Handle hazardous chemicals and controlled substances

Hazardous chemicals are substances, mixtures or articles that can pose serious risks if not managed correctly. 

They may present: 

  • health hazards (e.g. toxic chemicals) 
  • physical hazards (e.g. flammable liquids). 

Organisations that use hazardous chemicals must: 

  • identify hazardous chemicals used in the workplace 
  • assess and control the risks they present. 

At UQ, controlled substances are those listed in legislation or codes as regulated, controlled or requiring measures to prevent diversion to illicit use. All controlled substances are hazardous chemicals. 

This category includes:  

Identify hazardous chemicals 

Manufacturers or importers are responsible for classifying substances under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). 

Label hazardous chemicals 

All containers, packages, tanks and bulk stores must clearly display the identity and hazards of their contents. The requirements for labelling are detailed in the following codes of practice and regulations: 

Keep Safety Data Sheets accessible 

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available for every hazardous chemical used, handled or stored. SDSs detail: 

  • identity and ingredients 
  • health and physical hazards 
  • safe handling and storage 
  • emergency procedures 
  • disposal information. 

The Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice 2018 (Qld) applies to all substances defined as hazardous chemicals under the WHS regulation. 

UQ’s enterprise database for safety data sheets (SDSs) is Chemwatch. If information contained in a SDS provided by the supplier contradicts a generic Chemwatch SDS, the information contained in the supplier’s SDS takes precedence.  

Access chemical Safety Data Sheets via Chemwatch. 

Prepare a Safety Data Sheet when manufacturing or supplying

If you produce or manufacture any natural or artificial substance, mixture or article in a research lab at UQ, you must prepare a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 

If you supply hazardous chemicals to others – such as collaborators or industry – you must: 

  • prepare an SDS before, or as soon as practicable after, manufacture or import 
  • ensure chemicals are correctly labelled and packed as soon as practicable after manufacture. 

If preparing a full SDS is not practicable, use the SDS template for research chemicals, waste products or samples (PDF, 110.84 KB). Where possible, prepare one SDS for groups of similar substances. 

Import chemicals correctly

Purchasing chemicals from overseas suppliers significantly increases the risks associated with regulatory compliance and health and safety. Where possible, avoid purchasing chemicals from overseas suppliers. Only consider this option after thoroughly investigating all local purchasing alternatives. 

Do not purchase chemicals from generic marketplace websites. As outlined in the Finance and Business Services Division Where to Buy Guide, suppliers who source products from these sites must not be used. 

Australian Border Force enforces strict regulations on the importation of substances into Australia. Severe penalties may apply for unauthorised imports. Organisational units must ensure that all imports comply with current regulations and that the necessary import permits are obtained before arranging the importation of hazardous chemicals. 

For support with importing or exporting goods, contact the Customs Supervisor at Cargo Network International. Use the following templates to meet requirements and avoid customs delays: 

Certain chemical imports must be registered, reported or require a pre-introduction report under the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). Registration with AICIS is managed by the HSW Division. 

UQ workers importing hazardous chemicals are responsible for ensuring compliance with Safety Data Sheet and chemical labelling requirements. 

Some imports must be registered or reported to AICIS. 

For advice, contact hsw@uq.edu.au.

Manage chemical risks 

Complete a risk assessment for all work involving hazardous chemicals. The Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice 2013 (Qld) provides guidance. 

Use the SDS to assess hazards such as: 

  • exposure standards and routes 
  • acute and chronic health effects. 

Remember, SDSs are written for all users, often based on worst-case scenarios. In labs, controls such as fume cupboards may mean different PPE is appropriate. 

See Safe Work Australia’s workplace exposure standards for chemicals for exposure standards. Also, you can search exposure standards on Safe Work Australia’s Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS). 

For oxygen depletion risks, use the Oxygen Depletion Calculator (XLSX, 13.78 KB) and refer to the Working Safely with Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice Guideline. 

Monitor health where required 

Health monitoring may be needed if there is a significant risk of exposure. Chemicals include but are not limited to: 

Complete required training 

You must complete training before working with hazardous chemicals or in laboratories. 

See training and induction requirements for hazardous chemical users and laboratory workers. 

Purchase chemicals safely

Purchase chemicals, medicines and hazardous materials only through UQeMarket supplier catalogues. If an item is unavailable, follow the procurement decision guide (PDF, 275.91 KB) and a competitive selection process. See the Where to Buy Guide for details. 

Do not purchase from generic marketplace sites (e.g. eBay, Alibaba, AliExpress, Taobao, WeChat, Amazon). In addition, you must not purchase from suppliers who source their items from these marketplace sites, as this increases the risks of regulatory breach. 

Obtain purchasing approvals 

All regulated and controlled substances need approval by the relevant officer: 

Do not use credit cards to purchase chemicals 

You must not use corporate or personal credit cards, or cash, to buy chemicals, reagents or scheduled medicines and poisons (including paints, adhesives and other hazardous products). Use UQeMarket catalogues or free format orders for non-catalogue items. 

Maintain a hazardous chemicals manifest 

Under WHS regulations, you must maintain a current manifest of controlled substances, including the room number. 

For all drug and controlled substance purchases via UniFi, select the correct controlled substance location. See the Controlled Substances Location Training (staff login required).