HSNO Regulations - Labelling & Packaging

Labelling and Packaging of Workplace Containers

When you purchase hazardous substances the manufacturer/importer will have complied with the requirements for labelling and packaging that remain under the HSNO Act and in EPA Notices.

As a PCBU you are required to ensure ongoing compliance.  The manufacturer/importer label must remain in legible condition, and the package in sound condition.

Labelling: Workplace containers

If you manufacture a substance, or decant into other containers (40L or smaller) for use at the workplace, then labelling must show

• the product name or chemical name; and
• hazard pictogram and hazard statement consistent with the correct classification of the substance.

The labelling must remain legible (and you must re-label if it is not).  The container can only be used for the substance that the label indicates.

If the substance is used so quickly that labelling is impractical (such as a measuring jug), then you don’t need to label it, but must clean the container immediately after use.

Packaging: Workplace containers

If you decant into containers at the workplace, the containers must

• Be in sound condition
• Safely contain the substance at temperatures it will encounter
• Be of compatible materials (the substance won’t adversely affect the container)
• Not be one that usually contains food or beverages (or could be mistaken for containing food or beverages)

Petrol in small (25L or less) amounts must be containers that comply with the standards for petrol containers.

Labelling Tanks, process containers & transportable containers

There must be a label on or near tanks or process containers that includes

• the product name or chemical name; and
• hazard pictogram and hazard statement
• if the substance is an
  • explosive substance - the steps to be taken to prevent an unintended explosion;
  • flammable substance - the steps to be taken to prevent an unintended ignition; or
  • oxidising substance, or an organic peroxide - the steps to be taken to prevent an unintended combustion, acceleration of a fire, or thermal decomposition

Transportable containers must meet the labelling/information requirements of the transport rules.