HSIS News and Updates

This page provides a record of new and updated features of the Hazardous Substances Information System. For changes to the technical data sets, refer to the Data History page.

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 comprises 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 downloaded:

• Part A – HSIS Amendments September 2010
• Part B – HSIS Insertions September 2010
• Part C – HSIS Deletions September 2010

Note: The above list should be used as a guide only. The HSIS database should be used to verify all updated or new entries.

HSIS Upgrade - April 2007

The Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS) was first released by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission in January 2005. It has now has been upgraded to fit the look and feel of the ASCC website and to be compliant with IT requirements within DEEWR.

Although the basic structure and operation of the HSIS will be very similar to the first version, a number of new features and improvements have been introduced. New features include:

• Simplified search screens that can be expanded to an "Advanced Search" screen when required
• Ability to enter CAS numbers with or without dashes
• Improved searching where chemical names have a prefix (for example "3-" or "tert-"). The previous system was unable to search directly for a prefix
• Ability to search for records that were amended within a specified date range
• A guide to abbreviations and notes used within a particular column of results can be accessed by clicking on the column heading
• Access to pdf documents that contain all of the hazardous substance records in the database. The consolidated lists will be updated each time there is a change to the records in the searchable database
• Ability to specify the number of search results displayed on the screen
• Ability to print search results in pdf format

The new version is supported by a revised User Instruction Manual and updated guidance material. A dedicated email box for providing feedback on HSIS is available at Feedback.HSIS@safeworkaustralia.gov.au