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Hazardous chemicals

Exposure to chemicals is 100% preventable. Without the proper controls chemical exposure can cause cancer, respiratory illnesses, skin and eye irritations, as well as fire and explosion-related injuries.

Priority hazardous chemicals

Reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals at work is essential to creating a healthy, safe and productive workplace and a key focus area in the Work Health and Safety Roadmap 2022. There are thousands of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace, from paints to pesticides, cleaners and fuels. They come in various forms – powders, solids, liquids and gases. The Hazardous chemicals and materials exposures baseline reduction strategy identifies the 10 priority hazardous chemicals we aim to reduce.

Select a hazardous chemical below to learn how to protect yourself:

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    Formaldehyde

    Formaldehyde is a colourless, irritating and unpleasant smelling flammable gas.

    Find out more
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    Crystalline silica

    Crystalline silica (quartz) is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks, stone, sand and clay as well as in products such as bricks, concrete, tile and manufactured stone.

    Find out more
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    Chromium VI

    Chromium (VI) is a toxic form of the metallic element chromium, and is typically generated through industrial processes.

    Find out more
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    Benzene

    Benzene is a clear, colourless, and flammable liquid that can originate from natural sources (crude oil) or be produced from chemical processes.

    Find out more
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    Carbon monoxide

    Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas produced as a result of incomplete combustion processes.

    Find out more
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    Dichloromethane

    Dichloromethane, also called methylene chloride, is a volatile, colourless, non-flammable liquid with a sweet ether-like odour.

    Find out more
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    Isocyanates

    Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive organic compounds that easily become volatile and enter the atmosphere as a vapour.

    Find out more
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    Methyl bromide

    Methyl bromide (bromomethane) is a colourless, non-flammable gas with no taste or odour at low concentration.

    Find out more
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    Xylene

    Xylene, also known as Dimethyl Benzene, is a colourless, sweet smelling liquid or gas that is widely used as a solvent.

    Find out more
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    Acrylamide

    Acrylamide is a white odourless crystalline solid. It is soluble in water, ethanol, ether and chloroform.

    Find out more
Corrosive substance pictogram
Hazardous chemicals - the big picture

Over the past four years there have been more than 6500 injuries in NSW workplaces as a result of poor handling or storage of hazardous chemicals. Eight people died and more than 250 are now permanently disabled.

Find out more


Must do’s

There are specific laws about working safely with hazardous chemicals. Here we summarise those laws and give you some practical tips:

  • General requirements
  • Chemical suppliers
  • Manufacturers and importers

We also have information on exposure to chemicals in nail salons.


Globally harmonised system (GHS)

The GHS is a single internationally agreed system of chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and safety data.
Are you GHS ready?

Key information on hazardous chemicals

  • Airborne contaminants

    Airborne contaminants

    Air should not contain chemical agents at concentrations that affect health, safety or well being.
  • Chemicals and the GHS

    Chemicals and the GHS

    A new system of chemical classification and hazard communication is coming into effect.
  • Explosives & fireworks

    Explosives & fireworks

    Our laws, licensing, and notifications system works together to regulate explosives, certain security sensitive dangerous substances and fireworks.
  • Farm chemicals

    Farm chemicals

    Many pesticides used in the agricultural sector contain hazardous chemicals that can have short and long-term health effects if not managed safely.
  • Flammable substances

    Flammable substances

    Flammable and combustible substances must be kept in the lowest practical quantity at the workplace. 
  • Glyphosates and organophosphates

    Glyphosates and organophosphates

    Chemicals containing glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup) and some other common pesticides have been assessed as being potentially carcinogenic to humans.
  • Hazardous atmospheres

    Hazardous atmospheres

    Atmospheres affected by hazards such as insufficient oxygen, flammable gases and combustible dusts can pose an immediate threat to life or can interfere with the ability to escape unaided.
  • Lead work

    Lead work

    Lead can harm your health and can be inhaled through dust, fumes or mist. It can also be swallowed.
  • PFAS firefighting foams

    PFAS firefighting foams

    Information to current and ex-workers on the potential health concerns regarding the use, handling and storage of PFAS containing aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and their contaminants.
Aerial view of industry and shipping on Kooragang Island - Newcastle Australia. This industrial area and port is home to Heavy Industry in the Hunter Valley.
Major hazard facilities

Information for licensed major hazard facilities in NSW.

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