Hazardous Substance and Dangerous Goods Registers

Understanding Workplace Requirements for Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Registers in Victoria

Workplaces that use, store, or handle hazardous substances and dangerous goods must comply with specific legal requirements under Victorian occupational health and safety laws. One of these requirements is maintaining a Hazardous Substances Register and a Dangerous Goods Register to ensure risks are managed and workers are protected.

This article outlines what these registers are, when they are required, and how they should be maintained in Victorian workplaces.

What Are the Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Registers?

Under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations 2017 and the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022, workplaces must maintain:

  1. A Hazardous Substances Register – A list of all hazardous substances used or stored at the workplace.
  2. A Dangerous Goods Register – A record of all dangerous goods stored and handled at the workplace.

Each register serves a specific legal purpose and must be readily accessible to workers, emergency services, and relevant authorities.

When Is a Register Required?

A business must maintain one or both registers if it uses, stores, or handles substances that meet the relevant definitions under Victorian law. The two registers may be combined.

1. When Is a Hazardous Substances Register Required?

A Hazardous Substances Register is required when a workplace uses or stores substances that are classified as hazardous under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Common hazardous substances include:

  • Industrial solvents, degreasers, and cleaners
  • Paints and adhesives
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Welding fumes and silica dust

A hazardous substance is any chemical that can cause:

  • Health effects such as poisoning, respiratory issues, burns, or cancer
  • Chronic exposure risks, such as asbestos-related diseases

Legal requirement:

  • All workplaces using hazardous substances must maintain a register, regardless of quantity.
  • The register must include Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each hazardous substance.

2. When Is a Dangerous Goods Register Required?

A Dangerous Goods Register is required if a workplace stores or handles dangerous goods in quantities that exceed the prescribed Manifest Quantity or Placard Quantity under the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022.

Dangerous goods are classified based on their physical and chemical properties, including:

  • Flammable liquids (e.g., petrol, acetone)
  • Compressed gases (e.g., LPG, oxygen)
  • Toxic substances (e.g., cyanide)
  • Corrosive substances (e.g., sulfuric acid)
  • Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides

Legal requirement:

  • If dangerous goods are stored or handled in packages that exceed the size under which they must be marked under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, a Dangerous Goods Register must be kept. – This best way to determine this is by looking to see if there is a Dangerous Goods Class Diamond on the package or if only the outer carton was labeled.
  • The register must contain up-to-date SDSs for each dangerous good.

Key Differences Between Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

Criteria

Hazardous Substances

  

Dangerous Goods

 
Legislation OHS Regulations 2017 Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022
Classification System Health-based (GHS) Physical and chemical hazards (ADG Code)
Primary Concern Health effects on workers Fire, explosion, and environmental risks
Examples Lead, asbestos, silica dust Petrol, LPG, flammable aerosols
Register Required? Always, if used/stored Always, if used/stored

How to Maintain a Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Register

1. Hazardous Substances Register Requirements

A Hazardous Substances Register must:

  • List all hazardous substances at the workplace.
  • Include the product name, manufacturer details, and quantity stored.
  • Have a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each substance (updated every five years).
  • Be readily accessible to all workers.

💡 Tip: Many workplaces integrate their hazardous substances register into an online database to ensure easy access and updates.

2. Dangerous Goods Register Requirements

A Dangerous Goods Register must:

  • List all dangerous goods stored and handled at the workplace.
  • Include quantities and storage locations.
  • Have an up-to-date SDS for each dangerous good.
  • Be easily available for emergency services and employees.

Additional requirements if over threshold quantities:

  • Placarding of storage areas.
  • Emergency response plans and manifest storage for emergency services.
  • Notification to WorkSafe Victoria if storing above the prescribed Manifest Quantity.

 

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a Hazardous Substances Register and a Dangerous Goods Register is a legal requirement in many Victorian workplaces. These registers ensure:
✅ Compliance with Victorian OHS and Dangerous Goods laws
✅ Proper risk management of hazardous substances and dangerous goods
✅ Readiness for emergency situations

Employers must review and update their registers regularly, ensuring they contain accurate safety data sheets and reflect current workplace conditions.