus strategy and growth manager Tim Pitcher said the update offered similar benefits from a manufacturing perspective.
“The updated Hazardous Chemical Information System provides greater consistency by aligning classification information with current regulatory expectations,” Pitcher said. “For manufacturers, having an authoritative and up to date reference simplifies hazard classification reviews and helps ensure SDSs, labels and technical documentation remain relevant and accurate.”
How suppliers are getting ready for the deadline
Having spent recent months reviewing its product portfolio against the incoming exposure limits, Nowchem is among the cleaning chemical suppliers already working through the practical implications of the WEL transition. Lamont said the business was focused on keeping documentation aligned with the new requirements rather than overhauling formulations wholesale.
“Nowchem has been reviewing our product portfolio against the updated workplace exposure limits and assessing any ingredients that may be affected,” he said. “Our primary focus is ensuring safety data sheets, labels and internal risk assessments remain current and aligned with the new requirements.”
As a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, Clean Plus has taken a comparable approach, using the transition as a prompt to revisit its documentation and supplier relationships. Pitcher said this had extended to product development as well as paperwork.
“Clean Plus has been reviewing our product portfolio to ensure our formulations, safety data sheets and product labels remain aligned with the latest workplace exposure requirements,” he said. “We have also worked closely with our suppliers, and while many products will not require formulation changes, this is an excellent opportunity to verify exposure information, update documentation and ensure our customers have the most current regulatory and safety guidance.”
Investment in safer chemistry has become a parallel focus for the business, according to Pitcher. “Clean Plus has three full-time chemists and uses industry consultants to help our customers reduce workplace risk while supporting their compliance obligations and making chemical handling safer for operators,” he said. “We also see this as part of a broader industry trend towards the innovation of high-performance products that minimise worker exposure to hazardous ingredients. We have also found that professional buyers have a far greater understanding of chemical VOCs, WHS and WELs and are prepared to make supply changes based upon risk reduction, accurate information and regulatory compliance.”
Compliance risk for smaller operators
Given that many smaller cleaning chemical suppliers and operators lack dedicated WHS or regulatory staff, both sources pointed to documentation, rather than chemistry, as the area most likely to catch businesses out. Lamont said assuming existing paperwork remained adequate was a common and costly mistake.
“The biggest risk is assuming existing documentation remains compliant without a detailed review,” he said. “Smaller operators may not have the resources to regularly monitor regulatory changes, which can lead to outdated SDSs, incorrect labels, or inadequate workplace risk assessments.”
Pitcher shared a similar view from the manufacturing side. “The biggest challenge for smaller suppliers is often not the chemistry itself, but ensuring documentation keeps pace with regulatory changes,” he said. “Reviewing exposure limits, updating SDSs, labels and technical documentation, and understanding how revised classifications affect products can require significant expertise. Smaller chemicals suppliers will need to invest to ensure they remain compliant, as they will be audited and assessed for WELs compliance and data accuracy.”
Compliance on paper is only part of the picture, Pitcher added, pointing to a common misconception among chemical buyers and end users. “There can also be a misconception that simply complying with an exposure limit is sufficient,” he said. “Good workplace practice is to assess risks, implement appropriate engineering and administrative controls, provide suitable PPE where necessary, and minimise worker exposure wherever reasonably practicable. Businesses that seek expert advice early and maintain current documentation are likely to find the transition much smoother.”
Lamont’s advice for businesses navigating the transition centres on early, staged preparation. Reviewing SDS documents, labels and hazardous chemical registers well ahead of the deadline, prioritising products with hazardous classifications or frequent employee contact, and leaning on supplier and industry association support were among the steps he recommended, alongside keeping staff training and compliance registers current through regular six-monthly or annual reviews.
Businesses can access the new HCIS directly through Safe Work Australia to review current classification and exposure limit data relevant to their operations.
