Hazardous Chemicals Checklist: A Practical WHS Guide

Quick answer: Managing hazardous chemicals in compliance with Australian WHS law requires a current chemical register, up-to-date Safety Data Sheets, correct labelling, compatible storage, adequate ventilation, appropriate PPE, and documented risk assessments. This checklist covers each requirement.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects current Model WHS Regulations and the Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.

Hazardous chemicals are present in workplaces across almost every industry — from cleaning products in offices to industrial solvents on manufacturing floors. The WHS obligations that come with them are significant. A missed SDS, an unlabelled container, or a missing spill kit can result in serious worker injury and substantial WHS fines.

This checklist walks through each key area of hazardous chemicals management so you can confirm your workplace is compliant before an inspector arrives — or before something goes wrong.

How to Use This Checklist

Work through each section systematically. Tick each item when it is confirmed as in place. Any item left unticked represents a gap that requires action. Assign a responsible person and a due date to each gap before you file this checklist.

This checklist is based on the Model WHS Regulations and applies in all jurisdictions that have adopted them (NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT). WorkSafe Victoria operates under the OHS Act 2004, which has equivalent but differently worded requirements — check current Victorian guidance if that jurisdiction applies to you.

1. Chemical Register

A chemical register is the foundation of hazardous chemicals management. Without it, you cannot demonstrate what chemicals are on site, where they are located, or what quantities are present.

• A chemical register is maintained and kept up to date.
• The register includes every hazardous chemical used, handled, generated, or stored at the workplace.
• Each entry records the product name, the hazard classifications, the location on site, and the maximum quantity held.
• The register is reviewed whenever a new chemical is brought on site or an existing chemical is removed.
• The chemical register is readily accessible to workers, health and safety representatives, and emergency services.

For more on what a register must contain, see our guide: What Is a Chemical Register?

2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets provide the essential health, safety, and emergency information for each hazardous chemical. Regulators frequently check that SDS are current, accessible, and present for every chemical in use.

• An SDS is held for every hazardous chemical on the register.
• Every SDS was prepared or last revised within the past five years (check the revision date on page one).
• SDS are stored in a location that is accessible to workers during all shifts — including night shifts and weekends.
• SDS can be accessed quickly in an emergency, including by emergency service personnel.
• The SDS folder or system is clearly labelled and workers know where to find it.
• When a supplier issues a revised SDS, the old version is replaced promptly.

3. Labelling

Every container of a hazardous chemical must be correctly labelled. Decanting chemicals into unlabelled containers is one of the most common hazardous chemicals breaches found during WHS inspections.

• All hazardous chemical containers carry a label that complies with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling.
• Labels include the product identifier, hazard pictograms, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
• Supplier information is present on the label.
• Decanted containers and site-mixed substances are labelled with at minimum the product name and relevant hazard information.
• Damaged, faded, or missing labels are replaced immediately.
• Labels are in English (additional languages may be added where needed).

4. Storage and Segregation

Incompatible chemicals stored together can react violently, generating toxic gases, fire, or explosion. Correct segregation is a non-negotiable control measure.

• Hazardous chemicals are stored in accordance with their compatibility — incompatible chemicals (e.g., acids and bases, oxidisers and flammables) are segregated.
• Flammable and combustible liquids are stored in approved flammable storage cabinets or purpose-built flammable liquid stores.
• Chemical storage areas are clearly signed and access is controlled where appropriate.
• Chemicals are not stored near ignition sources, heat, or direct sunlight (where the SDS or label requires this).
• Liquid chemicals are stored in bunded areas capable of containing at least 110% of the largest container or 25% of total stored volume (whichever is greater) to contain spills and leaks.
• Containers are in good condition — no leaks, corrosion, or damaged closures.
• Quantities on site are kept to the minimum needed for operations.

5. Spill Containment and Bunding

Spills must be contained to protect workers and prevent environmental contamination. Bunding and spill kits are required controls for most chemical storage and handling areas.

• Bunding is installed in all areas where liquid hazardous chemicals are stored or decanted.
• Bunding is maintained in good condition — no cracks, gaps, or penetrations that would compromise containment.
• Spill kits are located close to chemical storage and use areas.
• Spill kits are appropriate for the chemicals being used (e.g., chemical-specific absorbents, not general sawdust, for corrosives).
• Spill kits are regularly inspected and restocked after use.
• Workers know how to use the spill kit and have been trained in spill response procedures.
• Spill response procedures are documented and displayed or readily accessible.

6. Ventilation

Many hazardous chemicals release vapours, dusts, mists, or fumes that can cause acute or chronic health effects if inhaled. Adequate ventilation is a critical engineering control.

• Chemical use and storage areas have adequate ventilation — either natural ventilation, local exhaust ventilation (LEV), or a combination.
• Local exhaust ventilation (e.g., fume cupboards, extraction hoods) is installed where chemicals produce significant vapour or fume.
• Ventilation systems are regularly inspected and maintained, and maintenance records are kept.
• Atmospheric monitoring is conducted where there is a risk of airborne chemical concentrations exceeding exposure standards (if applicable).
• Confined spaces where chemicals are used or stored are risk assessed, and entry procedures include atmospheric testing.

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

PPE and RPE are last-resort controls — they should be used in addition to, not instead of, engineering and administrative controls. However, for chemical hazards they are often essential.

