10. Maintaining safety data sheets
The principal or their delegate must ensure current (issued or reviewed within the last 5 years) safety data sheets (SDS) from the manufacturer or supplier are maintained and accessible. SDS must be prepared by the manufacturer or importing supplier within Australia. It is a breach of the OHS Act 2004, to not have SDS for dangerous goods or hazardous substances used in a workplace.
Product and chemical SDS can be easily searched for, accessed and stored using the Chemwatch GoldFFX (staff login chemical management system. The Chemwatch database of SDS is updated daily, ensuring that all information is accurate and as up to date as possible.
When using the Chemwatch GoldFFX system, most, if not all, SDS are updated automatically by the system. The Chemwatch GoldFFX system is supported by an instructional to help find the correct SDS for the product and add them to register folders. It is recommended that only the vendor or Chemwatch entry is used. They are identified by an orange or blue dot next to the product name. Selecting these products ensures data from the SDS is available to populate mini SDS, generate labels and provide risk and hazard information.
Schools do not need to provide printed or hard copy SDS to school staff if digital access is available (for example, if staff have been given access to Chemwatch GoldFFX). Hard copy SDS are not recommended as they can become out of date quickly. If SDS are being printed for access purposes they must be the full version. Mini SDS and SDS extracts do not contain enough information and are not suitable substitutes for full SDS. Mini SDS and extracts can be used to support other documents such as safe work procedures (SWPs).
The Statewide OHS Services and the OHS Advisory can provide support to schools with accessing and interpreting safety data sheets.
Reviewed 28 July 2026