Your legal duties

New Regulations for occupational health and safety came into effect on 1 July 2007.

The OHS Regulations contain specific requirements for the control of risks associated with hazardous substances and licensing the use of carcinogenic substances. These obligations are addressed in Chapter 4 of the regulations.

The OHS Regulations impose obligations on employers and on manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances for use at work.

Visit the employers, employees, manufacturers and suppliers sections of this guide for details of duties relating to hazardous substances.

What’s new

Hazardous substances produced from non-hazardous substances are now covered by the regulations.

Employers are required to control the risks associated with hazardous substances generated from non-hazardous substances used in their workplaces.

Example: while a piece of wood is not classified as hazardous, the fine dust that is generated from cutting or sanding it may present a health risk to employees.

A simplified licensing system for those who work with carcinogenic substances

Only licensed employers or self-employed persons can work with scheduled carcinogenic substances. 

The old regulations had licensing requirements for the use of carcinogens in a laboratory, as well as requirements to notify WorkSafe before using the carcinogenic substances. 

The system of notifications and licences has been replaced by one standardised licensing system. 

View the regulations