News
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) is now incorporated into "Safe Work Australia". The Code of Practice for the Preparation of MSDSs (2003 version) and for the Preparation of Workplace Labels (1994 version) can be found at the Safe Work Australia web site in PDF format.
The MSDS Code of Practice formalises the 16 section format seen in the past from Europe, USA and other places.
Any MSDS which follows the old 5 point system is almost certain to be out of date. Note however, that the provision of MSDSs is mandatory only for Hazardous or Dangerous substances.
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG 7), has been in use since late 2007, and so all new MSDSs and revisions to old MSDSs should refer to the provisions in the new Code. There are many new aspects, but perhaps the more important ones include the adoption of Limited Quantity labeling (packages of Dangerous Goods below certain quantities no longer need to be labelled as Dangerous Goods) and exemption of most Environmentally Hazardous Goods from the code in packages below 500L (or kg).
There are also changes to the Hazchem codes and in some cases to their meanings.
ADG 7 is published as Hard Copy (2 volumes; more than 700 pages) and on CD ROM.
SUSDP 23 is now current effective 1 June 2008. As usual, quarterly amendments have been issued.
Any label instruction to induce vomiting is now almost certainly in breach of regulations.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) advised in their gazette (7 August 2001) that all instructions to induce vomiting must be off products' labels by 31 August 2003, so anyone who still has that instruction on their labels is in breach of the regulations.
Infopest now has CD ROMs for labels and MSDSs of Agricultural and Veterinary products.
Email Pat Jones on infopest@dpi.qld.gov.au for details or look at the DPI web site
The List of Designated Hazardous Substances (now called HSIS or Hazardous Substance Information System) may now be searched on line.
The Public AICS (NICNAS) database may also be searched online.
Links
Useful links:
APVMA Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (Canberra)
World Wide Web Virtual Library: Chemistry
Robert Forbes Regulatory Affairs and GMP Consultants for manufacturers and suppliers of medicines, cosmetics, foods and medical devices
EXTOXNET Pesticide Information Profiles
Useful publications include:
- "Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances"; ref [NOHSC:1008(2004)] can be downloaded from Safe Work Australia
- There is a list of other worthwhile documents at the Standards, Codes & Guidance section of Safe Work Australia's List of Publications.
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