Hazardous Substances Information System

Welcome to the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS).

The HSIS is an internet resource that allows you to find information on substances that have been classified in accordance with the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004] 3rd Edition and/or have National Exposure Standards declared under the NOHSC Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:1003(1995)]. In addition to providing powerful search features, HSIS also provides direct access to a consolidated list of all the classified substances contained in the HSIS database.

Please note that no exposure standard should be applied without reference to the Guidance Note on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:3008(1995)], and to the related documentation.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES INFORMATION SYSTEM UPDATED – DECEMBER 2010

Safe Work Australia has updated the Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) online database to reflect changes in Europe’s 31st Adaptation to Technical Progress to Directive 67/548/EEC. Note: the update does not include updated entries for nickel compounds as these classifications are currently under reconsideration and legal action in the European Union. A decision on the inclusion of these entries in HSIS will be made once the outcome of those deliberations is clear.

The update comprised of a total of 456 entries of which there are 92 amendments to existing entries, 360 new entries and 4 deletions.

Email queries about the update can be directed to HSIS feedback.

A full list of the schedule of changes for the HSIS online database update can be found here.

Using HSIS

Click on one of the options in the HSIS navigation bar on the left of the screen. You can directly access the hazardous substance or exposure standard search engines or the consolidated listing of classified substances. Detailed user instructions can also be accessed from the navigation bar at any time.

Background to HSIS

The National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)] are the basis for hazardous substance regulations in Commonwealth, State and Territory jurisdictions. Under the National Model Regulations manufacturers and importers of substances supplied for use in workplaces are required to determine whether they are hazardous to health before supply.

The basis for determining whether a substance is hazardous, is the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC(1008:2004)] 3rd Edition (the Approved Criteria). The criteria included in the Approved Criteria are adopted from European Community (EC) legislation for classifying dangerous substances.

In order to help manufacturers, importers and suppliers apply the Approved Criteria, NOHSC has previously published the List of Designated Hazardous Substances (the List), which is a list of the more commonly used workplace hazardous substances. The last edition of the List, [NOHSC:10005(1999)], was published in hardcopy in 1999. HSIS now includes access to an updated consolidated listing of classified substances.