Since the 1990s, Australian laws have guided suppliers to provide clear chemical safety data for workers. This article explores how Australia moved from MSDS to the current 16-section SDS format under national WHS laws, highlighting key differences, legal milestones and how these changes help improve workplace safety and compliance.
MSDS vs SDS: Key Differences
| Aspect | MSDS | SDS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Varied length; headings varied | Fixed 16 sections per WHS Regs Sch 7 |
| Signal words & pictograms | Often omitted or ADR‑style labels | Must carry GHS pictograms plus “Danger”/“Warning” |
| Hazard, First‑aid & PPE info | Scattered | Sections 2, 4 & 8 always in same place |
| Regulatory details | Minimal | Sections 12‑15 summarise eco, transport & legal data |
| Review cycle | “When necessary”, often ignored | Mandatory review at least every 5 years |
MSDS Format Challenges That Led to SDS Standardisation
Australia’s early MSDS were invaluable yet inconsistent: headings changed between suppliers and vital first‑aid data could be buried on page four. National uptake of the 16‑section SDS lets PCBUs feed hazard data straight into WHS risk assessments and align container labels with Section 2, cutting confusion during an incident.
History Behind MSDS and SDS in Australia
The table below talks about the timeline of the introduction of hazard information and the significance of every milestone reached:
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC:2011(1994)] issued | Established a nationally recognised template for MSDS content and puts the onus on manufacturers/importers to supply them |
| 2003 | 2nd edition of the MSDS Code updates layout to match emerging UN guidance and clarifies five‑year review duty | Reinforces consistency and introduces clear revision intervals |
| 2011 | Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations published, embedding GHS terminology (SDS) and 16 mandatory headings | Starts the shift from MSDS to SDS across most jurisdictions |
| 1 Jan 2012 | GHS adopted nationally; five‑year transition begins (ex‑Vic/WA) | Suppliers can issue either MSDS or SDS while systems align |
| 1 Jan 2017 | SDS format becomes compulsory for all hazardous chemicals in GHS states and territories | Finalised the national move to the 16‑section SDS |
| 2020 - 2023 | Safe Work Australia republishes “Preparation of SDS” Model Code of Practice | Keeps headings and examples current and signals ongoing commitment to GHS (now Rev 7) |
How SDS Improve Safety and Compliance
Because every Australian SDS now follows the same 16-section GHS-aligned format, inspectors can cross‑check labels against Section 2 in seconds, and workers know to open Section 4 first in an emergency. The uniform format also streamlines interstate trade and satisfies both WHS and Dangerous Goods regulators, reducing double handling and audit time
Keeping Your SDS Accurate and Up to Date
Under Regulation 330, manufacturers and importers must prepare an SDS before the product hits the workplace and review it every five years or sooner if new hazard data emerge. Each update must show a clear revision date (often in Section 16) and be supplied to any customer on request.
Cloud‑based SDS management systems with automatic alerts are an accepted way to prove diligence during SafeWork inspections.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s journey from the non-uniform MSDS sheets to the fully harmonised, GHS‑based SDS has tightened hazard communication, accelerated WHS risk assessments and made international trade smoother.
Staying compliant now mostly means one thing: keep every SDS in its 16‑section form, review it on time and ensure the latest version is always at your workers’ fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between an MSDS and an SDS?
An SDS is the modern, GHS‑aligned, 16‑section format that replaced the earlier free‑form MSDS in Australia (2012–2017). - Why did Australia switch to SDS?
To harmonise with the UN GHS, remove label inconsistencies and simplify interstate compliance. - When did SDS become compulsory?
For most states and territories on 1 January 2017 after a five‑year transition; WA and Vic followed later with equivalent rules. - Do MSDS and SDS cover the same content?
Yes, SDS simply organises the data in a clearer, standard order with extra GHS elements. - How often must an SDS be reviewed?
At least every five years, or immediately when significant new hazard information becomes available.