Compliance

Last updated: March 2026

At Chem Connect, safety and regulatory compliance are at the core of everything we do. As a B2B chemical marketplace serving concrete plants, quarries, and civil construction sites across Australia, we are committed to meeting all applicable standards for the supply, transport, and handling of chemical products, including Dangerous Goods.

Table of Contents

1. Chemical Safety and Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are the cornerstone of chemical safety management. CQVS provides current, GHS-compliant SDS documentation for every chemical product available on the Chem Connect marketplace.

SDS Availability

SDS documents are available for download on each product listing page
Updated SDS documents are provided with every order shipment
SDS documents conform to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, as adopted in Australia
All SDS documents are maintained in the current 16-section format as required by Safe Work Australia

SDS Content

Each SDS includes the following key information:

Product identification and chemical composition
Hazard identification and GHS classification
First aid measures and firefighting procedures
Accidental release measures and handling/storage guidance
Exposure controls and personal protection requirements
Physical and chemical properties
Stability, reactivity, and toxicological information
Ecological information and disposal considerations
Transport information and regulatory classification

Your Obligations

Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, businesses that use, handle, or store chemical products must maintain accessible copies of current SDS documents for all chemicals on-site. SDS documents must be available to all workers who may be exposed to the chemicals and to emergency services personnel.

2. Dangerous Goods Classifications

Chem Connect supplies products across several Dangerous Goods (DG) classifications as defined by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code, Edition 7.8). Understanding these classifications is essential for safe handling, storage, and transport.

Class 3

Flammable Liquids

Liquids with a flash point of no more than 60 degrees Celsius. This class includes certain solvents, fuel additives, and specialty chemical formulations available on our platform.

Storage: Flammable liquids cabinet or compliant storage area, away from ignition sources
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation required to prevent vapour accumulation
Signage: DG Class 3 diamond placard required on storage area
Segregation: Must be separated from oxidising agents (Class 5) and corrosives (Class 8)

Class 5

Oxidising Agents

Substances that may cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials by yielding oxygen. This class covers certain treatment chemicals and cleaning compounds.

Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from combustible materials
Segregation: Must be isolated from flammable liquids (Class 3), organic materials, and reducing agents
Signage: DG Class 5 diamond placard required
Containment: Suitable bunding to contain spills

Class 6

Toxic Substances

Substances that are liable to cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Includes certain industrial-grade chemicals.

Storage: Locked, secure area with restricted access; separate from food and feed
PPE: Full protective equipment as specified in the SDS
Signage: DG Class 6 diamond placard and restricted access signage required
Records: Register of toxic substances and access log must be maintained

Class 8

Corrosives

Substances that cause destruction of living tissue and/or damage to metals on contact. This is the most common DG class on our platform, covering acid replacements, surface treatments, and industrial cleaning agents.

Storage: Chemically resistant bunded area; acid and alkali corrosives must be stored separately from each other
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, and protective clothing
Signage: DG Class 8 diamond placard required
Emergency equipment: Eye wash station and safety shower must be accessible within the storage area

3. Transport and Storage Requirements

Transport Compliance

All dangerous goods shipments are managed through DG-licensed carriers that comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) and applicable state and territory transport regulations. Our transport arrangements include:

DG-rated vehicles with appropriate placarding and signage
Trained and licensed drivers holding a DG driver licence where required
Proper packaging, labelling, and marking per ADG Code requirements
Segregation of incompatible DG classes during transport
Emergency procedures documentation carried with all DG shipments
Transport documentation including DG declaration and consignment notes

Storage Requirements

Once products are delivered to your site, you are responsible for storage in accordance with the SDS and applicable Australian Standards, including:

AS 3780 - The Storage and Handling of Corrosive Substances
AS 1940 - The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
AS 4326 - The Storage and Handling of Oxidising Agents
State and territory Work Health and Safety Regulations for DG storage thresholds and manifest requirements

Segregation Requirements

Different DG classes must be stored in compliance with segregation rules to prevent dangerous reactions. Key segregation requirements include:

Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) must be separated from Class 5 (Oxidising Agents)
Acids and alkaline corrosives (both Class 8) must be stored separately from each other
Class 6 (Toxic) substances must be stored in secure, restricted areas
All DG classes must be separated from food, feed, and general merchandise

4. PPE Requirements by Product Class

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements vary by product and DG classification. Always refer to the specific SDS for each product for detailed PPE guidance. The following is a general guide:

DG Class	Minimum PPE
Class 3	Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, anti-static clothing, respiratory protection in poorly ventilated areas
Class 5	Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, respiratory protection if dust or fumes are generated
Class 6	Chemical-resistant gloves, full face shield or safety goggles, full protective suit, respiratory protection (appropriate for substance type)
Class 8	Acid/alkali-resistant gloves, face shield or splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant apron or suit, rubber boots

Important: The above is a general guide only. Specific PPE requirements may vary by product and application. Always refer to Section 8 of the product SDS for complete exposure controls and PPE recommendations. It is the employer's responsibility under WHS legislation to provide appropriate PPE and ensure workers are trained in its correct use.

5. Environmental Compliance

CQVS is committed to environmental responsibility. We work with suppliers and customers to minimise the environmental impact of chemical products throughout their lifecycle.

