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Hazard Guidelines

Chemwatch

Overview

Chemwatch can be found at www.chemwatch.uts.edu.au.

Chemwatch is a database, which is updated quarterly, and holds safety, toxicological and physical data on over 40,000 pure chemicals and 150,000 mixtures or trade name products such as paints, glues, thinners, cutting oils/fluids, cleaning chemicals, photographic chemicals etc.

The OHS Regulation requires that chemical safety information be available to all who may use or come in contact with hazardous substances. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and labels provide this information.

It is the manufacturer's responsibility to provide MSDSs, so always request an MSDS from the supplier or manufacturer first when ordering a new chemical.

Chemwatch provides:

  • general safety information and physical data on a large range of substances
  • generic MSDS (when manufacturers MSDS are not available)
  • labels with the legally required safety information for decanted substances

Using Chemwatch

Chemwatch can be accessed by all computers within UTS.

  1. Point your web browser to www.chemwatch.uts.edu.au.
  2. On the left-hand navigation bar change 'mode' to advanced by clicking the image of a mortarboard.
  3. Type the name of the chemical or product next to name/CAS No and then click search. A list of close names and synonyms will be returned. Searches can also be made by UN number. Searches can be refined by Dangerous Goods (DG) class.
  4. Clicking on a substance name in the list will bring up its SUMMARY information, which includes Risk and Safety Phrases for labels.

    Selecting MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to the left of the summary information, provides detailed information on the substance.

    Selecting MINI MSDS returns a one page MSDS.
Chemwatch screenshot
Chemwatch Screenshot

An MSDS details a range of safety information about the chemical: Use, Appearance, Physical Properties, Ingredients, Synonyms, Acute and Chronic Health Effects, First Aid, Advice to Doctor, Exposure Standards, Engineering Controls, Personal Protection, Safe Handling, Transportation, Spill Response and Emergency Contact Details.

Selecting LABELS takes you to a list of label types. Select 14 GHS Micro Label per A4 Page for a label that is handy for containers holding 500mL/g or less of decanted substance.

Contact

For further information, contact Safety & Wellbeing on ext 1063.