07:40 am, Wednesday 20 October, 2010

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is reminding businesses of the amendments to the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 and the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001

The regulatory changes, which commenced on 25 June 2010, give recognition to the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) as an alternative option to compliance with current hazardous substance and dangerous goods legislation.

This development affects all chemical products imported, prepared for export, or manufactured in Queensland.

Other key amendments are in connection with:

* the application of asbestos regulations to buildings previously not covered by local government approval;
* extending the rural exemption for high risk and earthmoving work (particularly crane occupations);
* extending the transition period for adoption of the national units of competency and national assessment instruments for high risk work for another 12 months;
* updating references to Australian Standards;
* development of a new competency option for underwater diving work.

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know