Spill Prevention and Response

All chemical storage areas must be bunded to contain spills and prevent environmental contamination
Spill response equipment (absorbent materials, neutralising agents) should be readily available
Significant chemical spills must be reported to the relevant state or territory environmental authority
Spill response procedures must be documented and communicated to all workers

Waste Disposal

Chemical waste must be disposed of in accordance with Section 13 of the product SDS
Waste chemicals must not be poured into drains, waterways, or onto the ground
Empty containers that held DG products must be disposed of through a licensed waste contractor
Records of chemical waste disposal must be maintained as required by state regulations

Packaging and Sustainability

We work with suppliers to reduce packaging waste where possible while maintaining product integrity and DG compliance. We encourage customers to participate in container return programs where available and to consolidate orders to reduce transport emissions.

6. Australian Regulatory Framework

Our operations comply with the following key Australian regulations and standards:

Work Health and Safety

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth): Establishes the framework for workplace health and safety duties, including the management of hazardous chemicals
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011: Sets specific requirements for hazardous chemical management, SDS provision, labelling, storage, and manifest requirements
GHS (Globally Harmonised System): Australia has adopted the GHS for classification and labelling of chemicals, which governs SDS format and hazard communication

Dangerous Goods Transport

Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code, Edition 7.8): The national code governing the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail, including classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements
State and Territory Transport Regulations: Each state and territory has legislation adopting and implementing the ADG Code for road transport within their jurisdiction

Environmental

Environment Protection Act (state/territory): Each jurisdiction has environmental protection legislation governing chemical waste, spill reporting, and pollution prevention
National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs): National standards for environmental protection that apply to chemical storage and handling

Product Standards

Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 (Cth): Governs the introduction and use of industrial chemicals in Australia through AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme)
Poisons Standard (SUSMP): The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, which may apply to certain chemical products

7. Licensing and Certifications

CQVS maintains the necessary licences and certifications to operate as a chemical supply platform in Australia:

Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
Compliance with AICIS requirements for the supply of industrial chemicals
Partnership with DG-licensed transport carriers for dangerous goods shipments
Adherence to relevant Australian Standards for chemical storage and handling at our facilities

We work with suppliers who maintain appropriate manufacturing certifications, quality management systems, and product registrations. Product compliance documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COA), is available upon request.

8. Customer Obligations When Ordering DG Products

By ordering dangerous goods products from Chem Connect, you confirm and agree to the following:

Competency: You have adequate knowledge and training, or employ personnel with adequate knowledge and training, to safely receive, handle, store, and use the DG products ordered.

Facilities: You have appropriate storage facilities that comply with Australian Standards and WHS Regulations for the relevant DG class and quantities ordered.

Licensing: You hold any licences or permits required by your state or territory for the storage and handling of the DG products ordered, particularly where storage quantities exceed manifest thresholds.

SDS Compliance: You will obtain, read, and comply with the Safety Data Sheet for every product ordered, and make it available to all personnel who may come into contact with the product.

PPE: You will ensure that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as specified in the SDS is available and used by all personnel handling the products.

Emergency Preparedness: You have documented emergency procedures for chemical spills, exposure incidents, and fires involving the DG products you order.

Disposal: You will dispose of chemical waste and empty containers in accordance with the SDS and applicable environmental regulations.

9. Emergency Contact Procedures

In the event of a chemical emergency involving products purchased from Chem Connect, follow these procedures:

Immediate Danger to Life

Call Triple Zero (000)

For fire, medical emergencies, or situations involving immediate danger to life. Inform emergency services of the chemicals involved, the DG class, and UN number (found on the SDS and product label).

Poison Information

Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For advice on chemical exposure, ingestion, or poisoning incidents. Have the product SDS and label available when calling.

Chemical Spills

For significant chemical spills that may impact the environment, contact your state or territory environmental authority:

QLD - Department of Environment and Science: 1300 130 372
NSW - Environment Protection Authority: 131 555
VIC - Environment Protection Authority: 1300 372 842
SA - Environment Protection Authority: (08) 8204 2004
WA - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation: 1300 784 782
TAS - Environment Protection Authority: 1800 005 171
NT - NT Environment Protection Authority: (08) 8924 4218
ACT - Access Canberra: 13 22 81

CQVS Product Inquiries

For non-emergency product questions, SDS requests, or to report product quality concerns:

Email: support@chemconnect.com.au

10. Quality Assurance

CQVS is committed to supplying high-quality chemical products through the Chem Connect marketplace. Our quality assurance practices include:

Supplier Standards

We partner with suppliers who maintain quality management systems aligned with ISO 9001 standards
Supplier facilities are assessed for compliance with relevant manufacturing standards
Regular supplier reviews and performance monitoring

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Certificates of Analysis are available for products upon request, confirming that the product meets its stated specifications
COA documents include batch number, manufacturing date, test results, and specification limits
Products are traceable through the supply chain via batch and lot number tracking

Product Integrity

Products are stored and handled in accordance with their SDS requirements throughout the supply chain
Shelf life and expiry dates are monitored and managed
Packaging integrity is verified before dispatch
Product complaints are investigated and documented, with corrective actions implemented where necessary

Continuous Improvement

We continually review and improve our compliance processes. If you identify any compliance concern or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at support@chemconnect.com.au.