News
Infopest, the comprehensive Agvet chemical database, previously produced by the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI. since reorganised), is now owned and managed by Growcom, a peak industry body in the agricultural sector. The Infopest DVD contains labels and SDS of agricultural and veterinary chemical products. For more information visit www.infopest.com.au or email admin@infopest.com.au.
DEEDI's Infopest client lists were not made available to Growcom with the change in ownership. If you would like to subscribe to Infopest, please register at the Infopest website.
A new Code of Practice for the Preparation of Safety Data Sheets was released early in 2012. It incorporates Globally Harmonised System (GHS) label elements, statements and Pictograms. Kilford & Kilford has been preparing all new SDSs to this new format since September 2012. The Code applies to substances, mixtures and articles used, handled or stored at the workplace that are defined as hazardous chemicals under the Work Health and Safety Regulations. SDSs for all Hazardous preparations will have to be in this new format by the end of 2016, so any SDS being updated should have the new elements added at that time.
Any SDS which follows the old 5 point system is now out of date. Note however, that the provision of an SDS is mandatory only for Hazardous or Dangerous substances.
Safe Work Australia has also issued a new Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice which can be downloaded in either in PDF or doc format. This Code of Practice, like the one for SDSs, introduces GHS labelling elements.
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG 7), has been in use since late 2007, and so all new SDSs and revisions to old MSDSs should refer to the provisions in the new Code. There are many new aspects, but perhaps the more important ones include the adoption of Limited Quantity labelling (packages of Dangerous Goods below certain quantities no longer need to be labelled as Dangerous Goods) and exemption of most Environmentally Hazardous Goods from the code in packages below 500L (or kg) and in IBCs.
There are also changes to the Hazchem codes and in some cases to their meanings.
ADG 7 is published as hard copy in two volumes (more than 700 pages) and is also freely downloadable (ADG 7 Vol 1, ADG 7 Vol 2) from the National Transport Commission website.
SUSMP 3 is now current, effective 1 June 2012. As usual, quarterly amendments have been issued. It is also available online at the TGA website.
The List of Designated Hazardous Substances (now called HSIS or Hazardous Substance Information System) may now be searched on line.
The Public AICS (NICNAS) database may also be searched online.
Links
Useful links:
APVMA Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (Canberra)
World Wide Web Virtual Library: Chemistry
Robert Forbes Regulatory Affairs and GMP Consultants for manufacturers and suppliers of medicines, cosmetics, foods and medical devices
EXTOXNET Pesticide Information Profiles
Useful publications include:
- "Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances"; ref [NOHSC:1008(2004)] can be downloaded from Safe Work Australia
- There is a list of other worthwhile documents at the Standards, Codes & Guidance section of Safe Work Australia's List of Publications.
Associated Consultancies
C. Lim Consulting Pty Ltd for extensive expertise in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Validation, Quality Control (QC) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
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