Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances - What's the Difference?

As rationalized by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General; many dangerous goods are also classified as hazardous substances. However, the two classifications should not be confused – they are classified according to different criteria. 

Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects such as: 

  • Fire;
  • Explosion;
  • Corrosion and poisoning; and
  • Damage to property, the environment or people.

Hazardous substances are classified only on the basis of health effects (whether they be immediate or long-term).

Prior to the implementation of the WHS Regulation 2011, most jurisdictions were regulated under separate legislation, these were:

Dangerous Goods:

  • Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001; and
  • Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001. 

Hazardous Substances:

  • Workplace Health and Safety Regulation (Chapter 7)

Now under a single framework, the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011, covers both hazardous substances and dangerous goods whilst introducing a new hazard classification and hazard communication methodology based on the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

As an “occupier” or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), numerous obligations apply, including; fire protection, spill containment, manual handling, placarding and signage, manifests and registers, safety data sheets, personal protective equipment, risk assessments, bunding systems, chemical transfer areas, venting, storage vessels, shelving and racking, pipe work and fittings, and training. 

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