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 in Victoria are regulated under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic) and 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 2026

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).

This builder creates a printable hazardous chemicals register (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 rather than guessing a number.

Business and site details

These appear at the top of your register.

Business nameSite addressState or territoryPrepared byDate

Add your chemicals

List each hazardous chemical you use, handle or store. Pick the hazard class if you know it (from the Safety Data Sheet), enter the quantity stored, and say whether you hold a current SDS. Leave the class as “Not sure / other” if you are unsure — the tool will not guess a threshold for you.

Chemical 1

Chemical / product nameHazard classQuantity stored (L / kg)Current SDS held?

Add at least one named chemical above to build your register.

This tool provides general information and estimates only, based on the National Employment Standards (NES) and publicly available data from the Fair Work Commission. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or industrial relations advice and should not be relied upon as such. Results may not reflect your specific circumstances, award, enterprise agreement, or contract. Always verify results with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional before making decisions.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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