When hazardous substances are approved, controls are placed upon their use, so the risks of the substances can be safely managed.
User Guide to the HSNO Controls Regulations (pdf, 912 kb)
What are controls?
Controls are rules put in place to prevent or manage the adverse effects of hazardous substances.
Examples include:
- Hazardous substances must be appropriately packaged and labelled
- People handling certain hazardous substances in the workplace must wear personal protective clothing
- Sites storing large quantities of liquid hazardous substances must have signage and secondary containment (bunding) in place
- Certain highly hazardous substances must be under the control of an approved handler.
How are controls assigned?
The controls assigned to hazardous substances vary according to the hazard classification of substances and type of hazard. For example, certain toxic substances need child-resistant packaging; and flammable substances must be stored away from ignition sources.
Controls, such as secondary containment and signage, apply when substances are present above a certain threshold quantity.
More highly hazardous substances result in a greater number of controls, as well as more stringent controls, such as approved handler and tracking requirements.
Default controls
Each substance triggers a basic set of controls, known as default controls. When a substance is approved, these controls are often modified according to the particular substance. Controls may also be added or deleted.
Default controls are set out in a series of Hazardous Substances Regulations, for example:
- Identification Regulations
- Packaging Regulations
- Emergency Management Regulations
- Classes 1 to 5 Controls Regulations
These regulations are available from:
How can I find out what controls apply to my substance?
To check what controls apply to a substance, search for the substance on the Controls for approved hazardous substances database.
Substances covered by a group standard
The group standard, and referenced Site and Storage document, lists all the controls or conditions that apply.
More information on controls
Some of the main controls for hazardous substances include:
Controls for using and storing hazardous substances
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