Do I need a hazardous chemicals register?

Yes. Under model WHS Regulations reg 346, a business that uses, handles or stores hazardous chemicals must prepare and maintain a register of those chemicals. The register must list each hazardous chemical, hold a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each, be kept up to date, and be readily accessible to workers and emergency services. This applies in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT and the Commonwealth. Victoria has equivalent duties under its own dangerous goods laws.

What is a placard quantity?

A placard quantity is the Schedule 11 threshold above which you must display placards, including an outer HAZCHEM warning sign at the entrance to the site (model WHS Regulations regs 349-350). It varies by hazard class — for example, a flammable liquid Category 2 has a placard quantity of 250 litres. The figures in this tool are the confirmed Schedule 11 example rows; for any other class, check the Schedule 11 table for your hazard class. Aggregate and mixed-storage rules can lower the effective threshold.

When do I need a manifest?

You need a manifest when the quantity of a Schedule 11 chemical exceeds its (higher) manifest quantity (model WHS Regulations reg 347). The manifest records the types, quantities and locations of the hazardous chemicals plus site plans, and must be accessible to emergency services. For a flammable liquid Category 2 the manifest quantity is 2,500 litres. The manifest quantity is always higher than the placard quantity for the same class.

Do I have to tell the regulator?

Yes, if your storage of a Schedule 11 chemical exceeds the manifest quantity — whether you store that amount now or plan to — you must notify the WHS regulator in writing (model WHS Regulations reg 348). This is a separate duty from preparing the manifest itself. The notification lets the regulator and emergency services know that a manifest-quantity site exists.

Does Victoria differ for hazardous chemicals?

Yes. Victoria is not part of the harmonised WHS scheme. Dangerous goods storage in Victoria is regulated under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic) and the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2022 (Vic), and the hazardous substances register under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic), with different thresholds, placards and notification forms administered by WorkSafe Victoria. Do not rely on the Schedule 11 figures for a Victorian site — check the Victorian dangerous goods framework.

Hazardous Chemicals Register Builder

Add the hazardous chemicals you use, handle or store. The tool builds a printable register with a Safety Data Sheet status for each (model WHS Regulations reg 346), and flags whether your stored quantities likely trigger placarding (regs 349-350), a manifest (reg 347) or regulator notification (reg 348). It only carries the confirmed Schedule 11 example rows — for any other hazard class it tells you to check the table.

Last verified: 21 June 2026Jump to calculator ↓

A business that uses, handles or stores hazardous chemicals must keep a register of those chemicals with a current Safety Data Sheet for each, kept up to date and readily accessible (model WHS Regulations reg 346). Placarding, a manifest and regulator notification are triggered above the Schedule 11 placard and manifest quantities (regs 347-350).

FairWork Mate AI

Is the figure right for you?

The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.

Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.

Just need today sorted? A Day Pass is 25 questions over 24 hours, no account. Get a Day Pass — $4.99

Get pay and rights updates for your job

Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Hazardous Chemicals Register Builder

Business and site details

Add your chemicals

Is the figure right for you?

Related Tools