• Appropriate PPE is specified for each chemical in use, based on the SDS and the risk assessment.
• PPE includes gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing as a minimum where chemical contact is possible.
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is provided where inhalation of vapours, dusts, fumes, or mists is a risk.
• RPE is correctly rated for the specific chemical hazard (e.g., the correct cartridge type for organic vapours vs. acid gases).
• PPE and RPE are inspected before each use and replaced when damaged or expired.
• Workers are trained in how to correctly don, use, doff, and store their PPE and RPE.
• Fit testing has been conducted for tight-fitting respirators (half-face and full-face masks).
• PPE is stored correctly to prevent contamination or degradation.

8. Risk Assessments

A written risk assessment is required before introducing any new hazardous chemical to the workplace. Risk assessments document the hazards, the likelihood and consequence of harm, and the controls in place.

• A risk assessment has been completed for each hazardous chemical used at the workplace.
• Risk assessments address the hierarchy of controls — elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
• Risk assessments are reviewed when there is a change to the chemical, the process, or the work environment.
• Risk assessments are reviewed after any chemical-related incident or near miss.
• Workers who use the chemicals have been consulted in the risk assessment process.
• Risk assessments are documented, signed, and accessible.

For chemicals involved in high-risk work activities, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) may also be required. See our guide: Hazardous Chemicals SWMS Guide

9. Placarding and Manifest (if Thresholds Exceeded)

If the quantities of hazardous chemicals at your workplace meet or exceed the placard and manifest quantity thresholds in Schedule 14 and Schedule 15 of the Model WHS Regulations, additional obligations apply.

• The quantities of hazardous chemicals on site have been assessed against the placard quantity thresholds in Schedule 14.
• If thresholds are met or exceeded, outer warning placards are displayed at entry points to the workplace in the required format.
• The quantities of hazardous chemicals on site have been assessed against the manifest quantity thresholds in Schedule 15.
• If manifest thresholds are met or exceeded, a written manifest is prepared, kept up to date, and provided to the local emergency services authority.
• The manifest is reviewed and updated whenever chemical holdings change significantly.

Most small and medium workplaces will not meet these thresholds. If you are unsure, check Schedule 14 and Schedule 15 of your state's WHS Regulations or seek advice from your regulator.

10. Training and Instruction

Workers cannot manage chemical hazards they are not trained to recognise and control. Training must be specific — general WHS induction is not sufficient for hazardous chemicals.

• All workers who use, handle, generate, or store hazardous chemicals have received specific training on the chemicals they work with.
• Training covers: how to read an SDS, correct labelling, required PPE and how to use it, spill response, and emergency procedures.
• Training records are kept, including the date, content covered, and names of attendees.
• Training is refreshed when chemicals, processes, or controls change.
• New workers do not use hazardous chemicals until they have been trained and supervised.
• Health and safety representatives have been consulted on, and are aware of, the hazardous chemicals present at the workplace.

11. Emergency Procedures and First Aid

Chemical emergencies — spills, splashes, inhalation, and ingestion — require an immediate and appropriate response. First aid equipment must be matched to the chemicals present.

• Emergency procedures for chemical incidents (spill, splash, inhalation, fire) are documented and displayed near chemical use and storage areas.
• Eyewash stations are installed wherever there is a risk of chemical splash to the eyes.
• Eyewash stations are plumbed (where practicable) or the portable units are maintained with fresh solution and tested regularly.
• Workers know where the eyewash station is and how to use it.
• First aid kits are stocked with items appropriate for chemical burns and exposures (as specified in the relevant SDS).
• Emergency contact numbers (Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26, emergency services: 000) are displayed prominently.
• Workers know what to do in the event of a chemical emergency before they start work with hazardous chemicals.
• The first aid officer or a designated worker is trained in chemical first aid responses.

State and Territory Variations

This checklist is based on the Model WHS Regulations adopted by most Australian states and territories.

Always verify current requirements with your state or territory regulator, as requirements and thresholds may be subject to local variation.

Related Guides

• What Is a Chemical Register?
• Hazardous Chemicals SWMS Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a Safety Data Sheet need to be updated?

Under the Model WHS Regulations, an SDS must be no more than five years old. If a supplier issues a revised SDS before the five-year mark, you should replace the old version promptly. Always check the revision date on page one of the document.

Do I need a manifest if I only have small amounts of hazardous chemicals?

A manifest is only required if the quantities of hazardous chemicals at your workplace meet or exceed the manifest quantity thresholds set out in Schedule 15 of the Model WHS Regulations. Most small workplaces will fall below these thresholds, but you should still maintain a chemical register regardless of quantity.

Who is responsible for providing Safety Data Sheets?

The manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical must prepare and provide a current SDS. As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must obtain the SDS before or at the time of first supply and make it accessible to workers who use, handle, generate, or store the chemical.

What PPE is required when working with hazardous chemicals?

PPE requirements depend on the specific chemical and the task. Section 8 of the SDS (Exposure Controls / Personal Protection) will specify what PPE is required, including glove type, eye protection, RPE, and protective clothing. Always select PPE that is compatible with the chemical — not all gloves or respirators are rated for all substances.

Manage Your Chemical Obligations in One Place

Keeping your chemical register current, your SDS up to date, and your training records in order is an ongoing responsibility. BlueSafe Online gives you the tools to manage hazardous chemicals compliance — including digital registers, SDS management, and SWMS — without the paperwork headache.

Ready to get started? Explore BlueSafe Online.

This checklist is provided as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. WHS obligations vary by jurisdiction and by the nature of your work. Always consult the relevant legislation and, where necessary, seek professional WHS advice for your specific circumstances.