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Chemicals, substances and dangerous goods

The terms 'hazardous chemicals' and 'hazardous materials' refer to chemicals and other materials that can cause harm to workers and other people, property or the environment through fire, explosion, reaction or release.

In Australia at present, chemicals may be classified as hazardous substances or dangerous goods. Many chemicals are classified as both. Under new national laws that come into effect in January 2012, they will be classified as hazardous chemicals in line with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS).

Chemicals and substances
The word 'chemicals' refers to materials or substances that may be handled, stored, used or produced in a workplace.

Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are chemicals that have the potential to cause immediate harm to people, property and the environment due to the possibility of fire, explosion, chemical reaction or release of toxic, flammable or corrosive materials during storage or handling.

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) and labelling
A MSDS contains important information about a hazardous chemical (which may be a hazardous substance and/or dangerous goods). Labels must be put on all hazardous chemicals containers supplied to workplaces.