Decanting and relabelling

It is common practice to pour substances from one container to another, for example from a large container to a small one for ease of use. This is known as decanting. A label is not necessary on the new container if the hazardous substance is used immediately and the container immediately cleaned. However it is good practice to adequately relabel all containers after decanting. If the hazardous substance is to be used during a single shift, then the new container should be labelled with the product name and risk and safety phrases. If the decanted hazardous substance is not used within a single shift then the new container should be fully labelled as shown in the Code of practice for the labelling of workplace substances and as indicated on the original container label.

Vessels and pipes

Enclosed vessels and pipes which contain hazardous substances should also be labelled, so as to identify contents and indicate risks, although full labelling as outlined in this booklet is not usually required. They can be labelled for example, with a colour coding system such as described in the Australian Standard AS 1345 Identification of the Contents of Piping, Conduits and Ducts. Australian Standard AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment also provides suggested symbols.

The Dangerous Goods Regulation 1978 specifies signs to be displayed on bulk containers of dangerous goods. These include the "diamond" sign identical to the one on containers.

It is important to know about the chemical products used at your workplace. Reading the material safety data sheet (MSDS) is the second step in getting more detailed health and safety information on the chemicals used in your workplace.

What is a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?
Having identified the substance from the label, you can ask if an MSDS is available. An MSDS will be available if the chemical is identified as a hazardous substance.

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document prepared by the manufacturer of the product, or the supplier. They are available from the manufacturer or through the supplier. MSDS should clearly state if a product is a hazardous substance.

An MSDS should have arrived in the workplace on or about the first supply of a hazardous substance. If an MSDS is not available you should ask your employer or supplier. If you have difficulty in getting or using an MSDS contact your local WorkCover NSW office. For chemicals which are not hazardous substances other types of information may be available which are not set out in the format of an MSDS.

What does a material safety data sheet tell you?

• the ingredients of the product
• the health effects of the product and first aid instructions
• precautions to follow when you use the product
• safe handling and storage information.

Just because an MSDS has been provided this does not automatically mean that the product is now safe to use. You should read the MSDS carefully and do a risk assessment.

What if the MSDS doesn't tell you what you want to know?
Most of the things you want to know about a product should be on the MSDS. If you are not satisfied with what is on the MSDS then get in touch with the contact person listed on the MSDS. Your workplace health and safety committee or safety officer can help arrange this. You can also get help from your local WorkCover NSW office.

MSDS in your workplace

• Keep copies of the MSDS for each product used and place in a register.
• Store the MSDS in a place that is accessible to everyone.
• Make sure everyone is familiar with the contents of the MSDS for products used in their area and trained in the correct use.
• Make sure that the MSDS is complete and is not more than five years old.

Using MSDS

Use MSDS to:

• identify if the product is a hazardous substance
• assist in carrying out risk assessments.

You can also use MSDS to:

• find out how to use a product safely
• check that all products are being used in the right way for the right job
• decide whether any improvements should be made to machinery or procedures
• decide whether any monitoring for airborne contamination should be done
• check that emergency equipment and procedures are adequate
• develop on-the-job training.

Supervisors, the workplace health and safety committee, the health and safety officer and employees can use the MSDS to check on and improve health and safety in the workplace.

What does an MSDS look like?

A recommended format and contents for material safety data sheets has been prepared by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia). The format of the material safety data sheet that you receive may be slightly different, but you should expect to find the information outlined below.