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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how workplace hazardous chemicals are labelled and identified. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where chemicals are stored, transferred, or used. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check whether chemical labelling supports safe work.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on how chemical hazards are clearly identified and communicated through labelling. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where labels support hazard identification and risk control, and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Chemical labelling is a basic control that is easy to overlook once chemicals are in use. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when labels are used to communicate risks. It supports early identification of missing, unclear, or incorrect labels and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on what labels workers actually see and rely on during normal work. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real containers, decanted products, and work areas.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when chemicals, containers, or work activities change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on whether hazardous chemicals are clearly identified in practice, not just listed in records. They look for evidence that labels are present, readable, and understood by workers who handle or are exposed to chemicals. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that labelling has been reviewed as part of risk management.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that identified issues lead to practical fixes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to labels or chemical storage practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What chemicals need to be labelled in the workplace?
Any hazardous chemical used, stored, or transferred at work should be clearly labelled. The checklist helps review whether labels are present and meaningful in everyday use.
Does this checklist apply to decanted or secondary containers?
Yes. Labelling is especially important for chemicals transferred into smaller or temporary containers. The checklist helps identify where these labels may be missing or unclear.
Does completing the checklist mean our labelling is adequate?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not confirm adequacy or compliance. It supports review and improvement.
When should chemical labelling be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when new chemicals are introduced, containers change, or labels become damaged or unreadable. Many businesses also review periodically.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s346–s350 – Registers, Manifests and Placarding – Establishes duties relating to chemical registers, manifests, and identification requirements where hazardous chemicals are stored or handled.
Schedule 6–9 – Hazardous Chemicals Classification, SDS and Labelling – Sets out classification, safety data sheet, and labelling requirements for hazardous chemicals under the WHS framework.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.