Why are some of BOC’s cylinder labels and Safety Data Sheets changing?

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed system of chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The GHS is published by the United Nations.

As of January 2017, the new Australian Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations require an updated system of labelling for chemicals based on the GHS1. As a result, manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals have until 31 December 2016 to move to the new labelling system.

This is an industry-wide change across Australia and more detailed information is available through:

  1. Safe Work Australia

  2. Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice.
    This Code of Practice is under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act).

Most gases are classified as a hazardous chemical. Therefore in preparation for January 2017, BOC will be updating labels and SDS’s to be compliant with GHS. Due to the size of the cylinder fleet, we have already started this process.

As a result, you may start noticing that the labels on your gas cylinders and SDS’s vary slightly so that they are now compliant with GHS.

Food Fresh Carbon Dioxide

The new GHS compliant label for Food Fresh Carbon Dioxide supplied in gas withdrawal cylinders states the product is liquified. Please note: there have been no changes to the product itself or the way it is packaged. The liquified status simply refers to the state the product is stored in the cylinder.

For gas withdrawal, product is extracted from the top of the cylinder where it is in a gaseous state. Liquid withdrawal cylinders are identified by two black strips painted vertically on each side, an extra 'E' at the end of the gas code and some also include an additional 'Caution: Liquid Supply Cylinder' sticker. Product is extracted from these cylinders via an eductor dip tube reaching down to the liquid product at the bottom.

Gas Withdrawal Gas Code Liquid Withdrawal Gas Code
082D 082DE
082VT 082EE
082F 082FE
082G 082GE

Always refer to the SDS prior to using a gas.

Please note: the GHS compliant label for some special gases may appear different to the below.

1. There are several types of hazardous chemical that are excluded from the labelling provisions under Regulation 335 or exempted from coverage from all provisions in Part 7.1 of the WHS Regulations. One exemption is therapeutic goods which are regarded as correctly labelled under the WHS Regulations when labelled in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements and in a form:
  • Intended for intake or administration to or by a patient or consumer, or
  • Intended for use for therapeutic purposes.

Accordingly, when these conditions are met, existing labels and Safety Data Sheets for these goods are considered to comply with WHS regulations.