A hazardous chemical register (also called a hazchem register, chemical manifest, or hazardous substances register) is a mandatory document that lists all hazardous chemicals stored, handled, or used at a workplace. It's a fundamental requirement under Australian WHS Regulations.
Legal Requirement
Regulation 346 of the model WHS Regulations requires a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to keep a register of all hazardous chemicals used, handled, or stored at the workplace.
What Must Be Included in a Hazardous Chemical Register?
While WHS Regulations don't prescribe an exact format, your hazardous chemical register must include, at minimum:
| Required Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | The trade name or chemical name as it appears on the container label and SDS |
| Manufacturer/Supplier | The company that manufactures or supplies the product |
| Current SDS | Reference to the Safety Data Sheet (must be less than 5 years old) |
| Quantity | Approximate quantities stored (may be ranges like "1-10L" or "10-50kg") |
| Location | Where the chemical is stored within the workplace |
Recommended Additional Information
While not strictly required, best practice registers also include:
- UN Number — For dangerous goods classification
- DG Class — The dangerous goods classification (e.g., Class 3 Flammable Liquid)
- GHS Hazard Classification — The GHS hazard categories
- SDS Issue Date — To track when SDS documents need updating
- Product Category — For grouping similar products (e.g., solvents, acids, cleaning products)
- Risk Assessment Reference — Link to relevant risk assessments
- PPE Requirements — Quick reference for required protective equipment
- Last Review Date — When the entry was last verified
Who Needs a Hazardous Chemical Register?
You need a hazardous chemical register if your workplace:
- Stores hazardous chemicals (even in small quantities)
- Uses hazardous chemicals in work processes
- Handles hazardous chemicals for any purpose
- Has hazardous chemicals pass through as freight or deliveries
This applies to virtually every industry, including:
- Manufacturing and processing facilities
- Construction sites
- Automotive workshops and panel beaters
- Healthcare and veterinary facilities
- Schools and universities
- Cleaning and maintenance businesses
- Agriculture and farming operations
- Retail stores with hazardous products
- Offices (yes, even offices have cleaning products!)
Keeping Your Register Current
A hazardous chemical register is a living document that must be maintained:
- Add new chemicals when they're brought into the workplace
- Remove chemicals that are no longer used or stored
- Update quantities if they change significantly
- Update locations if chemicals are moved
- Review SDS documents to ensure they're current (less than 5 years old)
- Conduct periodic audits to verify register accuracy
Audit Tip
Walk through your workplace at least quarterly and physically check that your register matches what's actually on the shelves. This is exactly what WHS inspectors do during audits.
Accessibility Requirements
Your hazardous chemical register must be readily accessible to:
- Workers who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals
- Health and safety representatives
- Emergency services (fire, ambulance, hazmat teams)
- WHS inspectors during audits or investigations
This means the register should be:
- Available at all times, including outside normal business hours
- Located where it can be quickly accessed in an emergency
- Understandable by the people who need to use it
- Maintained in a format that allows efficient searching