At first glance, the Australian work health, safety and environment landscape is comfortingly wide, deep and complex. It is a framework that enforces limits designed to mitigate hazards, assign accountability and ultimately protect all stakeholders. In effect, it defines a playing field, where the sidelines represent boundaries imposed by this framework.
In the spirit of innovation in a carbon constrained world, this talk explores elements of the Australian and state based WHS framework that form these sidelines including detailed guides, codes and systems - commonly known by their acronyms – such as SDS, GHS, ADG, IMDG, ICAO, AICIS, SUMPS, WES/WEL, CAS No., UN numbers, etc.
Each system reflects a different perspective and together they form a mosaic of chemical hazard. However, as we pursue innovation, we may venture into uncharted territory between disciplines, and we may encounter grey areas. This is not a legal talk. Rather, as curious chemists, we have a key role to play in navigating and supporting ourselves and our peers as they take to this innovation playing field.