Australian SDS requirements explained - what every buyer should check
Every chemical sold in Australia must ship with a GHS-aligned Safety Data Sheet. Here's what you should verify on every SDS before accepting a delivery.
What an SDS must contain
Australian SDS documents follow the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and must include 16 standardised sections, from product identification (Section 1) through to disposal (Section 13) and regulatory information (Section 15).
What to verify on receipt
1. Section 1 - Identification. Product name matches the order; supplier ABN is shown. 2. Section 2 - Hazards. GHS pictograms and signal words match the label. 3. Section 3 - Composition. Active ingredients listed by CAS number with concentration ranges. 4. Section 4 - First aid. Specific guidance for inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact. 5. Section 14 - Transport. UN number, hazard class, packing group, and proper shipping name match the freight paperwork.
Storage and accessibility
WHS regulations require SDS to be immediately accessible to workers handling the chemical. Most Australian sites maintain a hard-copy register at the chemical store plus a digital copy on a shared drive.
When to request a fresh SDS
Manufacturers must reissue SDS within 5 years, or sooner if the formulation, hazard, or regulatory status changes. If your current SDS is older than 5 years, request a new one before next use.