Hazardous substances

What are hazardous substances?

Hazardous substances are those that, following worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health. Examples of hazardous   substances include poisons, substances that cause burns or skin and eye irritation, and substances that may cause cancer.


Many hazardous substances are also classed as dangerous goods.

Type of Hazardous substances

Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 - Gases

• Class 2.1 -Flammable gases

• Class 2.2 -Non -Flammable, non-toxic gases          
• Class 2.3 -Toxic gases

Class 3 Flammable liquids

• Class 3 PG I
• Class 3 PG II
• Class 3 PG III

Class 4 - Flammable solids
Class 5 - Oxidizers
Class 6 - toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive substances
Class 8 - Corrosives
Class 9 - miscellaneous dangerous goods

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS,) also referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a document that describes the chemical and physical properties of a material and provides advice on its safe storage, handling and use.  
It includes details of health and physicochemical hazards, exposure controls, personal protective equipment, safe handling and storage instructions, emergency procedures and disposal advice.

MSDS are prepared in accordance with the MSDS Code of Practice and include the following information: 

• Australian contact details – name of supplier, address and telephone number, including emergency contact details

• Classification in accordance with the Australian hazardous substance and dangerous goods regulatory framework
• Ingredients, disclosed in accordance with Australian, State and Territory government legislation
• National exposure standard values if available, and
• Relevant additional Australian regulatory information.