Do I need a Hazardous Chemicals Register?

A shot of shelving units filled with plastic containers of ink in an ink factory. The space is an industrial warehouse, and there are more containers of ink wrapped in plastic on pallets beside the shelving units.

Picture this: You are a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or Construction Site Manager, and a worker reports feeling unwell after handling a hazardous chemical. You search for the Hazardous Chemical Register (HCR) to gather information about the chemical before initiating the incident management procedure – but where is it? Is it buried in a spreadsheet? Printed and filed somewhere? Perhaps in the warehouse? Or at another site? Meanwhile, precious time is being lost.

When you finally find it, surprise: this chemical has never been logged. Stress builds as you wonder, “When was this register last updated? Why didn’t anyone flag that half the stock has expired?”

Despite the frustration, you take it upon yourself to update the HCR. But what is this chemical’s classification in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

There is no SDS. Not a single SDS in sight.

You check the WHS regulation. Panic sets in as you read:

“WHS Regulation Section 344: A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must obtain and provide access to Safety Data Sheets.”

“Oh no, did I fail to comply with my duty of care?”

Yes.

“Show me where that is in the WHS Legislation?”

PCBUs must ensure the SDS is accessible to workers, emergency responders, and others likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals. A Hazardous Chemical Register (HCR) is a legal requirement, and so is managing the risks associated with chemical exposure. Identifying all the chemicals likely to be used, handled, stored, or generated at your workplace is the first step in managing those risks (identify – assess – control – review). It also helps determine which SDSs need to be made available to your team. In other words, HCRs are not just “annoying bureaucratic record-keeping,” but a crucial step in managing workplace risks.

We know your pain points

Keeping track of hazardous chemicals and Safety Data Sheets is a legal obligation. But, with new chemicals arriving and various expiry dates to monitor, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Manually checking records takes time, and without reminders, expired or missing information can slow down your response when it matters most.

Our solution: Digital HSEQ Management Software

Record-keeping doesn’t have to be painful. Our digital HSEQ Management Software, Mydox, keeps your Hazardous Chemicals Register organised, sends expiry alerts, and ensures key information is always at your fingertips, so you can focus on safety, not paperwork.

1. Instant access and Improved Efficiency

No more scrambling for paperwork. Mydox digitises everything so you can check, update, and share records anytime from your phone, tablet, or computer. No more lost paper files, no more “I’ll get to it later” moments.

2. Managing Expired Items with Automated Notifications

Stop relying on your memory or a sticky note to remind you about crucial expiring dates. Our system notifies you when important due dates require your attention, so you can rest assured everything is under control.

3. Eco-friendly

Reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your workplace safe and compliant.

You can have a look at our digital Hazardous Chemicals Register here:

Related information

Our Services